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Selling, Staircasing and Long-Term Options
What happens if your circumstances change, or if you want to own more
Caveat
Shared ownership, made simple.
You're Not Stuck
One of the biggest worries people have about Shared Ownership is feeling trapped. The reality is quite different. You have flexibility, options and clear pathways if your circumstances change.
Worth knowing:
Shared Ownership is designed as a stepping stone to full ownership, but it’s also a perfectly valid long-term solution if it works for you. There’s no wrong answer.
What Is Staircasing?
Staircasing is the process of buying additional shares in your property over time. Most people start with 25-50% ownership and gradually increase it as their finances improve. You can eventually reach 100% ownership, at which point you stop paying rent entirely.
You Can Buy More Shares Anytime
You can buy additional shares in the property; most schemes permit you to buy up to 100%* of the property. This does not have to be in one go. No rush, no pressure. You do not have to buy additional shares if you don’t want to.
Your Rent Decreases
As you buy more shares, the rent you pay to the housing association reduces proportionally. Own 100% and you pay no more rent at all.
Shares Are Valued at Current Prices
When you staircase, new shares are valued at current market rates. If your property has increased in value, you will purchase your share at the higher valuation.
You'll Need a New Mortgage
Most people remortgage/take out additional borrowing to buy more shares. We help arrange this as part of the staircasing process.
*Most properties allow you to staircase and own 100%, but some leases restrict this. Your solicitor will confirm the terms of the specific lease before you exchange.
💡 Example:
You originally bought 50% of a £200,000 property. Five years later, it’s worth £240,000. You decide to staircase and buy another 25%. Your new share costs £60,000 (25% of £240,000). We arrange a remortgage/additional borrowing to cover this, and your rent drops to just 25% of the property.
Can I Sell My Shared Ownership Home?
Yes, absolutely. You can sell whenever you want. There is no minimum ownership period. The process is similar to selling any home, with a few extra steps involving the housing association.
You Can Sell at Any Time
You’re not locked in. If your circumstances change, you have the right to sell your share. You may need to consider any early repayment charges that apply to your mortgage.
Housing Association Has First Refusal
The housing association usually has 8 weeks to find a buyer (to keep homes accessible). After that, it goes to the open market.
You Keep Proceeds from Your Share
If the property has increased in value, you benefit from the growth on your share. The housing association keeps gains on their share.
Estate Agent Fees Apply
Just like any sale, you’ll pay estate agent and solicitor fees. Factor these into your decision.
What If My Circumstances Change?
I lose my job or can't afford payments
Talk to your housing association and lender immediately. There may be payment holidays, reduced payments or support available. Don’t ignore it. Early communication helps.
I want to move to a different area
You can sell your Shared Ownership home and buy another (Shared Ownership or outright) elsewhere. Many people do this as their circumstances change.
I inherit money or get a pay rise
Great opportunity to staircase and increase your ownership. Reducing or eliminating rent gives you more financial breathing room.
I want to rent out my home
Why Shared Ownership Works Long-Term
You’re building equity in a real asset, not paying rent to a private landlord
Staircasing gives you a clear path to 100%* ownership over time
Property value growth benefits you on your share
You have stability and security. It’s your home.
You can make it yours: decorate and settle in.
*Most properties allow you to staircase and own 100%, but some leases restrict this. Your solicitor will confirm the terms of the specific lease before you exchange.
Life Is Unpredictable. Shared Ownership Isn't.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before buying. Shared Ownership gives you flexibility as your life evolves, whether that means staircasing, selling or simply staying put.
The most important thing is understanding your options clearly. We’ll help you think through different scenarios so you can make confident decisions now and in the future.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Get a Clear Cost Breakdown
We’ll walk you through the numbers so you know exactly what you’re committing to.