Shared Ownership

How does Shared Ownership work?

If you can’t afford all of the deposit and mortgage payments for your dream home at this stage, Shared Ownership offers you the chance to buy an initial share of a home worth between 10% and 75% of its market value. You will pay rent to the housing provider on the share you do not own.

How can I find a shared ownership home?

There are several places where you can search for shared ownership homes for sale in England.

Help to Buy agent websites

London

Housing associations

Housing associations advertise shared ownership homes for sale:

  • on their websites
  • on their property developments
  • through their ‘resale’ schemes

Local councils

Some local councils advertise shared ownership homes for sale. Depending on the area, there may be additional eligibility criteria. For example, homes reserved for people who already have a local connection to the area.

Find your local council.

Homebuilders

Homebuilders advertise shared ownership homes for sale on their websites and property developments.

National property listing websites

Most national property listing websites also list shared ownership homes for sale.

Is Shared Ownership cheaper than renting?

The key advantages of Shared Ownership are that you generally pay less each month than you would privately renting or paying a traditional mortgage, and you still have the opportunity to own the entire property as your circumstances change.

Can I buy 100% of a Shared Ownership property?

​​For most shared ownership homes, you can eventually purchase the full 100% outright. There are some exceptions. In some places, called ‘designated protected areas’, you may only be able to buy a share of up to 80%. It is therefore important this is checked with the landlord.

Can I buy further shares in a Shared Ownership property even if I don’t want to own 100%?

The terms of shared ownership normally give you the option to purchase further shares in the property in stages of at least 10% at a time.  This process is known as staircasing.  Each time you purchase an additional share in the property this will reduce the amount of rent you are paying on the share you do not own.

Do you have to pay stamp duty land tax (SDLT) on Shared Ownership?

When you buy a share in a property through an approved shared ownership scheme, you may have to pay SDLT. There are 2 ways to pay: make a one-off payment based on the total market value of the property upon the first purchase; or pay any SDLT due in stages subject to the percentage you buy and own.

Is Shared Ownership ever a good idea?

Shared Ownership is a much more affordable route to owning your own home, but you also need to be aware of the costs. Shared Ownership means you have to pay service charges towards the upkeep of your home, rent on the share you do not own and you may still be liable to pay stamp duty especially if you are not a first-time buyer.

What are some of the potential specific downsides to shared ownership?

  • Maintenance charges
  • You are not permitted to rent the property out if your circumstances change
  • There are likely to be restrictions on what you can do with the property

Is it hard to sell a shared ownership property?

If your housing association is able to find a buyer within the nomination period set out in the lease, the process can often be quicker than selling on the open market. However, if you live in an area where Shared Ownership properties are less in demand, finding a buyer can be harder.

We offer Shared Ownership Conveyancing here at Paul Robinson Solicitors, contact us on the below should you require our services!

01702 338338 (Essex)  020 35537115 (London)