If you have studied the scheme and are eligible to own your home, you can search for shared ownership homes for sale using the recommended links below.

Finding and Buying Shared Ownership Homes

Search Tools for Finding Shared Ownership Homes

The first step in your search is knowing where to look. Shared ownership homes are not always listed on mainstream property portals, so it helps to use dedicated search tools.

• Search Tools for Shared Ownership Homes Outside London

• Find an organisation that sells shared ownership homes - GOV.UK

• Search Tool for Shared Ownership Homes in London

• Homes for Londoners search tool - GOV.UK

In addition to these official tools, many housing associations list available shared ownership properties directly on their own websites. It is worth checking the websites of housing associations that operate in your target area, as properties may appear there before they reach other listing platforms.

Some mainstream property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla also list shared ownership homes — look for filters that allow you to search specifically for shared ownership properties.

What to Look for When Searching

When browsing shared ownership listings, pay attention to:

• The share percentage available — this determines your deposit and mortgage requirements
• The full market value — this affects your total costs and the rent on the unowned share
• Monthly rent and service charges — these are ongoing costs beyond your mortgage
• Lease length — a lease with fewer than 80 years remaining can cause issues with mortgage eligibility and future resale value
• Location and transport links — consider your commute, local amenities, and the area’s long-term potential

New-Build vs Resale Shared Ownership

Shared ownership homes fall into two categories: new-build properties sold by a housing association for the first time, and resale properties being sold by an existing shared owner.

Key differences to consider:

• Lease length — new-build homes typically come with a 990-year lease under the Homes England 2021 model, while resale properties may have shorter leases that could need extending
• Warranty — new-builds usually include a 10-year NHBC or equivalent structural warranty; resale properties do not, and you may want to commission a homebuyer’s survey or full building survey
• Snagging issues — new-build homes can have minor defects (loose fittings, paint blemishes, drainage issues) that need to be reported to the developer within the defect liability period, typically the first two years
• Fixtures and condition — new-build kitchens and bathrooms will be brand new, while resale homes may need some updating but can offer better value and a more established neighbourhood
• Rent formula — newer leases are more likely to use CPI + 1% rather than the older RPI + 0.5%, which can result in lower annual rent increases over time
• Ground rent — new-build shared ownership homes granted since 2024 have peppercorn (£0) ground rent, while some older leases may charge an annual amount

Both options have their advantages — new-builds offer modern specifications and longer leases, while resales may be in more established locations and available at lower price points.

Arranging Viewings and Eligibility Checks

Once you find a home you like, you can contact the landlord or their sales agent to arrange a viewing. During the viewing, take note of the property’s condition, the communal areas (if it’s a flat), and any potential maintenance issues.

After the viewing, if you would like to proceed, the housing association will carry out eligibility checks to confirm that you meet the scheme’s criteria. They will typically check:

• Your household income is within the required range
• You are not currently able to buy a suitable home on the open market
• You have a satisfactory credit history
• You have sufficient savings for the deposit and associated buying costs

The affordability assessment may be handled by the housing association’s appointed mortgage broker. They will review your income, outgoings, and any existing debts to determine whether you can comfortably afford the mortgage, rent, and service charges.

The Reservation Process

If you are eligible to buy the home, you can pay a fee to the landlord to reserve it for a fixed period while the legal work continues. The reservation fee is typically up to £500 and will be deducted from the final amount you pay on the completion day.

Key things to know about the reservation:

• The reservation period is usually four to six weeks, though extensions may be possible
• You should use this time to instruct a solicitor and apply for your mortgage
• If you decide not to buy the home at the end, you will usually not receive a refund for the reservation fee
• The housing association may cancel the reservation if there are unreasonable delays on your side

Typical Timeline from Reservation to Completion

The journey from reserving a shared ownership home to getting the keys usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, though delays can extend this. Here is a rough timeline:

Stage	Typical timeframe
Reservation and solicitor instruction	Week 1
Mortgage application submitted	Weeks 1–2
Property searches ordered	Weeks 2–3
Mortgage offer received	Weeks 3–6
Lease review and enquiries	Weeks 4–8
Exchange of contracts	Weeks 8–10
Completion and key collection	Weeks 10–12

Delays are common — especially if searches take longer in your local authority area, or if the housing association is slow to respond to your solicitor’s enquiries. Stay in regular contact with your solicitor and mortgage broker to keep things moving.

Legal Professionals and the Transfer of Ownership

To transfer ownership of a property from the seller to you, you will need to enlist the services of a legal professional. You can choose to use a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. It is important to choose one with experience in shared ownership transactions, as the legal process is more complex than a standard purchase.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will:

• Review the shared ownership lease and explain its terms to you, including rent review clauses, service charge obligations, and any restrictions on alterations or subletting
• Carry out property searches (local authority, environmental, drainage, etc.)
• Review the conditions of your mortgage offer and ensure everything aligns
• Handle the exchange of contracts and completion
• Register the property in your name with the Land Registry

Choosing the Right Legal Professional

Look for a solicitor who is on your mortgage lender’s approved panel and has handled shared ownership cases before. You can ask the housing association for recommendations, but you are not obliged to use the solicitor they suggest. For more detailed guidance, see our article on how to choose the right solicitor.

We hope you can buy your affordable dream home soon!