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Shared Ownership explained

Have you dreamt of buying your own home, but felt the traditional path was just out of reach? Shared Ownership could be the key you’re looking for. This government-backed initiative is designed to help you step onto the property ladder, turning your aspiration into a reality. Think of it as a pathway, making that home you’ve imagined more attainable.

Imagine finding a home perfectly suited to your budget, where you begin by owning a share – typically starting from 10% up to 75%. You’re not merely renting; you are a part-owner, building equity while paying rent on the portion of the property you don’t yet own. It’s a significant first step into a place you can truly call yours.

A step on the ladder. In reach.

Buy a share from 10% to 75%, pay rent on the rest, and grow your ownership over time.

See how it works Check if I’m eligible
Your share40%
10%75%
A family walking together in front of a modern brick home

Could Shared Ownership work for you?

Our Shared Ownership eligibility checker is a simple way to see whether Shared Ownership could be right for you.

In just a few steps, you can find out if you meet the key criteria, understand what may affect your application, and feel more confident about your next move.

Shared Ownership is designed to help more people take a step onto the property ladder with a lower deposit and a smaller mortgage than buying outright.

Our checker can help you explore whether you may be eligible based on factors such as your household income, current home ownership status and affordability.

If you are thinking about buying a Shared Ownership home, start here. It is quick, easy to use and gives you a clearer idea of whether you could qualify before you begin your application.

Shared Ownership eligibility criteria

  • Is your household income within the limit?

    The limit is £80,000 a year, or £90,000 if you are buying in London.

  • Do you own another home?

    Shared Ownership is mainly for people who do not already own a home.

  • Will this be your main home?

    A Shared Ownership home must be your main residence.

I’m ready to apply Search for available homes

Try our Shared Ownership mortgage calculatorSee the monthly picture

Our calculator gives you a helpful estimate of what your monthly costs could look like. The exact share you'll be able to buy depends on the property itself, along with your eligibility and affordability. This a guide rather than a quote, offer or affordability assessment. The figures don't include insurance, Council Tax, utilities, legal costs, Stamp Duty or other charges. We recommend speaking with an independent mortgage broker before making any decisions. This calculator is only to be used for brand new Shared Ownership homes. Our resale homes have different rent calculations, ask your sales consultant for details.

The interactive calculator loads when JavaScript is available. Arrange your affordability assessment to confirm your costs.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR RENT.

Your route from search to keys

Shared Ownership is a structured process, with specialists supporting the financial and legal steps along the way.

  1. Find a home

    Explore available homes, prices, floorplans and development information to find a place that feels right.

    Search homes

  2. Talk to us

    A Sales Consultant answers your questions and guides you through the initial application.

    Chat on WhatsApp

  3. Check affordability

    A specialist adviser helps confirm the share and monthly costs you can sustainably afford.

    Start your assessment

  4. Reserve

    When you are ready, complete the reservation form. New-build homes usually have a £500 reservation fee, deducted on completion.

  5. Choose a solicitor

    Appoint a solicitor or conveyancer, ideally one who understands Shared Ownership leases.

    See our recommended solicitors

  6. Memorandum of sale

    We send the purchase details and target exchange date to everyone involved so the legal work can begin.

  7. Conveyancing

    Your solicitor reviews searches, the lease and property information, and raises any questions with our solicitor.

  8. Mortgage offer

    Your formal mortgage offer confirms the loan, fees and repayments. We review it before the sale moves forward.

  9. Exchange

    You and HomeMade Homes exchange contracts. The purchase becomes legally binding and a completion date can be agreed.

  10. Complete & move in

    Funds are transferred, completion is confirmed and the keys are yours. Welcome home.

The questions people ask us most

Will I have to share my home with someone else?
No. Shared Ownership means you own a share of your home and pay rent on the rest. You don't share the house with anyone. It's your home to live in alone or with your own family, exactly as you would with any other property.
I’m interested in a home, what’s next?

Your first step: financial assessment Your journey begins with a financial assessment tailored to your budget. We work with three approved brokers who will review your affordability and eligibility for Shared Ownership, and can advise on suitable mortgages if needed. Start your assessment online here>>>
 Your second step: application form Alongside your assessment, please complete our application form. Start your application form online here >>>. Once the broker confirms the outcome of your affordability assessment and we receive their final sign-off, we will be in touch to guide you through our available homes and you can then reserve your chosen home.
Can I view the home before I decide?
Our brand new homes are available to buy "off-plan". This means you can reserve your chosen property using the plans and information on our website. Why off-plan? Quite simply, we’re still busy building, and a construction site isn’t a safe place to welcome you for a viewing just yet. The good news is that once your home is complete, we’d be delighted to arrange a viewing so you can see it for yourself.
Can I decorate and make changes?
You can decorate your home. Structural changes and some alterations will need written permission, so check your lease and speak with us before starting major work.
Can I sell my share in the future?
Yes. Contact us first so the team can check your lease. There is usually a nomination period in which we try to find a buyer before you can market the share on the open market. Valuation, legal and sales fees can apply.
Who pays for repairs?
You are responsible for repairs and maintenance, whatever share you own. Some new-model leases may include limited support of up to £500 a year for certain essential repairs during the first 10 years. Check the property’s Key Information Document to see if this applies to the home you want to buy.
What costs should I plan for?
Upfront costs can include your deposit, solicitor fees, mortgage fees, a valuation fee, Stamp Duty where payable and, on many new-build homes, a £500 reservation fee. Ongoing costs can include mortgage repayments, rent, service charge, Council Tax, contents insurance and utilities.
Can I buy more shares in the future?
Yes, you can do this by a process known as Staircasing. This means buying more shares in your home later. This usually reduces the rent you pay on the remaining share. A current valuation by a RICS-qualified surveyor is needed, and legal, mortgage and valuation costs can apply. Some homes might have a cap on the maximum share you can own, check the property’s Key Information Document to see if this applies to the home you want to buy.
Can I buy my share without a mortgage?
You can, subject to completing a financial assessment. Even without a mortgage, we need to assess your finances to confirm the home is affordable and that you meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria. One of our approved mortgage brokers will carry out this assessment.