Shared Ownership Mortgages

Discover how shared ownership mortgages works and whether it’s the right choice for you. Delta Mortgages’ dedicated shared ownership mortgage advisers are here to help—experienced, no-obligation advice

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Shared Ownership Mortgages Explained

Getting onto the property ladder as a first-time buyer can feel like climbing a mountain—especially when saving for a hefty deposit while covering rent at the same time.

That’s where the Shared Ownership Scheme can help, offering a more affordable way to buy a home through a Shared Ownership mortgage, without needing a huge upfront deposit.

Instead of buying a home outright, Shared Ownership allows you to purchase a percentage of a property (between 10% and 75%), with a housing association owning the rest. You’ll take out a Shared Ownership mortgage to cover your share and pay subsidised rent on the portion you don’t own.

And here’s some good news. Because your mortgage only covers your share of the property, the deposit required is much smaller than if you were buying outright.

For example, if you’re purchasing a 25% share of a £200,000 property, your mortgage will be based on £50,000—not the full value of the home. That means a 5% deposit could be as little as £2,500.

And it doesn’t stop there. Over time, you can buy more of the property through a process called staircasing—eventually working your way up to 100% ownership. Previously, additional shares had to be purchased in 10% increments, but since April 2021, buyers can now staircase in as little as 1% increments.

This means you can gradually increase your homeownership in a way that suits your budget—without needing to stretch yourself financially.

At Delta Mortgages, we’re here to simplify the process (we’re lovely like that) and guide you through everything—from eligibility checks to finding the best Shared Ownership mortgage rates for your circumstances.

In 2022-23,

37%

of shared ownership purchases were made by first-time buyers

£23,200

the average Shared Ownership Scheme deposit was

Source: Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

What is Shared Ownership?

Shared Ownership is a government-backed home ownership scheme designed to help buyers who can’t afford a standard residential mortgage get onto the property ladder. Instead of purchasing a home outright, Shared Ownership allows you to buy a portion of a property, with the remainder owned by a housing association.

You’ll take out a Shared Ownership mortgage to cover your share of the home (typically between 10% and 75%), while paying subsidised rent on the portion you don’t yet own.

Because you’re only securing a mortgage on your share of the property, your deposit and mortgage repayments will be significantly lower than if you were buying the full property outright.

Shared Ownership homes come in two forms:

New-build properties sold by housing associations under the Shared Ownership scheme.
Pre-owned “resale” Shared Ownership properties, where you buy a share from an existing Shared Ownership homeowner.

How does it work?

You’ll need at least a 5% deposit—but only on the share you’re buying, not the full property price.
You’ll pay a monthly mortgage on your share and rent to the housing association for the portion they still own.
Over time, you can increase your share in the property through staircasing, until you eventually own 100% (if you choose to).

At Delta Mortgages, we help buyers navigate Shared Ownership mortgages, compare lenders, and find the best rates—so you can buy your home with confidence.

If you’re unsure whether Shared Ownership is the right move for you, we’re here to talk you through the pros, cons, and all your options.

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Three Simple Steps to Securing Your Shared Ownership Mortgage

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming—especially when saving for a hefty deposit feels like an impossible task. But with Shared Ownership, you don’t need a huge lump sum or a massive mortgage to get on the ladder. And the best part is that you can start small and grow your ownership over time.

At Delta Mortgages, we make the process of securing a Shared Ownership mortgage clear, simple, and stress-free. Our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers compare the best Shared Ownership mortgage rates, guide you through Shared Ownership eligibility, and handle all the paperwork—so you can focus on moving in while we deal with the mortgage admin (you know, the best bit!)

Here’s how it works:

3

Get Your Shared Ownership Mortgage Agreement in Principle

Once we’ve found the right mortgage, we’ll secure your Agreement in Principle (AIP)—so you know exactly what you can borrow before committing. That way, when you find your perfect home, you can move quickly with confidence.

At Delta Mortgages, we believe Shared Ownership should be simple, stress-free, and structured around your budget. It’s a very exciting time in your life and we want to make it easy. Whether you’re buying your first home, looking to staircase, or need help finding the best deal, we’re here to help every step of the way.

