How to apply

If you want to apply for OMSE you should read through this information leaflet first. If you're eligible for the scheme contact the administering agent Link Homes.

There are currently 13 lenders offering mortgages for the OMSE scheme:

• Bank of Scotland
• Barclays
• Capital Credit Union
• Glasgow Credit Union
• Halifax
• Leeds
• Lloyds Bank
• Nationwide
• Natwest
• Scottish Building Society
• Skipton
• TSB
• Scotwest Credit Union

If your application is approved, you'll get a 'passport letter' which says you can now look for a home under the OMSE scheme.

The 'passport letter' will tell you the maximum price you can pay for a home. It will also tell you what your next steps should be.

Once you've found a home you like you'll be asked to provide a copy of the valuation. This will usually be provided in the Home Report, which the home's seller will give you.

When you're ready to buy, you'll need a solicitor to act on your behalf to assist you with buying the home. The Scottish Government has its own solicitor who will handle work involving its equity share.

You'll then have to pay for your share of the home's price in the usual way, along with any other costs (like legal costs, registration fees and any stamp duty).