Is Shared Ownership Right for You?

Jul 18, 2025
2 min read

Looking to step onto the property ladder but unsure if you can afford it alone? Shared ownership might be the solution.

With rising house prices and high deposit requirements, getting onto the housing ladder can feel out of reach. Shared ownership offers an alternative path for those who can't afford to buy a home outright. At Endurance Mortgages, we help you understand whether it suits your situation and how to make the most of it.

What Is Shared Ownership?

Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme that lets you buy a share of a home (usually between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining portion to a housing association.

Who it’s for:

First-time buyers.
Previous homeowners who can’t currently afford to buy again.
Individuals with a household income below a set threshold (currently around £80,000 outside London).

Why it matters: It reduces the size of the mortgage you need and lowers your deposit, making homeownership more accessible.

Pros of Shared Ownership

Shared ownership comes with several key benefits:

Lower deposit: You only need a deposit for the share you're buying, not the full property value.
More affordable monthly costs: Combining mortgage payments with subsidised rent can be cheaper than renting privately.
Potential to 'staircase': You can buy more shares of the property over time, eventually owning it outright.

Why it may work for you:

If you have a stable income but limited savings, shared ownership offers a more manageable entry into the housing market.

Things to Consider

While it’s a great option for many, shared ownership isn’t for everyone.

Points to keep in mind:

You’ll still pay rent, service charges, and ground rent.
Selling your home later may be slightly more complicated.
Some properties are only available through specific housing associations.

Why advice matters:

It's important to fully understand the terms, costs, and restrictions before committing. A mortgage broker can help you navigate this.

How Endurance Mortgages Can Help

At Endurance Mortgages, we work closely with lenders who offer shared ownership mortgages and understand the specific criteria involved.

We’ll help you:

Determine if you're eligible.
Find a mortgage tailored to your budget and goals.
Explain your options to staircase or sell in the future.

Final Thoughts

Shared ownership can be a smart way to take your first step into homeownership without overstretching financially. It’s not just about buying a property, it’s about finding the right path for your future.

Key takeaways:

✓ Shared ownership lets you buy a share of a home and rent the rest.

✓ It lowers the upfront deposit and total mortgage needed.

✓ With expert guidance, it could be your stepping stone to full ownership.

Interested in finding out if shared ownership is right for you? Our team at Endurance Mortgages is here to guide you through every step.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.

Endurance Mortgages Ltd is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales no. 15060351. Registered Address: Worting House, Church Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG23 8PX.