2

We’ll Search the Market for the Best Shared Ownership Mortgage Rates

With access to 100+ lenders, including specialist Shared Ownership mortgage providers, our shared ownership superstars compare thousands of deals to find the best rate for you—without the legwork.

1

Speak to a Shared Ownership Mortgage Adviser

Start with a free initial, no-obligation chat with one of our experienced advisers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, have a smaller deposit, or need help navigating affordability, we’ll walk you through your options—minus the jargon.

Let’s Talk Shared Ownership Mortgages

Speak to a Shared Ownership mortgage adviser today for straightforward, no-obligation advice tailored to your income and circumstances.

Contact a Shared Ownership Mortgage Broker

Find Shared Ownership Mortgage Lenders

Access the most competitive Shared Ownership mortgage rates today—tailored to your income and circumstances.

Speak with Delta Mortgages today. With access to 100+ lenders and over 14,000 mortgage products, we’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and match you with the best possible mortgage deal. Already have a mortgage in principle? No problem—it’s always worth comparing to ensure you're getting the best rate.

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Shared ownership mortgage process

Buying a home through Shared Ownership follows a slightly different process than a standard mortgage—but don’t worry, our Shared Ownership mortgage brokers are here to make it simple.

Here’s how it works:

4

Pay a Reservation Fee & Conduct a Property Valuation

Once your mortgage application is underway, you may need to pay a reservation fee to the housing association to secure the property. The lender will also arrange a valuation to ensure the home’s value aligns with your mortgage offer.

5

Instruct a Solicitor & Finalise the Mortgage Offer

You'll need a solicitor experienced in Shared Ownership purchases to handle the legal side of things, including lease agreements and contracts. And if you need help sourcing one we can point you in the direction of a few friendly ones we know. Once the lender is satisfied with the paperwork, they will issue your formal mortgage offer.

Exchange Contracts & Complete the Purchase

Once contracts are exchanged, you’re legally committed to the purchase. On completion day, your Shared Ownership mortgage lender releases the funds, and you officially own your share of the property! 🎉

At Delta Mortgages, we’re here to simplify the entire process—guiding you from the initial search to securing the best Shared Ownership mortgage rates for your situation. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s talk!

6

2

Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

It’s always a good idea to get a Shared Ownership mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP). This gives you an indication of how much you can borrow and reassures the housing association that you're financially prepared to move forward.

3

Apply for a Shared Ownership Mortgage

Unlike a standard mortgage, not all lenders offer Shared Ownership mortgage products, and those that do may have specific Shared Ownership mortgage eligibility requirements. This is where we come in. At Delta Mortgages, our Shared Ownership mortgage brokers work with 100+ lenders, ensuring you access the best Shared Ownership mortgage deals tailored to your circumstances. You might also get to meet this handsome chap 🐾

1

Find a Shared Ownership Property

The first step is to find a suitable Shared Ownership home, usually through a housing association, or a Help to Buy agent. They will confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

Who is eligible for the Shared Ownership scheme?

Shared Ownership eligibility isn’t just for first-time buyers—it’s designed to help people who need a more affordable route onto the property ladder. Whether you’re looking for a Shared Ownership mortgage for a new build or a Shared Ownership remortgage to buy additional shares, the scheme offers flexible options to help buyers secure a home.

To qualify for the Shared Ownership scheme, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:

Household income must be below £80,000 (or £90,000 if you're in London).
You must be a first-time buyer, or if you have owned a home before, you should no longer be able to afford to buy outright.
You’re unable to afford a suitable home with a standard mortgage.
You’re forming a new household (for example, following a relationship breakdown).
You’re an existing shared owner looking to move to a different Shared Ownership home.

The Shared Ownership scheme isn’t just for first-time buyers. There are additional options available for:

Over 55s (Older People’s Shared Ownership - OPSO) - If you're 55 or older, OPSO allows you to buy up to 75% of your home—and once you own 75%, you won’t pay rent on the remaining 25%.

People with long-term disabilities (HOLD - Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disabilities) - If you have a long-term disability and need specific housing (such as a ground-floor property), HOLD enables you to buy a minimum of 25% of your home under Shared Ownership.

Right to Shared Ownership – If you're already renting a housing association property, the Right to Shared Ownership scheme could allow you to buy a share in the home you’re living in, starting from just 10%. It’s available to tenants who have been renting their home for at least 12 months under certain affordable housing schemes. This route is ideal if you love where you live and don’t want to move, giving you a chance to start owning your home one share at a time.

