Staircasing means buying more shares in a shared ownership property. The minimum share you can purchase depends on your lease and the shared ownership model. Older leases commonly require increments of 10% or more, while some newer leases allow standard staircasing in increments of 5% and may also provide a limited 1% gradual staircasing option.
Shared Ownership Staircasing
Staircasing
A step-by-step guide to buying more shares in your home.
Staircasing information booklet (PDF)
Your lease
Sets the minimum share you can buy. Commonly increments of 10% or more, or 5% under some newer leases.
100%
Reaching full ownership can remove rent on the housing association share.
Your property value, lease, affordability, mortgage options, and costs all shape whether staircasing is suitable.
What is staircasing?
Buy more of the home you already live in.
Rent reduces, costs may not
Buying more shares normally reduces the rent on the housing association's share, but your mortgage payment will increase and your overall monthly cost may also rise.
Lease rules matter
Some leases may limit the maximum share, such as 80%, or limit how often you can staircase.
Is staircasing viable?
The first step is working out whether staircasing is a viable option. This depends on your financial circumstances, the current property value, lease rules, and the additional share you want to buy.
Initial appraisal
SRC can provide an initial staircasing appraisal free of charge and without obligation, then estimate the likely costs before you decide whether to move ahead.
Property valuation
The housing association will normally require a valuation by a RICS qualified surveyor. The valuation fee is usually payable upfront.
The process
Three practical stages.
01
Initial appraisal
Contact SRC for a free no-obligation appraisal.
We will confirm whether staircasing is possible and provide you with an estimate of the costs.
02
Notify the housing association
You will need to contact your housing association to inform them of your intentions.
They will normally require you to complete a Staircasing Instruction Form and ask for the property to be valued.
The valuation will need to be conducted by a RICS qualified surveyor, which you will need to pay for. If you decide not to proceed after the survey has been completed, you will not receive a refund.
03
Buying more shares
SRC will advise you on the additional share that you can afford to purchase.
If you are not staircasing to 100%, your housing association may require you to complete a financial assessment to check that the additional share purchase is affordable. This is something SRC can help you with.
At this stage you will need to appoint a solicitor to act on your behalf. SRC would recommend using a firm familiar with shared ownership and can provide details of firms that may assist you.
Costs to plan for
Know the moving parts before you commit.
The initial appraisal is free and without obligation. If you decide to staircase, these are the common costs to allow for.
Valuation fee
Usually payable upfront and normally non-refundable once the survey has been completed.
Housing association fee
An administration fee may be payable, often at completion.
Solicitor fees
A solicitor familiar with shared ownership can act on your behalf.
Mortgage lender fees
Lender fees may apply if you are increasing borrowing or changing your mortgage.
SRC staircasing fee
SRC will explain any advice or arrangement fee as part of the appraisal.
Stamp Duty advice
Stamp Duty Land Tax can depend on your position, so speak with your solicitor for advice.
Staircasing FAQs
Questions clients often ask first.
These answers are a starting point. SRC will check your lease, valuation, affordability, and mortgage options before giving personal guidance.
How is the share price calculated?
The share price is calculated from the current market value of the property.
For example, if you wished to buy a further 20% and your property was valued at GBP 500,000, the purchase price would be GBP 100,000.
How can I purchase more shares?
Most people buy more shares by increasing their mortgage, but surplus cash can also be used.
If your employment circumstances have improved, it is likely you can increase the amount you can borrow. SRC can calculate your maximum borrowing during the initial appraisal.
What about my rent?
Buying more shares normally reduces the rent payable on the housing association's share. However, your mortgage payment will increase and your overall monthly cost may also rise. Service charges will usually continue, and early repayment charges, legal fees, valuation costs and lender fees may also apply.
Ground rent may also remain payable, particularly if you own a flat.
What is the minimum share I can buy?
The minimum share you can purchase depends on your lease and the shared ownership model. Older leases commonly require increments of 10% or more, while some newer leases allow standard staircasing in increments of 5% and may also provide a limited 1% gradual staircasing option.
The lease may also restrict the number of times you can staircase. Alternatively, you may be able to staircase to 100% if it is affordable and your lease permits this.
What costs will I have to pay?
The initial appraisal offered by SRC is free of charge and without obligation.
If you decide to staircase, likely costs can include:
- Valuation fee (payable upfront and non-refundable)
- Housing association administration fee (normally payable on completion)
- Solicitor fees
- SRC staircasing fee
- Mortgage lender fees
Stamp Duty Land Tax may apply. Speak with your solicitor for advice on this.
Staircasing appraisal
Ready to explore buying more shares?
Send your details through the shared ownership enquiry form and mention staircasing. The SRC team can review the next practical step.