Buying your first home in London as a couple can feel like a distant dream but Shared Ownership is changing that story. This home-buying scheme is a smart and accessible route to homeownership, made possible with lower deposits and the flexibility to grow your owned share over time.
Here’s why Shared Ownership is becoming the go-to choice for first-time buyers and how Square Roots is helping couples across London achieve their homeownership goals.
Redefining First-Time Homeownership
First- time buyers in London typically aim for a 20% deposit on an open market property. But with the average deposit for a London home now sitting at around £115,759, buying your first home in the capital can seem out of reach. With Shared Ownership, the share you’re buying is typically between 25-75%, and you only need to put down a deposit on that share, making your deposit often as little as 5–10%. This means a stylish one-or two-bedroom apartment could be within reach much sooner than you think.
If you’re a young couple looking for an affordable way to take the first step towards homeownership, Shared Ownership could be the solution for you.

Design-Led Living Spaces
At Square Roots, we believe that affordable should still feel exceptional, which is why every property is built with design, practicality and modern living in mind.
Many of our one- and two-bedroom Shared Ownership homes feature:
- Private balconies or terraces for alfresco mornings or evening drinks
- Contemporary kitchens with fully integrated appliances
- Open-plan layouts that can flex with your lifestyle, from WFH desks to future nursery corners
- Ample storage and sleek bathrooms designed for your ease and comfort
Explore our homes at Square Roots Lewisham and Square Roots Hendon to see what’s possible.

How Does it Work Financially?
Shared ownership exists as a more affordable route for aspiring buyers looking to purchase their first home. It allows you to purchase a share of a property, typically between 25% and 75%, and pay a mortgage on that share. The remaining share is owned by Square Roots, and you pay a subsidised rent on that part. The bigger the share you own, the lower your rent will be. Over time, you can increase your share through staircasing until you potentially own the property outright.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Shared Ownership, you must:
- Be a first-time buyer, or not currently own another home
- Be aged 18 or older
- Buy the property to live in (it cannot be a buy to let property)
- Have a household income under £90,000 in London
- Demonstrate that you have a good credit history and can afford the costs and regular payments involved in buying a home.
Live Your Way with Shared Ownership
With a Shared Ownership home, you and your partner will be the sole occupiers of the property, with the freedom to decorate and use the space as you please. Plus, the total monthly cost of your mortgage and subsidised rent often come in below average rental prices for similar homes in the area.
Increase your Share by Staircasing
As your finances improve, you can increase your share through staircasing, which means you can buy more of your home over time until you own 100%. Learn more in our guide to staircasing.
Why Couples Are Choosing Square Roots
In both our Lewisham and Hendon developments, our properties are designed to support modern, connected lifestyles. Each home is thoughtfully located to offer:
- Excellent transport links, with tube, overground and DLR access nearby
- Shared landscaped gardens and community spaces, perfect for socialising or quiet weekends in the sun
- Peace of mind with a 10-year build warranty, so your home is future-proofed from day one

Ready to make your move?
Find out more about the Shared Ownership eligibility criteria and view our available developments to find a home that’s perfect for two, with room to grow.