How Do I Get a Shared Ownership Mortgage?

Getting a Shared Ownership mortgage isn’t as daunting as it sounds (promise!). It’s similar to a standard mortgage application but with a few key differences—luckily, our mortgage brokers are here to steer you through the process, minus the stress and mortgage jargon.

Here’s how it works:

You’ll take out a mortgage for the share of the property you’re buying—usually between 10% and 75% of the total home value. The rest is owned by a housing association, and you pay rent on that portion (don’t worry, it’s typically lower than private rent).

The bigger the share you buy, the less rent you’ll pay—but remember, you can always staircase (buy more shares) over time when it suits your finances.

Deposits are much smaller than traditional mortgages. Instead of needing 5-10% of the full property price, you only need a deposit for your share—which can make homeownership way more achievable.

Not all lenders offer Shared Ownership mortgages, and some will only lend to those who meet very specific criteria. But don’t panic—that’s where we come in. With access to 100+ lenders, we’ll find a mortgage that fits your budget without making you scroll through endless comparison sites.

Once your mortgage application is given the green light, things start getting real:

Pay a reservation fee – If required, this secures the property and stops anyone else from swooping in while your mortgage is being finalised. (Because nobody wants a plot twist at this stage).

Property valuation – The lender will double-check that the property is worth what you’re paying (think of it as a second opinion before you commit).

Finalise your mortgage & instruct a solicitor – You’ll need a solicitor who understands Shared Ownership (and who won’t send you emails full of legal jargon🤞🏼). If you need a recommendation, we know some great ones who are as friendly as they are efficient.

Exchange contracts & complete – Once the legal bits are wrapped up, you’ll exchange contracts and get the keys to your new home! (Whoohoo!)

At Delta Mortgages, we believe Shared Ownership should be simple, affordable, and as exciting as getting the keys to your first home. Our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers handle everything—from finding the best mortgage rates to explaining the finer details over a cuppa (and yes, we’re very good at explaining things twice if needed).

Want to make the first move?

Let’s chat—no sales pitch, just honest advice to help you get on the property ladder.

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What Are the Advantages and Limitations of Shared Ownership?

Shared Ownership can be a fantastic stepping stone to home-ownership—but like all good things, it comes with pros and cons. Before you take the plunge, it’s important to weigh up both sides, so you know exactly what to expect.

Shared Ownership exists to make owning a home more affordable, particularly for first-time buyers who might struggle with saving for a large deposit. Here’s why it could be a great option for you:

A smaller deposit makes homeownership more achievable – Because you’re only buying a percentage of the property (rather than the whole thing), your deposit is based on that share. Instead of needing £25,000 for a 10% deposit on a £250,000 home, you could get started with just £3,750 (10% of a £37,500 share). Much friendlier on the wallet.

Lower monthly payments – Even when factoring in rent on the portion you don’t own, your combined mortgage and rent payments are often lower than renting privately or taking out a full mortgage.

The option to staircase your way to full ownership – Over time, you can buy more of your home when it suits your finances—eventually working up to 100% ownership, which means no more rent payments.

A foot on the property ladder - even if you couldn’t afford to buy outright – Shared Ownership gives you a way to start building equity in your home rather than throwing money away on rent.

You benefit from rising house prices - If property values go up, so does the value of the share you own. When you decide to sell, you’ll profit from any increase on the portion you purchased.

