The Help to Buy Shared Ownership Scheme was introduced by the UK Government in England (Scotland and Wales have their own schemes) to help both first time buyers and former homeowners to get back onto the housing ladder. Unlike the Government’s “Help to Buy Equity Loan” which is only available to buyers of new-build homes, the shared ownership scheme is available for the purchase of older homes too.
The scheme works on the basis that rather than having to put together a deposit and mortgage to purchase the whole of the property, a buyer can now purchase part of the property with the other 25 - 75% of the home being owned by a third party under the terms of this scheme. The homeowner then pays the mortgage every month in the usual way and in addition, pays a rental payment for the remaining share not owned by them.
The Shared Ownership Scheme is open to buyers that do not currently own a home (or are existing shared-ownership’ homeowners looking to move, as long as their household income is £80,000 or less outside London (£90,000 inside London).
If you are over 55 ask us about the Older People’s Shared Ownership Scheme which offers a rent free option on the share of the home you don’t own (up to a maximum of 25% of the home).
Only members of the armed forces enjoy special priority rights when applying for Government-sponsored shared ownership schemes but local authorities may offer priority rights to other groups. Click here for Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disabilities (HOLD) for more details or call us for a chat.
For more details on the various Government Help to Buy Mortgage Schemes available through Mortgage Required contact us or speak to a mortgage adviser on 01628 507477.
According to Nationwide Building Society’s latest House Price Index, house prices dropped 0.6% month on month in May – the first monthly decline this year.
4 days ago
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
13 days ago
Research from Lloyds identifies the most affordable areas in the UK for first-time buyers to be able to get onto the property ladder.
On Wednesday, 13th May, King Charles delivered his speech at the House of Lords, outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.
Here is a summary of the housing and energy/environment points.
From 18th May 2026, Halifax (part of Lloyds Banking Group) is launching a ‘£5k Deposit mortgage’ to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder sooner.
Homeowners could be faced with paying over £3,000 more per year on their mortgage if the conflict in the Middle East continues, following new analysis from INTEREST from Moneyfacts.
28 Apr 2026
The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
28 Apr 2026
Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer.