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Understanding The Difference Between Shared-Ownership And Shared-Equity Scheme

Both the Shared-Ownership and Shared-Equity schemes have been introduced as further means of assisting those who are unable to afford a full mortgage or 100% of their property, to still find their way on to the elusive property ladder.

The two schemes are often confused with one another so below we have listed a few key facts to hopefully assist you in determining which scheme is suitable for your needs.

Shared Ownership

  • Always Leasehold
  • Party-buy/part rent home ownership scheme – you will own a percentage of the property
  • Based on household income and lifestyle
  • Part funded by way of mortgage/savings – from this you will own a % of the property (between 25% – 75%)
  • Remaining % will be owned by a Housing Association
  • You will pay monthly rental instalments to the Housing Association in respect of their share of the property
  • Once you are able to afford to, you can purchase further percentage of the property from the Housing Association – this is called ‘Staircasing’
  • Also available for over 55 year olds and those with long-term disabilities

Useful links:
www.helptobuy.gov.uk/shared-ownership
www.flagship-homes.co.uk/shared-ownership
https://www.gov.uk/affordable-home-ownership-schemes/shared-ownership-scheme

Shared Equity

  • Freehold or Leasehold
  • Government-backed scheme
  • You will legally own the entire property
  • Only available on new-build properties up to £600,000
  • Equity loan will be provided by the Help To Buy Government Scheme up to 20% of the value of the home you are buying
  • Only a smaller deposit is then required by you (usually 5%)
  • The remaining 75% is funded by way of standard mortgage
  • Interest-free for the first 5 years

Useful links:
www.gov.uk./affordable-home-ownership-schemes/helpt-to-buy-equity-loan
www.sharetobuy.com/help-to-buy

This article was produced on the 10th March 2017 by our Property team for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.