No minimum residency period – Unlike some housing schemes, you don’t have to stay in a Shared Ownership home for a set amount of time. If life takes you in a new direction, you’re free to sell whenever you need to.
As great as Shared Ownership can be, there are a few things to watch out for before you commit:
All Shared Ownership properties are leasehold – That means you’ll never fully own the freehold, even if you staircase to 100%. Leasehold properties come with ground rent and service charges, which can increase over time.
You’re responsible for 100% of maintenance costs—even if you only own part of the home – Unlike renting, any repairs, maintenance, or renovations are your responsibility, even if you only own 25% of the property. So if the boiler packs up or the roof needs fixing, the bill lands with you.
Staircasing comes with extra costs – While the ability to buy more shares is great, each time you do, you’ll need to pay for a property valuation, solicitor fees, and potential mortgage fees. These costs can add up, making it expensive to staircase in small increments.
Reselling isn’t as simple as putting it on Rightmove – If you want to sell your home before you own 100% of it, you must give the housing association the first opportunity to find a buyer (this is known as ‘first refusal’). If they can’t find someone, you’ll then be able to sell on the open market—but only to someone who meets Shared Ownership eligibility rules.
You can’t rent out your home – If you dream of letting out your property as an investment later down the line, Shared Ownership isn’t for you. Most leases strictly prohibit subletting, so if you need to move and want to keep the property, you’ll likely have to sell it instead.
Shared Ownership can be a fantastic way to get onto the property ladder sooner, with a smaller deposit and lower monthly costs. But it’s not for everyone—so it’s essential to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.

At Delta Mortgages, we’re here to help you navigate the process, compare lenders, and find the best Shared Ownership mortgage deal for your circumstances.

Finding the best shared ownership mortgage deal

If you’re not sure whether you meet Shared Ownership mortgage eligibility or which Shared Ownership mortgage lenders offer the best deals, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers search the market to find the most competitive Shared Ownership mortgage rates for your situation.

At Delta Mortgages, we compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best Shared Ownership mortgage rates based on your budget and goals.

There are a few things you can do to maximise your chances of approval:

Check your credit score

Make sure it’s in good shape and correct any errors.

Gather proof of income

Lenders will want to see payslips, bank statements, or tax returns.

Save as much deposit as you can

A higher deposit can help secure better mortgage rates.

Avoid new debt

Taking out loans or credit cards before applying could affect your affordability.

Register to vote

A simple step that helps lenders verify your details.

We make finding the right Shared Ownership mortgage simple, stress-free, and straightforward—so you can focus on planning your move, not worrying about paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions for Shared Ownership Mortgages

Ok, so we’ve covered a lot. But do you still have questions about Shared Ownership? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve rounded up the most common queries from first-time buyers and those considering a Shared Ownership mortgage. From eligibility and deposits to staircasing and selling, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Still got questions? No problem—we’re just a call or a click away!.

Nope—they’re two completely different schemes, but we get why people mix them up.

Shared Ownership lets you buy a portion of a property (usually between 10% and 75%) while paying rent on the rest. It’s designed for buyers who might struggle to afford a full mortgage but want to step onto the property ladder gradually.

Help to Buy, on the other hand, was a scheme where the government loaned buyers up to 20% (40% in London) of a home’s value, reducing the mortgage size needed. The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme ended in 2023, while Shared Ownership is still going strong.

Not sure which scheme (or alternative) is right for you? Our experienced Shared Ownership mortgage brokers will break it down and help you find the best fit for your circumstances.
Think of Shared Ownership as buying a house in instalments. Instead of taking out a mortgage for the full property price, you get one for a portion of the home (between 10% and 75%), while paying rent on the remaining share.

With a standard mortgage, you’re borrowing enough to buy 100% of the property, which means higher deposit requirements and larger repayments. Shared Ownership can be a more affordable way to step onto the property ladder, especially if you don’t have a big deposit saved up.

A key difference is that Shared Ownership homes are always leasehold, meaning you’ll pay a service charge and ground rent, whereas a standard mortgage might allow you to buy a freehold property.

If you're unsure which option works best for you, our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers will guide you through the pros and cons, minus the jargon and sales pitch.
Not quite—Shared Ownership properties aren’t available on every street corner like coffee shops. They’re offered through housing associations and are usually new builds or resale homes in designated areas.

While Shared Ownership properties are available across England, availability depends on local housing policies. Some regions prioritise first-time buyers, key workers, or people already living in the area. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are similar schemes but with different names and rules.

Want to find out what’s available near you? Our Shared Ownership mortgage brokers can point you in the right direction and help you navigate eligibility requirements.
It depends on a few factors—like where you're buying and what percentage of the home you’re purchasing—but here’s the general rule:

✅ Household income must be under £80,000 per year (£90,000 in London).

✅ You need to afford both the mortgage and rent payments, based on a lender’s affordability checks.

✅ Most lenders look for a steady income—whether that’s from employment, self-employment, or certain benefits.

