Post Sales Information for Buyers

Home Improvements

Help to Buy (Scotland) Affordable New Build Scheme

Minor improvements, which the Scottish Ministers class as those not requiring planning permission or a building warrant (such as changing kitchen units or installing a new bathroom), may be carried out at any time and we do not require you to notify us of them.

Substantial home improvements are not permitted while the Scottish Government holds an equity share in a Help to Buy (Scotland) Affordable New Build Scheme property. Your Help to Buy (Scotland) Affordable New Build Scheme home has been acquired with assistance from the Scottish Government and it is expected that any funds available are used to purchase all or some of the remaining SG equity share before any funds are spent on home improvements. If home buyers have any queries regarding home improvements they should contact the administering agent for their area.

LIFT Schemes

Minor improvements, which the Scottish Ministers class as those not requiring planning permission or a building warrant (such as changing kitchen units or installing a new bathroom), may be carried out at any time and we do not require you to notify us of them.

In the case of a major improvement, for example an improvement requiring planning permission or a building warrant, you should contact your administrative agent with details of the improvement. They will then seek approval from Scottish Ministers for you to carry out the work. You should appreciate, however, that if any major improvements add to the value of your property, Scottish Ministers will share in that increased value if the house is sold while Scottish Ministers still retain an equity stake. You should therefore consider whether it would be better to tranche up and buy the whole of the equity in your property before spending money on major improvements.

First Home Fund & First Homes Fund

All home improvements will be permitted as standard for properties purchased using First Home Fund and First Homes Fund, without prior consent from the Scottish Ministers but subject to the necessary planning permission and or building warrants for major improvements. If any improvements add to the value of your property, Scottish Ministers will share in the increased value at the time of selling or increasing your equity, while Scottish Ministers still retain an equity stake.

However, if an owner wishes to borrow in excess of their original mortgage to pay for home improvements, either with their existing or a new lender, then Scottish Ministers consent is required.