The short answer
Under England’s shared ownership scheme you buy part of a leasehold home and pay rent to the provider on the rest. Some homes allow an initial share as low as 10%, but the exact range and lease terms vary. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate different schemes.
Who may qualify
Current England guidance generally requires household income of no more than £80,000, or £90,000 in London, and that you cannot afford the deposit and mortgage for a suitable home outright. You must also fit an eligible buyer category, and some developments apply local connection or priority rules.
Budget every monthly cost
- mortgage payment on your share
- rent on the provider’s share and its review formula
- service and estate charges
- buildings-related charges and reserve funds
- repairs, maintenance and contents insurance
You can be responsible for all internal repairs despite owning only part. Some newer leases include a limited initial repair period, but eligibility, covered work and allowances must be checked in the key information document and lease.
Buying more shares
Staircasing reduces the unsold share and normally the rent. The available increments depend on the lease and funding programme: newer model leases may permit 1% annual purchases for a limited period and standard purchases of 5% or more, while older leases can require larger increments. Budget for valuation, legal, mortgage and administration costs, and check tax consequences.
Selling is not identical to an ordinary sale
The provider may have a nomination period to find an eligible buyer and may control valuation and marketing steps. Check fees, the required RICS valuation, lease length, building-safety documents and what happens if no buyer is nominated. Arrears can delay or jeopardise a sale.
Questions before reserving
- What are the full-market value and exact initial share?
- How are rent and service charges reviewed?
- Who pays for each category of repair?
- Can you staircase to 100%, or is ownership capped?
- What permissions apply to alterations, pets and subletting?
- How does resale work and what fees apply?
- How many years remain on the lease?
Sources and limitations
Read GOV.UK’s shared ownership guide, including eligibility, repairs, staircasing and selling. Rules vary by nation, funding programme, provider and lease. Use a conveyancer and mortgage adviser experienced in shared ownership.
Reviewed by the Properties & Homes editorial team
Published and last reviewed: 14 August 2026.
Change log: first edition.