Shared Ownership Mortgages

Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme that allows you to purchase a share of a property (usually between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. You can then choose to purchase additional shares in the property (known as staircasing) until you own it outright. This is a great option for first-time buyers or those who may not be able to afford to purchase a property outright.

• Reduced up-front costs: Since buyers are only purchasing a portion of the home, the down payment and closing costs are typically lower than for a traditional mortgage.

• Affordable monthly payments: Because buyers are only paying a mortgage on a portion of the home, and paying rent on the remaining portion, the monthly payments are typically lower than for a traditional mortgage.

• Flexibility to buy more of the home: With shared ownership mortgages, buyers have the option to purchase additional shares of the home in the future, eventually owning the home outright.

• Eligibility for government assistance: Some shared ownership mortgages are eligible for government assistance programs, such as the Help to Buy scheme, which can help buyers with the deposit.

• Limited equity: As buyers are only purchasing a portion of the home, they also only build equity in that portion. This can limit the potential appreciation of the property, and make it harder to sell in the future.

• Rent payments: In addition to mortgage payments, buyers also have to pay rent on the remaining portion of the home. This can increase the overall cost of homeownership.

• Limited choice: Some shared ownership schemes can limit the area you can purchase in, or the number of properties that are available.

• Eligibility: Not every one may be eligible for the scheme and this could further limit the properties available.

Eligibility for shared ownership can vary depending on the specific scheme and the property you’re interested in. Generally, you must be a first-time buyer or someone who cannot afford to purchase a property outright. You may also need to meet certain income criteria and be able to demonstrate that you can afford the mortgage payments.

I can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process.

The amount of deposit required for a shared ownership mortgage can vary depending on the lender and the percentage of the property that you’re purchasing. Generally, you will need to have a deposit of at least 5% of the share you’re purchasing, although some lenders may require a higher deposit. I can help you find a lender that best suits your needs and budget.

Having a bad credit score can make it more difficult to secure a shared ownership mortgage, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to purchase a property. I have access to a wide range of lenders and can help you find one that’s more flexible with poor credit history.

Yes, shared ownership schemes allow you to purchase additional shares in the property, known as staircasing. This can be done in stages or all at once, depending on your financial situation and the lender’s terms.

If this is something you want to consider, I can help you understand the staircasing process and guide you through it.