Martin Darroch

The First Home Fund shared equity scheme is the latest in a series of initiatives to help first-time buyers purchase a property that meets their needs and is located in the area where they want to live.

A £150 million national pilot will run alongside Scottish government’s existing Help to Buy (Scotland) and LIFT shared equity schemes and provide first-time buyers with an interest-free loan of up to £25,000 towards the purchase of a home. Running alongside existing shared equity schemes including Help to Buy and LIFT, it aims to help first-time buyers purchase a property that meets their needs and is located in the area where they want to live

Martin Darroch, chief executive of Harper Macleod, said: “We have advised Scottish government on these vital schemes for well over a decade and are very proud to have been selected to continue in that role following a competitive tender.

“It speaks volumes about the knowledge, dedication and level of service our team has provided over that period, and the combination of quality and value that Harper Macleod offers its clients.

“We look to forward to assisting as many more people and families in Scotland get their foot on the property ladder and we will continue supporting the Scottish Ministers to ensure that the new scheme is as successful as those that have gone before.”

Under the appointment, Harper Macleod will provide advisory and conveyancing services in relation to Scottish ministers’ interests in the schemes.

The contract will run for two years with the possibility of a further extension for two 12-month periods.