Buying more shares

Once you've settled in your shared ownership home, you will have the option to buy more shares. This is also known as Staircasing.

Key information about staircasing

Before you decide to buy more shares in your home, it’s important to understand:

• You’re buying a bigger share of your current home, not a new property.
• You’ll continue to pay rent on the share you don’t own.
• The price is based on your home’s current market value at the time you buy.
• You’ll need to cover valuation and legal costs.
• What you can buy depends on the terms in your lease.

We recommend reading your shared ownership documents carefully and getting independent financial and legal advice before you go ahead.

What is staircasing?

Staircasing is the process of buying more shares in your shared ownership home.
As your share increases:

• The rent you pay usually goes down.
• You own a larger percentage of your home.

In some cases, you may be able to buy up to 100% of your home, depending on your lease. 

What does staircasing cost?

Alongside the cost of the share you’re buying, you’ll usually need to pay for:

• A valuation by a RICS-qualified surveyor
• Legal fees
• Mortgage or lender fees (if you’re borrowing)
• An administration fee set by your housing provider

Costs will vary depending on your circumstances, so it’s important to understand all fees before proceeding.

Valuation and pricing

Your home will be valued by an independent chartered surveyor.

• The price you pay is based on this current valuation
• The valuation is only valid for a limited time and must still be in date when you complete. 

If your valuation expires before completion, you may need to arrange and pay for a new one.

Your lease and any restrictions

Your lease explains:

• When you can staircase.
• How much you can buy.
• Whether any restrictions apply.

Some homes may:

• Limit staircasing to less than 100%.
• Restrict when you can buy additional shares.

If you’re unsure, check your lease or speak to us.

How staircasing works

Step 1 – Check your finances
You may want to speak to an independent financial or mortgage adviser.

Step 2 – Get a valuation
Arrange a valuation with a qualified surveyor.

Step 3 – Instruct a solicitor
A solicitor will manage the legal side of your purchase.

Step 4 – Confirm your purchase
We’ll confirm the price based on your valuation and guide you through the next steps.

Risks and important considerations

Shared ownership works differently from buying a home outright. It’s important to be aware that:

• You’ll continue to pay rent on the share you don’t own.
• Property values can go up or down, affecting the price of shares.
• Your lease may place restrictions on selling or using your home.
• You could risk losing your home if you’re unable to keep up with mortgage or rent payments.

Make sure you fully understand these risks before deciding to proceed.

Incentives (if applicable)

Occasionally, incentives may be available.

• They’re subject to full terms and conditions.
• Eligibility criteria and time limits may apply.
• They can be withdrawn or changed at any time.
  We’ll provide full details where relevant.

Further information

You should read:

• Your lease.
• Your shared ownership key information documents.

These explain your rights, responsibilities, and costs in more detail.

If you have any questions, our Staircasing team is here to help.