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Shared ownership

Shared ownership is a scheme you can use to help you buy your first home if you don’t have a big deposit saved up or you have a low income.

It works by allowing you to buy a share of a property, typically between 25% and 75%, and pay rent on the remaining share.

This means you need a smaller mortgage than you would if you were buying the property outright, and you can start building equity from the moment you move in.

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How does a shared ownership mortgage work?

  1. Find a shared ownership property that you like and can afford.
  2. Apply to buy a share of the property from the housing association that owns it.
  3. Get approval for a mortgage on the share of the property that you are buying.
  4. Once you have been approved for a mortgage, you can complete the purchase of your share of the property.
  5. You will then pay rent to the housing association on the remaining share of the property.

 

You can increase your share of the property over time, up to 100%, in a process called staircasing.This means you will pay less rent and more mortgage as your share grows.

The cost of buying more shares will depend on the current market value of the property, which may go up or down over time. The amount of rent you pay will be based on the size of the share of the home you haven’t bought and is owned by the housing association.

Benefits of shared ownership

  • It can help you get on the property ladder with a smaller deposit and mortgage than buying outright.
  • You will benefit from any increase in the value of your share of the property.
  • You will have more security and stability than renting.
  • You can make improvements to your home, subject to the housing association’s approval.

Drawbacks to shared ownership

  • You will still have to pay rent on top of your mortgage, which may be more expensive than renting or buying outright.
  • You will have to pay service charges and maintenance fees for the property, which may increase over time.
  • You will have to follow the rules and regulations of the housing association, which may restrict your choices and freedoms as a homeowner.
  • You may have difficulty selling your share of the property, as you will have to find a buyer who meets the eligibility criteria for shared ownership.
  • You may have to pay stamp duty on the full value of the property when you buy your first share, or when you staircase to 80% or more.

 

Shared ownership can be a great option for people who are struggling with the affordability of buying a home outright. It allows you to get on the property ladder with a smaller deposit and mortgage, and you will benefit from any increase in the value of your share of the property.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding if shared ownership is right for you.

Contact us today to start your shared ownership journey

To get started, simply contact us today.

Our expert advisors are highly experienced in shared ownership and will be happy to talk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

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Shared Ownership FAQs

Shared ownership can be a good idea if you're struggling to afford a deposit on a property outright. It allows you to buy a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share, which can make homeownership more affordable.

However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if shared ownership is right for you. Some of the potential drawbacks include restrictions on selling or subletting the property and additional costs such as service charges and ground rent.

Yes, you can usually sell your share in a shared ownership property. However, there may be specific rules and regulations set by the housing association or other relevant parties that you need to follow.

It's important to review your shared ownership agreement and consult with the appropriate authorities or legal professionals to understand the process and any restrictions or requirements involved in selling your share.

Shared ownership can be a good option for first-time homebuyers who have a low income or who can't afford a large deposit. It allows you to buy a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share, which can make homeownership more affordable.

However, it's important to understand the terms and conditions of shared ownership before making a decision. For example, there may be restrictions on selling or subletting the property and additional costs such as service charges and ground rent.

With Shared Ownership, you pay a mortgage on the percentage share that you own and a below-market-value rent on the remainder to a housing association. It’s also worth noting that if you choose to buy more shares in your home, your mortgage payments will increase and your rent will decrease in turn.

Shared ownership is available for a variety of property types, including new-build apartments, houses, and flats. However, there may be specific eligibility criteria that apply, such as income limits and residency requirements.

To determine if a specific property is eligible for shared ownership, it's best to contact your local housing association or developer for more information.

If you're looking for a new home, Share to Buy lists thousands of Shared Ownership homes all across the country, including new build properties and those available through resale.

The size of the share you can purchase in a shared ownership property will depend on the specific scheme and property you are interested in.

In general, Shared Ownership allows you to purchase a percentage share of the property value, typically between 25% and 75%. The remaining share is owned by a housing association or developer, and you will pay rent on this portion.

Over time, as a shared owner, you may have the option to purchase additional shares in the property through a process called "staircasing," which allows you to increase your ownership percentage.

It is important to research and consult with the housing provider or developer to understand the specific terms and conditions of the Shared Ownership scheme and determine what size share is available for purchase in a particular property.

The time it takes to get a property through Shared Ownership can vary depending on factors such as the availability of properties, your eligibility, and the specific process of the housing association or developer.

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