SHARED OWNERSHIP

Shared ownership schemes are a way for people to get onto the property ladder who might otherwise be unable to afford a home. In a nutshell, when you buy through shared ownership you will buy a percentage of a property and pay rent on the rest. You will usually buy between 25% and 75% of the property and have the ongoing option to buy further shares. Through this ‘staircasing’ method you can increase your stake up to 100% ownership. Since the scheme differs from a traditional home purchase, it’s important to engage an expert valuer who has experience of the shared ownership process to assess the exact market value of the property. Trinity Rose Chartered Surveyors provides a professional RICS valuation service to prospective purchasers of shared ownership properties; those considering increasing their share in their home through ‘staircasing’; and to homeowners wishing to sell their property. Read more about our valuation service for shared ownership properties, then contact us to find out how we can help you.

Shared ownership valuations to RICS Valuation Standards (Red Book)​

As RICS Surveyors and Registered Valuers, we have vast expertise in carrying out valuations for prospective purchasers. As more people turn to shared ownership and Help to Buy schemes, our valuers regularly conduct specialist valuations for properties purchased from registered providers, housing associations and residential developers.

It’s important to appoint an independent RICS registered valuer with local knowledge and experience of shared ownership schemes to ensure the inspection and subsequent valuation report reflect the exact Market Value of the property.

These standards apply to all shared ownership valuations, including;

  • those requested by prospective purchasers of shared ownership scheme properties;
  • owners who want to sell or pay off part of their loan;
  • and owners who want to purchase more shares in their home via ‘staircasing’.
Our expert team of independent RICS Registered Valuers carry out all valuations in strict accordance with the RICS ‘Red Book’, which embodies the professional standards that all valuations must adhere to. If you’d like to talk to us about conducting a shared ownership valuation for a property you’d like to buy or sell, please get in touch.
  • Specialist shared ownership valuations conducted by independent RICS registered valuers
  • Values based on 100% market value of the shared ownership property
  • Suitable for purchasers, vendors and for those wishing to sell or increase their share ownership through staircasing
  • Requires inspection resulting in a detailed report covering the property, location, condition, market commentary, comparable evidence and an assessment of market value

Find out more

For more information about shared ownership, we’ve put together a list of FAQs which answer a lot of common client queries.

Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more about how Trinity Rose can help with your shared ownership house survey, please get in touch. Our Chartered Surveyors have years of experience in exactly this area and will be happy to help.

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What is a shared ownership scheme?

Shared ownership is a scheme to help people buy a home without a large deposit.

Can I buy any house I want through shared ownership?

No. Shared ownership schemes are only available on specific properties which are usually new-builds or existing shared ownership properties which are being resold. Some properties in the scheme are in a ‘designated protected area’ and only available to people with a connection to the area. 

How big a deposit do I need?

You’ll usually need to put down at least a 5% deposit. However, this is just on the share you are buying, not the whole property price. You will then pay for the rest of your share with a mortgage.

Keep in mind that you will also need to pay rent.

How is rent calculated on shared ownership schemes?

The rent you’ll pay depends on a few things including the rate of rent and how big a share you’re renting. E.g. if you buy a 40% share of a £150,000 house, you will pay £60,000 using your deposit and mortgage. This leaves £90,000 worth of the home in the housing association’s ownership for you to rent.

If the housing association charges rent at 2.75% on that £90,000, you will need to pay £2,475 in rent over the year (£206.25 per month).  

Keep in mind that you will also need to meet your mortgage repayments.

Who is responsible for repairs to shared ownership homes?

If anything needs repairing then it’s usually your responsibility. The housing association will look after communal areas but you will probably have to pay a service charge for this. 

Can I make changes to my home?

It is usually fine to decorate your home however you like but you should check your lease before undertaking major renovations.

Can I be evicted from my shared ownership home?

You will own part of the home so the housing association cannot evict you in the same way as a 100% rented property. However, if you fail to meet your rental payments they may take you to court and even force you to sell your share of the home. 

How does shared ownership scheme work?

You will buy a share of a property: usually 25% – 75% in England although it can be as little as 10% in some cases. You will then rent the remaining share of the property from the registered provider/housing association.

Who qualifies for shared ownership scheme?

You may be able to buy a home through shared ownership if:

  • your household earns £80,000 a year or less (£90,000 a year or less in London)
  • AND you cannot afford all of the deposit and mortgage payments for a home that meets your needs

You must also be one of the following:

  • a first-time buyer
  • a previous homeowner who cannot afford to buy one now
  • a homeowner who wants to move but cannot afford a new home which is suitable for your needs
  • forming a new household e.g. after a divorce
  • a current shared owner who wants to move

What are the advantages and disadvantages of shared ownership?

Shared ownership can seem like the ideal solution but it’s important to look at the advantages and disadvantages before leaping in:

Advantages of shared ownership:

  • You may be able to get onto the property ladder sooner than if you were buying outright
  • You can buy further shares of your property in due course, meaning you own more/all of your home
  • The scheme may be less expensive than renting (but this is not necessarily the case)
  • You can sell a shared ownership property whenever you like (you’re not ‘locked in’) and you will benefit from any value increase on your share

Disadvantages of shared ownership:

  • Your choice of properties is limited to those in the scheme
  • Purchasing further shares of your property can be difficult if property value increases
  • It’s likely you’ll have to pay a service charge
  • It can be difficult to get a shared ownership mortgage
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How do I apply for a shared ownership scheme?

To apply for the scheme you must register with the Help to Buy agent in the area you want to live.

 

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Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR

t: 01962 880426