Buying more shares in your home (also known as staircasing) is a simple process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Step 1: Check your finances 

Before you get started, it’s important to understand what buying more shares will mean for you.

You may want to speak to an independent financial or mortgage adviser. You can view our guidance list of advisors here. They can help you:

• Understand how much you can afford to buy.
• Check if you need a mortgage.
• See how your monthly payments may change.

You can also use our calculator to get an idea of how your rent might change.

Step 2: Arrange a valuation 

To set the price of the share you want to buy, your home needs to be valued by an independent surveyor.

• The surveyor must be registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• The valuation is based on your home’s current market value.
• You’ll pay the surveyor directly.

Once you’ve arranged your valuation, you’ll need to complete our application so we can provide the surveyor with the right information.

Find a surveyor

Step 3: Choose a solicitor 

You’ll need a solicitor to handle the legal side of your purchase. 

We recommend choosing one early, so you understand the costs involved from the start. If possible, choose a solicitor with experience in shared ownership.

Find a local solicitor

Step 4: Apply to buy more shares 

When you’re ready, complete our staircasing application form. 

Once we receive your application:

• We’ll set up your case.
• We’ll contact your surveyor.
• We’ll review your details and next steps.

We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

Step 5: Confirmation to want to go ahead 

When your valuation is complete, we’ll review it and confirm the price of the share you want to buy.

If you’re happy to continue, you’ll need to:

• Confirm how much share you’d like to buy.
• Let us know your chosen solicitor (if you haven’t already).

Once this is done, your purchase can move forward and you can complete to confirmation to proceed form. 

What happens next?

After you’ve confirmed you want to proceed:

• Your solicitor and our solicitor will handle the legal work.
• Your purchase will be finalised.
• Your ownership share will be updated.

We’ll continue to support you until everything is complete.

Things to keep in mind

• The price of your share is based on your home’s current market value.
• You’ll need to pay costs such as valuation, legal, mortgage and administration fees.
• Your lease will set out how and when you can staircase.
• Buying more shares usually reduces the rent you pay.

We recommend reading your shared ownership documents and getting independent advice if you’re unsure.

Important information

Shared ownership is different from buying a home outright.

• You’ll continue to pay rent on the share you don’t own.
• Your lease may place restrictions on selling, letting or staircasing, and you may not be able to buy up to 100% in all cases.
• The price of additional shares is based on your home’s current market value and can go up or down.
• You’ll need to pay costs such as valuation, legal, mortgage and administration fees.
• You could risk losing your home and any money you’ve invested if you’re unable to keep up mortgage or rent payments.

We strongly recommend reading your lease and seeking independent financial and legal advice before proceeding.