The society has scrapped deposits on new-build mortgages.
Scottish Building Society are helping first-time buyers by scrapping deposits on new-build mortgages.
Under the Scottish government’s First Home Fund, prospective homeowners trying to get on the property ladder need to find a minimum of 5%.
However, the society has agreed to accept the 5% from house builders, removing the need for buyers to find the cash for a deposit.
Paul Denton, CEO at the Scottish Building Society, said: “As we seek to rebuild the economy post-COVID-19, it is important that as many people as possible have access to affordable housing.
“We were proud to be one of the first lenders to take applications for the Scottish government’s First Home Fund. Getting a deposit together is the main barrier for customers trying to get on the property ladder; in some cases, one that has been exacerbated by the impact of lockdown on personal finances.
“Removing the requirement for buyers to find that 5% is good news for buyers and good news for a housing industry that is vital for Scotland’s future economic prosperity.
“This is a small but life-changing step and we would welcome further Government initiatives, such as a freeze in land tax, to accelerate the recovery.”
The First Home Fund was launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to make the housing market fairer by providing a total of £150m until March 2021, helping at least 6,000 people buy their first home.
All first-time buyers in Scotland can apply for an interest-free loan of up to £25,000 towards the cost of a home, if at least 25% of the property cost is covered by a mortgage.
