In this guide, we look at the how the Scottish Government’s new First Homes Fund could help first time buyers (FTBs) secure their dream Cala home. We also explore the other incentives and support we can offer first time buyers, and why many FTBs choose a new-build home when taking their first step into home ownership. While every buyer's circumstances are different, understanding the support available could help you make more informed decisions about your next move.
For many first time buyers (FTBs), saving a deposit is one of the biggest barriers to getting onto the property ladder. The First Homes Fund could help eligible buyers in Scotland bridge the savings gap, making securing your new-build feel more achievable than ever and helping some buyers move sooner than they expected.
What is the new First Homes Fund and who is it for?
The First Homes Fund is a Scottish Government shared equity support scheme aimed at helping eligible first time buyers purchase a property in Scotland. The scheme could provide up to £10,000 towards the purchase of a qualifying property with a value of up to £300,000, helping to reduce the amount buyers need to save themselves. The equity contribution is repaid to the Scottish Government when the home is sold.
The scheme is expected to:
Support first time buyers purchasing a home in Scotland.
- Provide a contribution of up to £10,000
- Apply to properties valued up to £300,000
- Help buyers overcome some of the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home
- Support purchasers across qualifying property types, subject to final scheme guidance
As with any government-backed scheme, buyers should review the latest official guidance before making decisions, as eligibility criteria and scheme rules may change.
How could the First Homes Fund help buyers?
It could reduce the upfront deposit gap. Many aspiring homeowners can comfortably afford monthly mortgage payments but find it difficult to save a large deposit.
First Homes Fund purchase example
| Item | Amount |
| Property price | £250,000 |
| Typical 5% deposit | £12,500 |
| Potential FHF contribution | £10,000 |
| Remaining deposit required | £2,500 |
In this example, the First Homes Fund could significantly reduce the amount a buyer needs to save independently, helping them reach their goal sooner.
It could reduce the time spent saving
Saving a deposit often takes years, particularly when managing rising living costs.
| Monthly saving | Time to save £10,000 |
| £250 | 40 months |
| £320 | 31 months |
| £400 | 25 months |
| £500 | 20 months |
For someone saving £320 per month, £10,000 is equivalent to around 31 months of savings. The First Homes Fund support could mean moving into a home considerably sooner than expected.
What other support is available to first time buyers?
There are several other ways we can help first time buyers make their first move into home ownership. You can find out more on our First-Time Buyer Hub. You can also check out our Ways We Can Help You Move page. Some of the support and incentives we can offer include…
Mortgage Pay*
Take a few moments to relax in your new home without worrying about mortgage repayments. Mortgage Pay is our welcome gift to you, the chance to take a break from your monthly mortgage outgoings.
Ready For You*
Once you are ready to buy your first home then Cala’s ‘Ready For You’ homes could be just what you’re looking for. By choosing one of our 'Ready For You' homes, you could complete your purchase and get on to the first rung of the property ladder in as little as four to six weeks.
Stamp Duty & LBTT support*
In some cases, we can contribute towards your LBTT (Scotland) or Stamp Duty (England), helping to make your finances more manageable and your new home more achievable.
Why choose a Cala new-build home?
The First Homes Fund could allow you to access the many benefits a Cala new-build can bring. For many a new-build home offers many benefits that provide reassurance from day one.
Move-in ready
A new-build home allows buyers to move in without the need for major renovation projects or unexpected refurbishment costs.
Less maintenance
Because everything is brand new, there is often less need for repairs and replacements in the early years of ownership. So, you have more money to spend on decorating and making the place your own.
Energy efficiency
With energy bills rising, it’s more important than ever to have an energy efficient home, which is also good for the planet.
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has recently published an update to their 'Watt a Save' report in January 2026 which discusses the financial benefits and carbon efficiency of new homes.
New home warranty
Your new home is covered by an NHBC or similar industry-regulated insurance scheme covering the structural integrity of your new home from years three to 10.
The first two years of the warranty is provided by us. This means we take responsibility for fixing any quality issues during this period after you move in. We also provide you a 24-hour response service for emergency calls.
We take real pride in our customer service. We’ve been awarded a five-star rating by the HBF’s National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey nine years in a row, 96% of our customers would recommend Cala to a friend, and we have a Trustpilot rating of 4.6
Modern design
Move in with confidence that your new home is ready for you to enjoy and is built for modern day living, giving you the storage space you need and a home that suits you.
Greater certainty
Buyers know exactly what they are purchasing, from fixtures and fittings to energy performance.
When budgets are tight, certainty matters.
We understand that buying your first home is one of life's biggest decisions. That's why we focus on creating thoughtfully designed homes and communities that support buyers at every stage of their journey.
What buyers should do next
If you're considering buying your first home, speaking to our friendly team and trusted independent mortgage advisors can help you understand what is affordable and what support may be available. Our Home Buying Guide can give a step-by-step guide and you can contact us to learn about our available developments and buyer support options. Our Scotland developments page can help with the current developments available that will be eligible for the First Homes Fund scheme.
Take the first step towards home ownership
The First Homes Fund could help make buying a home feel more achievable by reducing some of the upfront financial barriers faced by first time buyers. For many people, the benefit may extend beyond the deposit itself, helping them access a home that better suits their needs and long-term plans.
Combined with the energy efficiency, reassurance and move-in readiness offered by a new-build home, the scheme could provide a valuable stepping stone onto the property ladder.
For more information, visit the First Homes Fund page.
*Available on selected homes.
Eligibility terms and conditions apply and independent mortgage advice is recommended.
