Shared Ownership is a government-backed scheme that helps make buying a home more affordable. Instead of buying the whole property outright, you buy a share (from as little as 10% up to 75%) and pay rent on the remaining part to a housing association.
This means:
You'll also pay rent on the part you don’t own, plus some service charges for things like building maintenance or communal areas.
Shared Ownership homes can be new builds or resale properties, but all of them are leasehold.
It’s a great option if you’re struggling with high house prices but still want a place to call your own.


With Shared Ownership, you choose the share of the home you can afford to buy — starting from just 10%. You’ll pay a deposit (at least 5%) on that share and take out a mortgage for the rest.
You’ll also pay rent on the remaining share owned by the housing association.
Over time, you can increase your ownership through a process called staircasing. This allows you to gradually buy more of the property — up to 75% or even 100%, depending on the housing provider. Just note:
Want to find homes that qualify? Use our Shared Ownership filter when searching — and always double-check with the estate agent or housing association before making an offer.
Have a household income under £80,000 (or under £90,000 in London)
Be unable to afford a suitable home on the open market due to high deposit or mortgage costs
You're a first-time buyer
You used to own a home but can’t afford to buy again now
You're forming a new household – e.g., after a relationship breakdown
You already own a Shared Ownership home and want to move
You currently own a home but cannot afford a new one that meets your needs