That’s where the first time buyer scheme known as Shared Ownership comes in, providing a more affordable and flexible route into homeownership. With Shared Ownership Week 2025 shining a spotlight on the scheme, now is the perfect time to explore how it could help you.
What is Shared Ownership?
Shared Ownership is a government-backed first time home buyers scheme designed to make buying a property more achievable. Instead of purchasing 100% of a home outright, you buy a share (usually between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining portion.
Over time, you can buy more shares in your property in a process called Staircasing, with a possibility of eventually owning 100% of your home and not paying anymore rent.
Shared Ownership is particularly popular among first time buyers who struggle with large deposits or high monthly mortgage payments.
Why Shared Ownership matters for first time buyers
Getting onto the property ladder is difficult, especially in and around London. Shared Ownership offers:
- Lower deposit requirements – because your deposit is only based on the share you purchase, not the full market value.
- More manageable mortgage payments – with a smaller mortgage, your monthly outgoings can be significantly reduced.
- Flexibility for the future – you’re not locked into one share forever; you can gradually buy more as your finances grow.
For many, this makes Shared Ownership the most realistic first time buyer scheme available.
Key benefits of Shared Ownership for first time buyers
- Accessibility: Shared Ownership lowers the barrier to entry by letting you buy a smaller share of a home, meaning you only need a deposit and mortgage for that portion. It’s a practical way to get onto the property ladder sooner if a traditional mortgage feels out of reach. For example, if buying a home at full market value of £500,000, When buying a 25% share of £125,000, you would typically need a 10% deposit of only £12,500. Compare this to 10% of the full market value if buying on the open market which is £50,000.
- Security: Unlike private renting, where your monthly payments don’t build any long-term value, Shared Ownership allows you to build equity in your home from day one. Each mortgage payment contributes toward your share of the property, giving you a real stake in your future and the reassurance of stability that renting can’t always provide.
- Choice: Shared Ownership homes aren’t limited to one type of buyer or one type of location. Whether you want a flat in a busy city, a house in a family-friendly suburb, or a place in a quieter rural area, there are Shared Ownership opportunities across the UK. You can browse Shared Ownership properties on our Find a Home page.
- Scalability: Through Staircasing, you can gradually increase your share in the property over time. As your income grows or your savings improve, you can move closer to full ownership at a pace that works for you.
For anyone looking into first time buyer opportunities, these benefits can be a game-changer.
Shared Ownership Week 2025
Shared Ownership Week is an annual event designed to inform, educate, and support people looking for affordable routes into homeownership.
What’s happening this year:
- The London Home Show – 27th September 2025: The UK’s biggest event for first time buyers, hosted by Share to Buy. A free opportunity to hear from experts and explore homes available through shared ownership.
- First Time Buyer Magazine – 16th September 2025: A special Shared Ownership Week edition, packed with practical advice and step-by-step guides.
Frequently asked questions about Shared Ownership for first time buyers
Not exclusively. While it is designed with first time buyers in mind, it’s also open to people who used to own a home but can’t afford one now, as well as existing shared owners looking to move.
Usually, you’ll need at least 10% of the share you’re buying. For example, if you purchase a 25% share of a £400,000 property (£100,000), your deposit could be £10,000.
Yes. Through Staircasing, you can gradually buy more shares until you reach full ownership. The pace depends entirely on your financial situation.
