🔍 Advanced calculator

Eligibility, Affordability & Staircasing

Check if you qualify for shared ownership, estimate your true monthly costs with dual income support, and see how staircasing to full ownership compares.

🔒 No sign-up needed 👥 Dual applicant support 🇬🇧 UK PAYE tax 2025-26
  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Income cap, buyer status, age, and residency requirements.

  2. 2

    Enter your details

    Property, income, debts — with optional second applicant.

  3. 3

    See full results

    Budget breakdown, affordability checks, and staircasing projection.

💡 Looking for a quick estimate? Try our simple calculator instead.
Est. monthly total£784.17
Check your eligibility
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30
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Household incomeEnter your household income.
✅
AgeYou meet the minimum age requirement (18+).
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Buyer statusSelect your buyer status.
✅
Right to reside in the UKYou have confirmed your right to reside in the UK.
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You may not be eligible — check the criteria aboveYou can still explore affordability, but check with a housing provider before applying.

Before you rely on these numbers

  • This is an estimator, not a mortgage offer. Real monthly payments depend on your lender, your scheme, fees, and whether the property is new build or resale.
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the housing provider, not this tool. Income caps and criteria may vary by scheme.
  • Rent is often reviewed annually by the housing association and can increase.
  • This site is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial advice. Always speak to a qualified mortgage adviser.

Common questions

Who is eligible for shared ownership?

You must be at least 18 years old with the right to reside in the UK. Your combined household income must be £80,000 or less (£90,000 in London). You also need to be a first-time buyer, a previous owner who can no longer afford to buy, or someone forming a new household.

How is rent calculated?

Rent is typically set at 2.75% per year of the value of the share you don't own, divided into monthly payments. As you buy more shares (staircase), rent decreases because you own a larger portion.

What is staircasing?

Staircasing lets you buy additional shares over time until you own 100%. Each purchase is at current market value. Once you reach full ownership, you stop paying rent to the housing association.

Can two people apply together?

Yes. Partners or joint applicants can combine incomes. This calculator estimates each person's take-home pay individually using UK PAYE tax and NI rates, then adds them together for the affordability assessment.

What is ground rent?

Ground rent is a charge paid to the freeholder. Most new-build shared ownership homes granted since 2024 have a peppercorn (£0) ground rent, but older properties may charge a set annual amount.

Is this financial advice?

No. This tool is for informational purposes only. Lenders use their own affordability models. For personalised advice, please consult an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.

Ready to explore further?

Read our step-by-step guides or use the simple calculator for a quick cost estimate.

Read our guides → Simple calculator