First time buyer mortgages

Ready to buy your first home? We understand it's a huge step - but we're here to help.

We’re proud to support the Government’s mortgage guarantee scheme. You can apply for a first time buyer mortgage of up to 95% of the property’s value. Find out if you qualify.

We are proud to offer mortgages provided by Halifax

Your mortgage could cost you less than you think

Your mortgage could cost you less than you think

If you’re looking for your first home, your monthly payments could be lower than you expect with our mortgage deals.

Use the Halifax mortgage calculator to find out how much you could borrow.

How much could I borrow?

You could lose your home if you don't keep up your mortgage repayments

Understand the Scottish house buying process

The house buying process in Scotland is different to the rest of the UK.

Read our guide to understand the process so you know who does what and when.

Buying a house in Scotland Steps to buying a house in Scotland

Current rates

As we provide Halifax mortgages you can find the current rates on the Halifax website.

View current rates

Government schemes

Bank of Scotland supports initiatives including the Government’s mortgage guarantee scheme and Shared Ownership. Find out if there’s a scheme that could help you make your move.

Government schemes Steps to buying a house in Scotland

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You're bound to have a lot of questions. We've produced a comprehensive FAQs section that should provide you with the answers you need.

Read our FAQs

Halifax mortgage prize draw

Find out about the Halifax mortgage prize draw, if you’re eligible and how to register.

Mortgage prize draw rules apply.

Mortgage prize draw

Events for first time buyers

We’re offering free online events if you’re buying your first home. From working out your budget to getting the keys to your first home, we’re here to help. They’re available to everyone, you don’t even need to be an existing customer.

Our mortgage experts will help you find out about:

  • Starting Out: Saving for a deposit and government schemes available
  • House Hunting: Finding the right property for you
  • Other costs: Protecting you and your home, other costs to consider
  • Journey to Completion: Valuations, surveys and the final stages to getting your keys.
Find a free event Free events for first time buyers

How to apply

At Bank of Scotland we are proud to offer our customers mortgages provided by the Halifax, who have over 160 years' experience helping people own their homes.

1. Apply for an Agreement in Principle

Firstly, you'll need an Agreement in Principle (AIP). As we provide Halifax mortgages, you'll need to complete an AIP on the Halifax website. This will give you an indication of how much you could borrow based on your income, outgoings and other financial commitments.

  • It's free and you're under no obligation to apply for a mortgage.
  • A soft credit check will be carried out with no effect on your credit rating - even if you're declined.
  • The amount we could lend you isn't guaranteed and is subject to a full mortgage application.
  • Required before you can begin your full mortgage application.

Complete one online on the Halifax website - it takes less than 15 minutes. If you apply between Monday to Saturday 6am-10pm or Sunday 6am-9pm you'll receive your decision on the spot. Otherwise we'll give you a decision the next day.

Apply for an AIP


Already started your agreement in Principle?

Sign in to my mortgage journey 


2. Begin your full mortgage application

Once you have your Agreement in Principle from the Halifax, you'll need to speak to one of our qualified mortgage advisers to get a personalised recommendation on the mortgage term, product and rate that is right for you.

You can begin your full mortgage application over the phone or in a Bank of Scotland branch:

  • call us on 0345 300 2297. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.
  • or come into a Bank of Scotland branch - you'll need to book an appointment beforehand.

Request an appointment