Shared ownership schemes can be a great way to get onto the property ladder and to benefit from any increase in the value of your home. The schemes are operated by housing associations and work by enabling you to buy into a property you would otherwise be unable to afford.
To buy under a shared ownership scheme you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Each housing association has their own requirements, which will usually include the need to show that your household income is below a certain amount, that you are a first-time buyer or setting up home following the breakdown of your relationship, and that you do not already own a property elsewhere.
To fund your purchase you will usually need to pay a deposit of at least five per cent of the purchase price and be able to secure a mortgage for the balance. You will need to make regular mortgage payments to your lender and regular rent payments to the housing association in respect of the share of the property they still own.
Typically, the share you can buy will initially be limited to between 25 and 75 per cent. However, it may be possible for you to acquire a bigger share at some point in the future through a process known as ‘staircasing’ and in certain cases to even buy the whole of the property outright.
Buying through a shared ownership scheme requires specialist legal advice. At Hatten Wyatt Solicitors in Kent we have a team of conveyancing lawyers who can help.
Drawing on many years of experience dealing with shared ownership, they can:
- explain how the shared ownership scheme relevant to you operates, including the terms of any lease you will be required to sign;
- explain the terms of your mortgage offer;
- ensure you understand the financial commitments involved in proceeding;
- assess whether stamp duty land tax will be payable on your purchase;
- discuss your options where stamp duty land tax will be payable, including ways to keep your tax bill as low as possible if you plan to increase your share;
- register your interest in the property with the Land Registry;
- help you acquire a further share in the property where this is possible; and
- assist you in selling your share in the property.
We can also provide advice on other schemes designed to help get you on the property ladder, including Help to Buy Equity Loans for new build homes and the Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee for older properties.
Advising individuals throughout Gravesend, Kent and beyond
We have offices in Maidstone, Gravesend, Tonbridge, Chatham and Tenterden where we can meet you to discuss your requirements.
We can also offer meetings at your home if necessary, and in exceptional circumstances a telephone appointment can be arranged via skype.
Our conveyancing fees
The cost of buying a property through a shared ownership scheme will vary depending on your circumstances. We are happy to provide a no obligation estimate upon request or you can find our conveyancing fees here.
Get in touch with our shared ownership solicitors in Gravesend, Kent
If you need help to buy through a shared ownership scheme, please get in touch to see how we can assist. You can call us on 01474 351199 or use our contact form and we will call you.