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HOW IT WORKS
We can help you understand and plan your purchase during your financial interview. Register your interest.
Your Share
You start by buying a share of the property (usually between 25% and 75%) - this helps to reduce the deposit and mortgage amounts you need to pay to get on the property ladder, as you are only borrowing what you can really afford.
Your deposit will be 5 – 10% of the share value you decide to buy, not the full market value of the whole shared ownership property.
Paying Rent
You pay rent on the remaining share of the property you have not yet bought, but the rent is less than the rate charged on the open market.
You still live in the property as the sole occupier, no one else can buy or rent part of the same property you are living in. It is important to recognise that the freeholder can increase rents per annum.
Future Options
You can gradually “Staircase” and buy additional shares in your shared ownership home until you own it outright.
The cost of the additional shares is based on the market value of the property at the time that you purchase the shares. If you increase your share in the property, your rent is re-calculated and reduced proportionately. This enables you the possibility to plan to fully own your home in the future. View our staircasing guide for more.
FAQs
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What is shared ownership and how does it work?
Shared Ownership lets you purchase a share of a home, typically starting from 25%, while paying rent on the remaining portion. It offers the security of having a place to call your own, regardless of the share you own, with the option to increase your ownership over time.
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how does shared ownership compare to renting?
Unlike renting, Shared Ownership allows you to build equity in a home of your own. Monthly costs are often comparable, and sometimes lower, than private renting, but you gain long‑term security and the opportunity to grow your ownership over time.
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why buy a shared ownership home with square roots?
Square Roots wants to break preconceptions of affordable housing. We deliver well‑designed, high‑quality homes in locations people genuinely want to live in. Backed by award‑winning developer London Square, we focus on long‑term high quality communities, not short‑term solutions.
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can i decorate and make changes to my home?
Yes. Your Shared Ownership home is your home, you can decorate and personalise it to suit your style. Any structural changes would need approval, just as they would in many apartments.
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will shared ownership homes be the same quality as private sale?
Yes. Square Roots homes are designed and built to the same high standards across all tenures. We believe affordability should never mean compromise on quality, design or location.
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is it harder to sell a shared ownership home?
Shared Ownership homes can be sold, and the process is designed to be clear and straightforward. Many buyers value the opportunity to purchase a share, which can help keep demand strong. If you choose to sell, Square Roots can support you in finding a buyer for your share.
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What happens if my income changes?
Life can change, and Shared Ownership is designed with flexibility in mind. If your circumstances change, support and guidance are available to help you understand your options and plan your next steps.
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Who is eligible for shared ownership?
Shared Ownership is available to a wide range of applicants, provided they do not currently own another property and intend to use the home as their main residence. Applicants will also need to meet income and affordability criteria to ensure Shared Ownership is suitable for their circumstances.
Shared ownership
with square roots
EXACTING STANDARDS – We are strategic in how we operate; we choose sites to build shared ownership homes located at places in London where people want to live and work. By acquiring a shared ownership home, you will be able to get on the property ladder and have the ability to buy it outright in the future.
SMARTER – Buy your new home with a smaller deposit and mortgage repayments, if your property value increases so does the value of the share you own.
SECURITY – Buying a shared ownership property means you have the security and stability of own home and an award-winning customer service team for the first two years when you move in.