Shared Ownership Hub: Guides, Criteria and Steps

What is Shared Ownership?

Shared Ownership is a government-backed scheme designed to help people onto the property ladder. It’s aimed at first time buyers and those who find it challenging to buy through the traditional route of Outright sale.

The scheme works on a part-buy, part-rent basis. You’ll purchase a share of a leasehold home – with Hyde New Homes, this is usually between 40% and 50%, but smaller or larger shares may be available at some developments – and pay subsidised rent on the rest.

Find out if you meet the criteria for shared ownership in our guide to eligibility:

How to know if you’re eligible for Shared Ownership

Hyde Shared Ownership Buying Guides

From the steps to buying your first home to understanding the resale process, our buyer resources and how-to guides cover everything you need to know about Shared Ownership.

Shared Ownership Guides

Staircasing Shared Ownership Explained

Shared Ownership gives you the option to buy more shares in your home over time. This process is called ‘staircasing’, and it allows you to work towards full ownership at a pace that suits you.

What is staircasing and how does it work?

The benefits of staircasing your Hyde shared ownership home

The more shares you own, the less rent you’ll pay to Hyde.
Staircasing to 100% means you’ll own your home outright and won’t pay any rent (apart from ground rent, where applicable).
If the property is a house and you staircase to 100%, you’ll become the freeholder.
The more of the home you own, the more you’ll benefit from increases to the property’s value.
Staircasing to full ownership gives you more freedom when it comes to selling.
Owning 100% of your home widens your mortgage options.

Selling your Hyde Shared Ownership Home

You’re free to sell your Shared Ownership home at any time. Typically, your lease will include a nomination period during which Hyde has the first opportunity to market your home and find a suitable buyer.

If you staircase to 100% ownership, you can sell your home on the open market and won’t be required to give Hyde the first opportunity to market the home.

Learn more about the process of selling your Shared Ownership home in our dedicated guide:

Everything you need to know about selling your Shared Ownership home

Shared Ownership Success Stories

From Living with Dad to a First Home with River Views

Carole’s Shared Ownership Success Story at Spring Acres, Sittingbourne

Gregg & Lizzy’s Family Shared Ownership Journey at Whitstable Heights

Derek’s Buying Journey: From Renting to Shared Ownership in London

Hyde Shared Ownership: Bringing Your First Home Within Reach

Trusted by first time buyers across London, Kent and Sussex, Hyde New Homes is an award-winning provider of Shared Ownership homes. From the first enquiry to your first keys, our team guides you all the way.

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Shared Ownership FAQs

Is Shared Ownership a good idea?

Is it difficult to sell a Shared Ownership property?

If you decide to sell your Shared Ownership home, Hyde will have a four-week nomination period to market the property and find a suitable buyer.

Our in-house resale team specialises in selling Shared Ownership homes and offers a comprehensive marketing and sales service to make the selling process as smooth as possible.

If we don’t find a suitable buyer within the nomination period, you can market your home through an estate agent.

If you’ve staircased to 100%, you can sell through an estate agent without first giving Hyde the opportunity to market the home.

Who qualifies for Shared Ownership?

What is the minimum income for Shared Ownership in London?

There is no minimum income requirement for Shared Ownership in London, but your annual household income must be below £90,000 (or £80,000 outside of London).

As part of the application process, you must pass an affordability assessment to demonstrate that you can manage the costs of Shared Ownership and have a minimum of 10% of your income remaining after all expenditure has been accounted for. Find out more in our Shared Ownership allocation and affordability policy.

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