It’s not about having a sky-high salary; it’s about proving you can comfortably afford your repayments. If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers will crunch the numbers for you and find the right lender for your circumstances.
You don’t need a perfect credit score, but lenders will still check your financial history to ensure you can manage repayments.

✅ A decent credit score (typically 600+ on Experian) improves your mortgage options.

✅ No recent missed payments, CCJs, or defaults will put you in a stronger position.

✅ Lenders will check your debt-to-income ratio to ensure you can afford both rent and mortgage payments.

If you find yourself with a bad credit score, don’t panic! Some specialist lenders consider Shared Ownership applications from those with lower scores—it just might mean higher interest rates. Before applying, it’s worth checking (and improving) your credit score.

Our mortgage advisers can help find a lender that suits your situation, even if your score isn’t flawless.
There’s some good news here (hurrah!) The deposit required for a Shared Ownership mortgage is usually much lower than if you were buying a property outright. Instead of needing a deposit on the full property value, you only need one based on the share you’re purchasing.

✅ Most lenders require a 5-10% deposit—but it’s 5-10% of your share, not the full value of the home.

✅ Example: If you’re buying a 25% share of a £200,000 property (£50,000), a 5% deposit would be just £2,500.

The exact deposit amount depends on your lender, your credit score, and your chosen mortgage deal.

Our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers can help you find the best deposit-friendly lenders and mortgage deals to suit your budget.
Absolutely—you can remortgage a Shared Ownership home, and in some cases, it’s a smart move.

Here’s why you might remortgage:

✅ Get a better interest rate – If your mortgage deal is expiring, switching lenders could save you money.

✅ Increase your ownership (staircasing) – You might remortgage to buy a larger share of your home, working towards 100% ownership.

✅ Borrow additional funds – Some lenders allow you to release equity for home improvements or debt consolidation.

But here’s the catch:

Some Shared Ownership mortgage lenders have restrictions, so you may need to stick with your current provider.

You must inform your housing association before remortgaging, especially if you’re staircasing.

If you’re thinking about remortgaging, our mortgage brokers will check the numbers, find the best lender, and guide you through the process—making sure it’s a decision that benefits you financially.
No problem—you don’t have to staircase if it’s not financially viable for you. Shared Ownership is designed to be flexible, so you can stay in your home and continue paying rent on the portion owned by the housing association.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ No obligation – You can remain a part-owner for as long as you like.

✅ No penalties – There’s no requirement to buy additional shares unless you choose to.

✅ You can still sell – If you decide to move, you can sell your share, even if you never increased it.

If your finances change later and you decide staircasing is an option, our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers can help you explore remortgaging or other ways to increase your ownership gradually.
Good news! If your housing association allows it, you can staircase all the way to 100% ownership—at which point, you no longer pay rent and, in some cases, can even convert your home to freehold ownership.

Here’s how it works:

Get a property valuation – Your housing association will assess the current market value of your home.

Secure a mortgage or savings – You’ll need funds to buy the additional shares (some choose to remortgage to release equity).

Complete the purchase – Once you own 100%, you stop paying rent—though you may still have service charges if the property is leasehold.

Some housing associations limit staircasing, so always check your lease terms first. If you’re thinking about staircasing, our mortgage brokers can find the best Shared Ownership remortgage deals to help make it happen.
Ok, so this may come as a surprise for some people. Just because the housing association owns part of your home doesn’t mean they cover the repairs. As the leaseholder, you are responsible for maintenance costs—even for the portion of the home you don’t own.

But, there is a silver lining:

New-build Shared Ownership homes may come with a repair period (usually 10 years), meaning the housing association covers some essential repairs.

You won’t need permission for minor repairs, but major changes (like an extension) may require approval.

Before committing, check what’s covered in your lease agreement—our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers can help you understand the finer details!
A service charge is a regular fee that covers the maintenance, repairs, and upkeep of shared areas in a leasehold property—things like communal gardens, lifts, hallways, and building insurance.

Since all Shared Ownership properties are leasehold, you’ll likely pay a monthly service charge, even if you eventually staircase to 100% ownership.

So, what does a service charge cover?

✅ Maintenance of communal areas (gardens, hallways, parking).

✅ Repairs to shared spaces (roof, lift maintenance).

✅ Buildings insurance (but not contents insurance).

