Affordable entry point
Buy a share from as little as 10–25%. Your deposit is 5–10% of your share price - not the full property value.
Get a quoteAffordable Housing Scheme
Shared Ownership
Buy the share you can afford, pay subsidised rent on the rest - and build toward owning your home outright over time.
The basics
It's not what you think it is
It's not about sharing with a stranger, and it's not about owning the upstairs while someone else owns downstairs. Shared Ownership is a 40-year-old Government Affordable Housing scheme - and it is genuinely brilliant. Usually sold by a Housing Association, you buy the share you can afford and pay subsidised rent on the remainder. Over time you can buy more shares - this is called staircasing - which reduces your rent and increases your ownership. It's your home.
How it works
Key features of the scheme
Designed to make homeownership accessible for those who can't quite afford to buy outright
Subsidised rent
Rent is charged on the share you don't own at a discounted rate - typically around 2.75% per annum on the unowned share value - keeping monthly costs manageable.
Get a quoteStaircasing
If your circumstances change, and subject to affordability, you may be able to buy additional shares and eventually own 100% of your home - if the lease allows. Each purchase reduces your rent.
Get a quoteFlexibility & security
Enjoy the benefits of ownership with the security of a long-term lease. You may be able to defer Stamp Duty until your share reaches 80%.
Get a quoteGetting a mortgage
Shared Ownership mortgages
Most of the main high street lenders offer Shared Ownership mortgages, and so do many building societies - that's 30+ lenders in total. Mortgage products work the same way as standard mortgages: the more deposit you put in, the better the interest rate you can access. Make sure you get advice from a broker who specialises in shared ownership.
Who qualifies
Eligibility criteria
Shared Ownership is open to first-time buyers and those who no longer own a home, subject to meeting the following criteria.
- Aged 18 or over
- First-time buyer, or currently in the process of selling your existing home
- Household income no more than £80,000 per year (£90,000 in London)
- Unable to purchase a suitable home outright on the open market
- Some housing providers may apply a local connection requirement
£80k
Max household income (£90k in London)
10%
Minimum share you can purchase
30+
Shared Ownership mortgage lenders in the UK
Not sure if you qualify?
Speak to one of our advisors - we'll assess your eligibility and guide you through your options throughout the entire process.
Book a consultationNo obligation. FCA regulated advice.
What to budget for
Understanding the costs
From your initial deposit to monthly outgoings - here's what to expect
Deposit
Typically 5 - 10% of your share price - not the full property value. For example, a 25% share of a £300,000 home gives a share value of £75,000; at 5% your deposit would be £3,750. 0% deposits are available subject to conditions.
Mortgage repayments
Based on the value of your share, your deposit, term length, and interest rate. The more deposit you put in, the lower your monthly payment.
Rent on the remaining sharing
Charged at 2.75% of the housing association's share per year. On a £200,000 home where you own 25%, rent on the remaining 75% (£150,000) would be around £344/month.
Service charges
Monthly fees covering communal maintenance, building insurance, and management costs. These can vary year to year - always check your lease carefully.
Stamp Duty
First-time buyers currently pay zero Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 of a home up to £500,000 (from April 2025). Your solicitor can advise whether to pay on your share only or on the full value upfront.
Download our free Shared Ownership guide
Fill in your details below and we'll give you instant access to our guide - plus one of our advisors may be in touch to see if we can help further.
Shared Ownership Affordability Calculator
Thinking about buying a home through Shared Ownership? This calculator helps you understand the costs involved, from your initial share to ongoing monthly payments, so you can get a realistic view of what you can afford.
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