Shared Ownership Properties in Essex
Shared Ownership in Essex
The government home-buying scheme, which provides for the option to buy out a share of the property from a housing association, is called Shared Ownership. It applies not only to new buildings, but also to resale developments.
Shared ownership scheme mean that the buyer only pays the mortgage for their share of the home. The remainder of the rent is paid to the housing association. Using this scheme, the mortgage implies a significantly less amount. Also, the amount for making the required deposit is significantly less than with a direct purchase.
| Shared Ownership available on properties until 2023 | Shared Ownership available on properties from 2022 | |
| Minimum deposit | 5% of the share in the property | 5% of the share in the property |
| Minimum share of property for sale | 25% | 10% |
| Minimum ‘Staircasing’ | 10% share annually | 1% share annually, with reduced fees |
| Who pays for repairs | The buyer | The buyer receive support from his landowner for necessary repairs for 10 years |
| Exclusivity period for landowner to sell | 8 weeks | 4 to 8 weeks |
How does Shared Ownership Essex work?
To put it simply:
- Buyers decide for themselves how much of the property they can afford. The minimum share is 25% while the maximum share is 75%, depending on the developer. In some cases, in the staircasing process, you can buy out 100%.
- Next, buyers pay a deposit, which must be at least 5% of the value of their share (not the full purchase price!).
- To cover the rest, you need to take out a mortgage.
- Monthly costs: you pay rent on the part you do not own + mortgage payments.
*If desired, buyers can increase their share in the home. This process is called staircasing. Typically, this process can continue until the tenant owns 75% of the property. It is very rarely 100%.
What are the eligibility criteria for Shared Ownership Essex?
Essex Shared Ownership allows many people to become the owner of the desired house. But before choosing this scheme, you need to make sure that you fit the established criteria. To take advantage of the part buy part rent scheme, the buyer should ensure that it complies with the following rules.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Annual household income must be less than £90,000 (in London).
- Annual household income must be less than £80,000 (outside of London).
- Not allowed to own another home. If you already own another property (in the UK or abroad), you must be in the process of selling it.
- The buyer should not have the money to buy a home that meets his needs on the open market.
- To purchase one of the Shared Ownership homes, you must prove the absence of mortgage or rent arrears.
- Able to demonstrate a good credit history and show that you are able to afford the regular payments and costs involved in buying a home.
- It is preferable that the purchaser has some savings. He should be able to procure at least £4,000 to cover the costs of buying a home.
*Eligibility criteria may vary per housing association and therefore you should always check the exact criteria with the developer or housing association responsible for the exploitation of the property.
Can I increase my share of my Shared Ownership property to 100%?
Every purchaser in Shared Ownership scheme can increase their portion of property ownership. As referenced before, this process is called staircasing. If you are going to take this opportunity, before concluding a shared ownership contract, check with the housing organization for the particular staircasing conditions for the house you are about to purchase. Generally, conditions specify that the staircasing will happen in at least 10% tranches. Yet, at times, purchasers can promptly get the piece of possession that they need. The expense of the extra offer relies upon the cost of his home at the moment of staircasing. To have the option to claim 100% of the house quickly, thoroughly look at your rent agreement. Some housing associations limit the extent that a purchaser can gain because of staircasing, for instance, to 75%. Always discuss the details with the developer of your future home.
How does staircasing work?
The buyer can obtain 1% of the house at a time as an additional share using the staircasing system. Every time you make a purchase, it is essential to pay attention to the current market cost of the house. To do this, you need to use the services of a certified appraiser.
Also, you should take additional costs into account. Even though the extra share is already part of the existing house, you need to restructure the mortgage or pay Stamp Duty. The typical amount of fees during the staircasing process is around £2,000. But it can differ according to individual factors.
Shared Ownership Essex pros and cons
Shared Ownership houses for sale is an excellent opportunity to purchase a home that you cannot pay fully right away. However, you need to find out all the details. What Shared Ownership pros and cons can a potential buyer expect?
| Pros | Cons |
| + Minimum deposit. You can buy the home you want by paying a much lower mortgage than when buying the entire property. | - Unstable worth. Although rents are initially low, they can rise over time. |
| + Staircasing. You can raise your share of home ownership anytime. | - Extra fee. You will also have to pay for land and home maintenance. |
| + Simple sale. You can sell your piece of the home anytime. | - Repair restrictions. To improve your home, you need a permit from the housing association. |
| + Your decision. You decide for yourself how much of the property you want to own. | - Prohibition of sub-rent The Housing Association may place restrictions on your renting out property. |
Popular locations for Shared Ownership
Prices for new buildings in other cities
| Hertfordshire | from £567 / ft2 |
| London | from £937 / ft2 |
| Surrey | from £612 / ft2 |
| Kent | from £407 / ft2 |
| Buckinghamshire | from £581 / ft2 |
| Milton Keynes | from £349 / ft2 |
| Berkshire | from £456 / ft2 |
| Manchester | from £366 / ft2 |
| Greater Manchester | from £334 / ft2 |
Prices for apartments in other cities
| Hertfordshire | from £250 000 |
| London | from £192 000 |
| Surrey | from £155 000 |
| Kent | from £168 000 |
| Buckinghamshire | from £195 000 |
| Milton Keynes | from £214 995 |
| Berkshire | from £225 000 |
| Manchester | from £160 000 |
| Greater Manchester | from £125 000 |