keys icon

What is a shared ownership mortgage?

Image of Leanne Macardle

Leanne Macardle

Freelance Contributor
Advertisement

post it notes with shared ownership written on top

At a glance

  • Enables you to get your first foot on the property ladder by owning a part of your property.
  • May have attractive deals offered by a partner of the local authority or housing association.
  • Not universally available.

Shared ownership is where you buy a proportion of a property from a local authority or housing association – usually with the assistance of a mortgage – and rent the remaining part.

How do shared ownership mortgages work?

Normally you start off with buying 25% to 50% of the property, increasing to 75% or even 100% (if the housing association allows it) over time. This process, of buying a small amount of your property and then buying another stake later, is sometimes referred to as 'staircasing'.

The combined mortgage payment and rent of a shared ownership property should be less than the mortgage payment you may have faced had you secured a mortgage on the whole property (less your deposit). Therefore, this type of mortgage is suitable for those on lower income and are unable to get onto the housing ladder in the usual way.

Another advantage of shared ownership is that you don't have to provide so much of a deposit, which is why this type of scheme is popular with first-time buyers.

You only need to put up a percentage (normally 10% to 20%) of the stake in the property you are taking. So, if you were taking a 50% stake in a property worth £150,000, for instance, a 10% deposit represents £7,500, as opposed to the £15,000 if you were to buy the property outright with the help of a 90% LTV mortgage.

However, not all mortgage lenders allow shared ownership mortgages. Where they are offered, most lenders will generally let you choose from their full product range, although some may have products specifically for shared ownership.

Should I speak to a mortgage broker?

Mortgage brokers remove a lot of the paperwork and hassle of getting a mortgage, as well as helping you access exclusive products and rates that aren’t available to the public. Mortgage brokers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are required to pass specific qualifications before they can give you advice.

 

Speak to a mortgage broker today

 

MAB is the preferred mortgage broker of moneyfactscompare.co.uk

 

Mortgage Advice Bureau logo

Get friendly, expert advice free of charge as a visitor of moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

Mortgage Advice Bureau have 1,600 UK advisers with 200 awards between them.

Speak to an expert mortgage broker today.

Call 0808 149 9177 or request a callback

Mortgage Advice Bureau offers fee free mortgage advice for Moneyfacts visitors that call on 0808 149 9177. If you contact Mortgage Advice Bureau outside of these channels you may incur a fee of up to 1%. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm excluding bank holidays. Calls may be recorded.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Pros and cons of a shared ownership mortgage

  • Shared ownership mortgages give people who may not be able to afford a full mortgage an opportunity to get on the property ladder.
  • Lower deposit needed than for an ordinary mortgage product.
  • Not universally available from all mortgage lenders.
  • Some lenders may have additional criteria which you must meet.
  • Availability may be limited to certain professions and/or areas.

Mortgage calculator

Our mortgage calculator helps you to see how much your mortgage might cost you each month.

Our how much can I borrow calculator gives you a range of how much a lender might consider lending you under a mortgage. This calculation is only an indication only.

Moneyfacts tip

Moneyfacts tip Image of Leanne Macardle

Housing associations or house builders will often have special arrangements with a mortgage lender, giving you access to exclusive shared ownership mortgage deals.

Disclaimer: This information is intended solely to provide guidance and is not financial advice. Moneyfacts will not be liable for any loss arising from your use or reliance on this information. If you are in any doubt, Moneyfacts recommends you obtain independent financial advice.

post it notes with shared ownership written on top

At a glance

  • Enables you to get your first foot on the property ladder by owning a part of your property.
  • May have attractive deals offered by a partner of the local authority or housing association.
  • Not universally available.

Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will never contact you by phone to sell you any financial product. Any calls like this are not from Moneyfacts. Emails sent by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will always be from news@moneyfacts-news.co.uk. Be ScamSmart.

Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will never contact you by phone to sell you any financial product. Any calls like this are not from Moneyfacts. Emails sent by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will always be from news@moneyfacts-news.co.uk. Be ScamSmart.