Service charges aren’t fixed—they can go up or down depending on costs. Before you buy, ask for an estimate of future charges to avoid surprises.

If you need help understanding service charges, our Shared Ownership mortgage brokers can explain everything—without the jargon (phew).
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on Shared Ownership can be a little tricky (because why make it simple, right?). But here’s the short version:

You have two options when paying Stamp Duty:

Pay Stamp Duty on just your initial share – You only pay SDLT on the portion you buy, but if you later staircase beyond 80% ownership, you may owe more SDLT.

Pay Stamp Duty on the full property value upfront – This means no further SDLT charges if you staircase later.

If you’re a First-time buyer and you property is under £300,000 you won’t pay Stamp Duty! (Win!)

If you need a bit of guidance, our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers will walk you through it and help you make the best decision.
Yes, you can—but selling a Shared Ownership home isn’t as simple as listing it on Rightmove and hoping for the best.
Before you can move:

Your housing association has first refusal—they get the first chance to find a new buyer.

If they don’t find one within 6-8 weeks, you can then sell on the open market.

Important: You can’t buy a second property while owning a Shared Ownership home—so you’ll need to sell first before moving into another Shared Ownership property.

If you’re thinking of selling, speak to our Shared Ownership mortgage brokers at Delta Mortgages—we’ll help you plan your next move smoothly.
Yes! There’s no minimum ownership period, so you can sell whenever you like—but the process isn’t quite the same as selling a standard home.

Here’s what you need to know:

If you own less than 100% – The housing association has first refusal and must try to find an eligible buyer. If they can’t, you can sell it on the open market.

If you own 100% – You can sell just like any other homeowner, without the housing association’s involvement.

Some good news! If your home’s value has increased, you’ll benefit from the price rise on your share of the property.

Selling a Shared Ownership home can be a little more complicated, but don’t stress—our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers are here to guide you through it.
Selling a Shared Ownership home isn’t quite as simple as sticking up a "For Sale" sign and waiting for offers—but don’t worry, it’s very doable with the right guidance.

Here’s how the process works:

Tell your housing association – They have first refusal and will try to find an eligible buyer (usually within 6-8 weeks).

Get a valuation – A RICS-approved surveyor must value your home (you’ll need to cover the cost 💷).

Marketing your home – If the housing association doesn’t find a buyer within their timeframe, you can sell on the open market via an estate agent.

The legal bits – Your solicitor will handle the contracts, lease agreements, and completion paperwork.

If you own 100% of your Shared Ownership home, you can sell it just like a normal property—no need to go through the housing association.

Selling can feel like a minefield, but we’ve helped loads of Shared Ownership homeowners move on smoothly and stress-free. If you need advice just give us a call.
Nope! You don’t have to staircase (buy more shares) before selling your Shared Ownership home. You can sell at any time, even if you still own just 10% of the property.

But here’s the thing:

If you staircase to 100% before selling, you can sell the home on the open market, just like any other property.

If you still own a share, the housing association gets first refusal—meaning they’ll try to find a buyer before you can list it elsewhere.

What’s the benefit of staircasing before selling?

If property values have risen, you may make more money on your full ownership.

You can avoid restrictions on selling if you fully own the property.

But staircasing comes with costs (valuation, legal fees, etc.), so it’s worth weighing up whether it’s financially beneficial. We’re always on hand if you need any help. Speak to one of our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers, and we’ll help you work it out.
If your housing association can’t find a buyer within their 6-8 week window, you’re free to sell on the open market.

Here’s what happens next:

You can list your home with an estate agent, just like a standard property sale.

The buyer must meet the Shared Ownership eligibility criteria (unless you own 100%).

Your solicitor and mortgage lender handle the paperwork, and once the sale completes—job done!

Some key things to remember:

If you’re selling a shared portion, the new buyer must be eligible for Shared Ownership.

If you own 100%, you can sell to anyone on the open market.

Selling can be stressful, but we’ll help you navigate it with ease. If you’re stuck in limbo, let’s chat—we’ll find a solution to get you moving.
Yes—Shared Ownership properties are always leasehold rather than freehold.

This means:

You don’t own the land the property sits on—the housing association retains ownership.

You’ll have a lease agreement, which typically lasts between 99 and 125 years.

