Our Expertise
Shared Ownership
Shared ownership allows you to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the part you do not own, usually through a housing association.
Overview
What is shared ownership?
Under shared ownership you buy a share of a property, typically between a quarter and three quarters, and pay rent to the landlord on the remaining share. Your mortgage covers only the share you are purchasing, so the deposit required is calculated on that share rather than the full value.
Over time you may be able to increase your share, a process known as staircasing. Rules on staircasing, resale and eligibility are set by the housing provider and the scheme, and should be reviewed carefully before you commit.
Who might this be suitable for?
- Buyers whose deposit or income limits a full purchase
- First time buyers in higher value areas
- Applicants approved by a housing association scheme
- Existing shared owners looking to staircase or remortgage
How Help to Lend can help
- 01We assess affordability across mortgage payment, rent and service charge together.
- 02We identify lenders that accept the specific scheme and lease terms involved.
- 03We explain the implications of staircasing and future resale.
- 04We coordinate with the housing provider's timescales and approval process.
Assessment
What may lenders and providers consider?
Share size
Lenders assess the share purchased alongside the rent payable on the remainder.
Rent and service charge
These are included in the affordability assessment and can be reviewed periodically.
Lease terms
Lease length and clauses affect lender acceptability and future saleability.
Staircasing costs
Increasing your share involves valuation, legal and possible mortgage costs.
Criteria vary between providers and can change at any time. Nothing here confirms that a particular lender or insurer will accept an application.
The Process
How we work through it together.
- 01
Understand
We start with a conversation about your circumstances, plans and objectives.
- 02
Assess
We review your position, affordability and mortgage requirements in detail.
- 03
Recommend
We identify suitable mortgage and protection options and explain the reasoning.
- 04
Apply
We prepare and manage the application, liaising with the lender on your behalf.
- 05
Progress
We keep the case moving and keep you informed at every stage.
- 06
Complete
We support you through to completion and remain available afterwards.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Related
Related expertise
Speak to an adviser about your circumstances.
We'll explain the options clearly and tell you what to prepare, with no obligation.
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