The Scottish Government Housing Initiative

Help if You're at Risk of Losing Your Home

If you own your home and are struggling to keep up with mortgage payments, the Scottish Government's Home Owners' Support Fund offers two schemes that may be able to help.

Mortgage to Rent Scheme

Under this scheme, your home is bought by Orkney Islands Council or Orkney Housing Association, and you continue to live there as a tenant. To be eligible, you must have been unable to make full payments for at least three months, have tried and failed to reach an agreement with your lender, and have sought financial advice from an approved advisor such as Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau (OCAB). Your home must also be within the Scottish Government's maximum property value, you must not own another home, must have lived there for at least 12 months, and must not hold savings above the scheme's limits. OCAB plays a key role in the application process and will act as your agent if you qualify. The scheme is subject to Orkney Islands Council being able to finance the purchase.

Mortgage to Shared Equity Scheme

Under this scheme, the Scottish Government takes a financial stake in your home, reducing your monthly mortgage payments while you remain the owner. You must meet the same eligibility criteria as the Mortgage to Rent scheme, and also hold at least 25% equity in your home, have a capital and interest repayment mortgage, and own a property that meets the Tolerable Standard.

Further information on both schemes, including examples of how they work, is available on the Scottish Government's website, linked in the "Related Sites" section of this page.

Section 11: Preventing Homelessness

Under the Homelessness (Scotland) Act 2003, all landlords and creditors must notify the local authority if they plan to take action that could make a tenant or homeowner homeless. When we receive such a notification, we'll get in touch with the person affected, refer them to OCAB's money and housing advice service, offer a housing options interview, and explore every option to prevent homelessness. At a minimum, we'll always provide housing advice and information on their legal rights and housing options.