You’ll likely need to pay a service charge and ground rent to cover maintenance of communal areas.

But, can you ever own the freehold?

If your property is a house, some housing associations allow you to purchase the freehold once you’ve staircased to 100% ownership.

If it’s a flat, it will remain leasehold, even if you own 100%.

Understanding leasehold terms can be a bit of a headache, but don’t worry—we’ll explain everything in plain English. Just ask.
Yes, but you may need permission for larger changes. Because you don’t fully own the property, you’ll usually need to:

Get permission from your housing association for major work, such as extensions or structural changes.

Fund repairs and renovations yourself, even for the portion owned by the housing association.

Consider staircasing first—if you’re planning major work, owning a larger share may be a better option.

Smaller updates like painting and decorating are usually fine, but if in doubt, check with your housing association first.

If you’re thinking of making big changes and aren’t sure where you stand, our Shared Ownership mortgage advisers can help you weigh up your options.
If you’re struggling to make payments, here’s what to do:

Speak to your mortgage lender – They may be able to offer a payment holiday or adjust your plan.

Talk to your housing association – They may offer support or help you explore alternative solutions.

Consider staircasing down – Some housing associations allow you to sell back a share to reduce your mortgage. Be aware that this would increase your rent.

Look at selling your home – If payments become unmanageable, selling your share may be the best option.

So, what if I fall into arrears?

Mortgage arrears can lead to repossession.

Rent arrears could result in legal action from the housing association.

If you’re struggling, don’t ignore the problem—there are always options, and we’re here to help you find the best solution.
In most cases, no—you can’t sublet a Shared Ownership home. The scheme is designed to help people buy their own home, not to be used as a rental investment.

However, there are some exceptions:

If you staircase to 100% ownership, you can rent it out freely.

If you need to move for work or family reasons, some housing associations may grant temporary permission to let it out.

If you’re facing financial hardship, you can request an exemption.

If you rent out a Shared Ownership property without permission, you could breach your lease and face legal action.

If you need more flexibility, it’s worth exploring options like staircasing or selling—our mortgage brokers are happy to help you find the best solution.

How Delta Mortgages Can Help You Secure the Best Shared Ownership Mortgage

Shared Ownership is designed to make homeownership more accessible—but finding the right mortgage to fit your circumstances can still feel like a maze. Not every lender offers Shared Ownership mortgages, and the ones that do? Well, their criteria can be as varied as house prices in London. That’s where we come in.

At Delta Mortgages, we specialise in Shared Ownership mortgages, helping first-time buyers, low-income buyers, and those struggling with deposits secure a mortgage that makes homeownership possible. Whether you're buying your first share, staircasing to a bigger one, or remortgaging to get a better deal, we’ll find the right mortgage for you—without the legwork.

Here’s how we make it simple:

Access to the best Shared Ownership mortgage deals

Not all lenders offer Shared Ownership mortgages, and not all comparison sites show the full picture. We work with 100+ lenders, including those offering the most competitive rates for Shared Ownership buyers.

Make sense of affordability

Shared Ownership mortgages have slightly different rules when it comes to income assessments. We’ll help you navigate what you can afford, what lenders want to see, and how to maximise your borrowing potential.

We handle the paperwork

From your Decision in Principle to completion, we handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders, and keep everything moving smoothly. And we’re chill.

Help with staircasing

If you’re ready to buy more of your home, we’ll find the best staircasing mortgage options, helping you secure a deal that makes financial sense.

Ongoing support

Whether you’re buying your first share, remortgaging, or working towards full ownership, we’re here to provide advice and support at every stage.

Buying a home shouldn’t feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. With Delta Mortgages, you’ll have a mortgage adviser who understands Shared Ownership, knows the lenders that offer the best deals, and takes the stress out of the process.

Ready to secure your Shared Ownership mortgage?

Speak to a Delta Mortgages adviser today and let’s find the best deal for your circumstances. Request a callback now.

Request a Call Back

Meet the Team That’s Got Your Back

At Delta Mortgages, we combine decades of experience with down-to-earth support that actually helps. No scripts. No waffle. Just lovely mortgage brokers who bring clarity, calm—and a bit of personality—to every step of your journey.

Get to know the people who’ll guide you from start to keys.

Meet the Team