How does Shared Ownership work?

With Shared Ownership you purchase a share of a property — typically between 10% and 75% — and pay subsidised rent to a housing association on the remaining share. You take out a mortgage on your share only, which means smaller deposits and lower monthly mortgage payments. Over time you can 'staircase' (buy additional shares) until you own 100%.

Who is eligible for Shared Ownership?

To qualify you must be a first-time buyer (or a previous owner unable to currently afford to buy), have a household income of £80,000 or less (£90,000 in London), and be unable to afford a suitable home on the open market. Priority is often given to existing social housing tenants, key workers, and Armed Forces personnel.

What deposit do I need for a Shared Ownership mortgage?

Deposits for Shared Ownership mortgages are calculated on your share of the property, not the full value. For example, on a £200,000 property where you buy a 50% share (£100,000), a 10% deposit would be just £10,000. Some housing associations accept even lower deposits on their own share. We'll find the lowest deposit options available to you.

What is staircasing and how does it work?

Staircasing lets you buy additional shares in your Shared Ownership property over time. You can usually buy in chunks of 10% or more (check your lease). Each time you staircase, the price is based on an independent valuation at that point. Once you own 100%, you own the property outright. We can advise on remortgaging as you staircase.

Are Shared Ownership mortgages harder to get?

Shared Ownership mortgages are a specialist product — not every lender offers them, and criteria can differ from standard mortgages. We work with all the major Shared Ownership lenders and can identify which will offer the best rate and terms for your specific housing association and property.

Can I sell a Shared Ownership property?

Yes, though there are some restrictions. Your housing association usually has the right of first refusal — they can find a buyer for your share before you sell on the open market. This window is typically 8 weeks. After that, you can sell on the open market. We'd recommend checking your lease carefully, and we're happy to talk you through the implications.

Shared Ownership Specialists

Shared Ownership Mortgages in Manchester

Buy a share of your home — as little as 10% — and pay subsidised rent on the rest. A lower deposit, smaller mortgage, and a genuine route to full ownership. We'll find the best deal and handle everything.

Specialist in Shared Ownership lenders
We handle the mortgage and liaise with your housing association
Access to deals not available directly to buyers
Clear advice on staircasing and remortgaging
Most clients receive a mortgage offer within 48 hours
Free advice — we charge nothing for our service

Book Free Consultation Call 0161 000 0000

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. MortgageReady is authorised and regulated by the FCA.

Get Shared Ownership Advice

No obligation · No credit check · FCA regulated

FCA Regulated
Authorised broker
5-Star Rated
Google & Trustpilot
48-Hour Decision
Typical turnaround
500+ Clients
Manchester & beyond

The Process

How Shared Ownership Works

Shared Ownership is a government-backed scheme administered by housing associations. Here's how the journey looks from start to keys.

Find a Shared Ownership Property

Search housing association portals like SharetoBuy or Homes England for available properties in Greater Manchester.

Reserve Your Share

Decide on your share percentage (10–75%) based on what you can comfortably afford in mortgage and rent combined.

We Find Your Mortgage

We search Shared Ownership specialist lenders to find the best rate on your share. Most clients get a decision in 48 hours.

Legal Work & Completion

Your solicitor handles the lease. We liaise with your housing association to make sure everything moves smoothly to completion.

Is It Right For You?

Shared Ownership vs Standard Mortgage

Both routes have their advantages. Shared Ownership offers lower upfront costs and monthly payments, but you're also paying rent on the unowned share. A standard 95% mortgage means you own the property outright from day one but typically has higher monthly payments.

The best option depends on your income, savings, the local property market, and your long-term plans. Our advisers will model both scenarios for your specific situation so you can make a truly informed decision.

Lower deposit — calculated on your share only
Staircase to 100% ownership over time
Government-backed — regulated and secure
Priority for key workers and existing tenants

Quick Comparison

Minimum deposit

5–10% of your share

5% of full price

Own outright from day 1

Yes

Monthly mortgage cost

Lower

Higher

Rent payment

Yes (subsidised)

None

Can you extend ownership?

Yes — staircase to 100%

N/A

Property choice

Housing assoc. stock

Open market

Shared Ownership

Standard Mortgage

Shared Ownership Questions Answered

Still unsure? Call 0161 000 0000 for a no-obligation chat with one of our advisers.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book a free 30-minute call and we'll check your eligibility, model the numbers, and find your best Shared Ownership mortgage.

Book Free Consultation

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage.

← Back to First-Time Buyer Mortgages

Get Your Shared Ownership Mortgage Today

We specialise in Shared Ownership and work with all the leading lenders. Let's get you moving.

Book Free Consultation All First-Time Buyer Options →

Shared Ownership Mortgages in Manchester

Specialist in Shared Ownership lenders

We handle the mortgage and liaise with your housing association

Access to deals not available directly to buyers

Clear advice on staircasing and remortgaging

Most clients receive a mortgage offer within 48 hours

Free advice — we charge nothing for our service

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. MortgageReady is authorised and regulated by the FCA.

Shared Ownership vs Standard Mortgage

Lower deposit — calculated on your share only

Staircase to 100% ownership over time

Government-backed — regulated and secure

Priority for key workers and existing tenants