Looking for a home but the price tag feels out of reach? Shared ownership lets you buy a slice of a house and rent the rest. It’s a mix of buying and renting that can lower your deposit, cut monthly payments and still give you a foot on the property ladder. Below you’ll find the basics and practical steps to start your journey.
In a shared ownership deal you purchase a percentage of a property – usually between 25% and 75% – from a housing association or a private developer. The remaining share stays owned by the landlord, and you pay rent on that part. Over time you can buy more shares (called “staircasing”) until you own 100% of the home, if you wish.
The key benefit is that you only need a mortgage for the part you own, so the deposit and loan size are smaller. This means lower monthly costs compared to a full mortgage, and you can still build equity as the value of your share grows.
First, check if you’re eligible. Most schemes require you to be a first‑time buyer, a former homeowner, or someone who can’t afford a full purchase. You’ll also need to meet the income limits set by the housing association, which vary by region.
Next, find a property that offers a shared ownership scheme. Use the Loncor Property Solutions search filters – select “Shared Ownership” under the property type and set your budget. When you spot a home you like, arrange a viewing and ask the seller for the exact share percentage and rent rate.
Once you decide, you’ll need a mortgage for the share you’re buying. Many lenders have special shared‑ownership products, so talk to a mortgage broker about the best rates. You’ll also sign a lease for the rented portion and agree on service charges and ground rent.
After moving in, you can start planning to staircase. Look at the market value of the whole property and decide how much more you want to buy. Keep an eye on any fees – there’s usually a small cost for each staircasing transaction.
Remember, shared ownership isn’t a free pass. You’ll still pay rent, service charges, and possibly higher interest rates than a standard mortgage. But for many buyers, the lower entry cost outweighs those ongoing expenses.
If you’re unsure whether this is right for you, talk to a Loncor advisor. They can run the numbers, compare shared ownership to buying outright, and help you choose the path that fits your budget and long‑term plans.
Shared ownership can turn a dream of owning a home into a realistic goal. With the right research, a clear budget and a trusted partner, you can lock in a share of a property today and work toward full ownership tomorrow.
3 Aug
Discover the real yearly cost of a timeshare in 2025, from purchase prices to hidden maintenance fees. Learn what truly affects timeshare expenses and avoid costly pitfalls.
Read More
2 Aug
Find out exactly how many shares make you a property owner, how it works, and what it means for rights, decisions, and your investment. Real talk, real facts.
Read More
20 Jul
Ever wondered how ownership shares in property work? Dive into this clear, practical guide—covering split ownership, legal basics, financing tips, and key stats you can use.
Read More
22 Jun
Thinking about buying a shared ownership home? It's not all sunshine and rainbows. This article breaks down three big disadvantages of home ownership that can surprise new buyers, especially in shared schemes. From unexpected costs to limited control over your space, get the real scoop. You'll also find practical tips for handling common challenges. If you want a clear-eyed look at what you're getting into, keep reading.
Read More
21 Jun
A shared house isn’t just about splitting bills with flatmates. It’s a way into home ownership where you buy a slice of a property, typically with others, and share the responsibilities and benefits. This guide breaks down how shared houses work, what legal stuff you need to know, and the daily realities – the good, the messy, and the money side. You’ll get tips for making the setup work smoothly and how to spot a shared home arrangement that fits your life and budget. If you’re curious about affordable routes into owning a place, this article sorts out the real facts from the fuzzy ideas.
Read More
18 Jun
Sharing a home with others sounds simple, but taxes on owner's draw can get confusing fast. This article explains what an owner's draw is in the context of shared ownership homes, breaks down if and how taxes come into play, and highlights common mistakes homeowners make. You'll also find practical tips for staying out of trouble with the IRS and handling your taxes smoothly. Whether you're new to shared ownership or already living it, you'll walk away confident about the tax side of owner's draws.
Read More
8 Jun
Ever wondered how to actually make life work in a shared house? This article breaks down the real-life challenges and solutions for shared ownership homes, from setting ground rules to handling bills and privacy. You’ll get down-to-earth tips for dividing chores, handling awkward conversations, and setting up household meetings without feeling like you’re back in school. Learn how to make communal living not just bearable but actually enjoyable. No fluff, just advice you can start using right away.
Read More
21 May
Curious how shared ownership actually works behind the scenes? This article breaks down the share ownership structure for shared ownership homes in plain English. You'll get clear answers on percentages, responsibilities, and what changes if you buy more shares. Plus, pick up tips on avoiding common surprises. Whether you're just exploring options or already browsing listings, you'll leave knowing what to look for.
Read More
18 May
Thinking about buying a house with a friend? It's possible, but comes with a lot to think about. This guide breaks down how two friends can get a mortgage together, what lenders look for, and the pitfalls to watch out for. Dive into practical tips, legal must-knows, and real talk about sharing ownership and responsibility. If you're outpriced solo, teaming up could be the move—but only with your eyes wide open.
Read More
14 May
Shared equity agreements can seem like the perfect shortcut to owning a home when prices feel totally out of reach. This article breaks down how these agreements work, who they actually help, and the pros and cons you probably won’t hear from the sales pitch. Get familiar with the risks, real-life costs, and what to watch for if this path seems like your best shot at getting your own place. Useful tips and facts will help you decide if shared equity is a smart move, or just another flashy idea with big catches.
Read More
11 May
ESOP stands for the 'Equity Loan Shared Ownership Program', and while it looks appealing on the surface, there are some serious risks hidden in the fine print. This article gets straight to the point—why ESOP could end up being a financial headache for people hoping to own a home. We’ll look at how these schemes work, where buyers can get tripped up, and real-life problems people face. Expect helpful tips for avoiding costly mistakes. If shared ownership feels confusing, you’re in the right place.
Read More
10 May
Figuring out how to price shares of ownership for a home can feel confusing, especially if you're new to the shared ownership world. This article breaks down exactly how home shares are valued, why the price matters, what affects it, and gives you real tips for getting the best deal. You'll find quick pointers on valuations, equity percentages, and what costs to look out for. Everything is explained in plain English, minus the jargon. If you're thinking of buying or selling a shared ownership home, this guide clears up the process.
Read More