Shared Ownership for Young Professionals: How to Make the Most of London's Housing Market

If you’re a young professional, you’ll know life can sometimes feel like a balancing act between career goals, rent and the rising cost of living. It’s no wonder many are left wondering whether they’ll ever step onto the property ladder without moving miles out of the city or relying on family support. But Shared Ownership offers another way forward. It’s designed for people like you, who want the independence of owning, the flexibility of city living and the confidence that they’re investing in their future rather than pouring money into endless rent.

The Challenges young buyers face in London 

Let's face it: London’s housing market is competitive. Average house prices in the capital hit £655,027 over the last year, meaning a deposit can easily reach tens of thousands of pounds. For those in their 20s and 30s, this figure feels even more out of reach when rent, bills and daily tube journeys already take up the bulk of their monthly salary. 

Then there’s the question of location. Do you move further out of London to afford something more realistic, adding hours to your commute and cutting yourself off from the lifestyle the city offers? Or do you stay more central and continue renting indefinitely?

Even with a savings plan in place, the process can feel slow and frustrating, and it’s this gap in the market that Shared Ownership is designed to bridge. 

Why Shared Ownership could be the way forward

Shared Ownership reshapes the way you can approach buying a home. Instead of saving for years to buy a property outright, you can purchase a share (typically between 25% and 75%) and pay reduced rent on the rest.

The benefits go beyond affordability:

• Lower deposits that work with your salary: Often 5% of the share value, not the full property price.
• Monthly costs that balance rent and ownership: Freeing up more income for savings, travel or simply enjoying life in the city.
• Room to grow over time: Through staircasing, you can buy more shares when it suits your finances until you own 100%.
• Make your house a home: Decorate and personalise your home as if it were your own. 

Navigating the housing market as a young professional

Getting started can feel overwhelming, but building a strong credit score, setting a realistic budget and using tools like a Shared Ownership affordability calculator can make the process much clearer.  For more personalised advice, it’s also worth speaking to an independent mortgage advisor, who can help you understand what’s achievable now versus in a few years.

Most importantly, Shared Ownership offers you flexibility and the opportunity to begin with what you can afford. 

Areas to watch: Lewisham and Hendon 

Square Roots developments in Lewisham and Hendon show just how well Shared Ownership fits modern London living.

• Lewisham is fast becoming a hub for young buyers thanks to its affordability, regeneration projects and excellent links into the City and Canary Wharf. From vibrant food markets to community parks, the area offers plenty of lifestyle appeal alongside practicality.
• Hendon combines city convenience with natural escapes. It’s well connected via Hendon Central Station, making commuting into central London quick and easy, while the nearby Welsh Harp nature reserve and green spaces offer a welcome balance to busy professional life.

Take the first step

For young professionals, Shared Ownership is a realistic, flexible path to London homeownership. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrancy of Lewisham or the calmer pace of Hendon, Square Roots has developments designed to help you start building equity and independence sooner than you might think.

Explore our Shared Ownership homes in London and see how Square Roots can help you take the first step toward a place that’s truly yours.