Part Buy Part Rent: How Shared Ownership Works in the UK
When you hear part buy part rent, a housing model where you buy a share of a property and pay rent on the portion you don’t own. Also known as shared ownership, it’s designed for people who can’t afford to buy a home outright but still want to get on the property ladder. This isn’t a loan trick or a government giveaway—it’s a structured path to ownership, used by tens of thousands in the UK every year.
What makes shared ownership, a government-backed scheme that lets buyers purchase a percentage of a home, typically between 25% and 75%. Also known as staircasing, it allows you to increase your ownership over time different is how it spreads out the cost. You take out a mortgage on your share, not the whole house. That means smaller deposits, lower monthly payments, and less pressure upfront. But you still pay rent on the part you don’t own—usually to a housing association. And when you decide to buy more, you’re not starting over. You’re buying the next chunk, at today’s market value. It’s not free, but it’s a real way to build equity without needing a 20% deposit.
Many people think staircasing, the process of gradually buying more shares in a shared ownership property until you own it fully. Also known as increasing your equity, it’s a key feature of part buy part rent schemes is complicated or expensive. It’s not. Most housing associations let you buy in 10% increments, and you only pay for a valuation when you do. You can even go from 25% to 100% over five years if your income grows. But there are rules: you can’t rent it out, you’re responsible for repairs, and you’ll need to pay service charges. These aren’t hidden fees—they’re part of the deal. The key is knowing them before you sign.
Who’s this for? Mostly first-time buyers in the UK who earn under £80,000 (or £90,000 in London), can pass a credit check, and want to stop renting. It’s not for investors. It’s not for people who plan to move in two years. But if you’re ready to settle, build equity, and eventually own your home outright, this is one of the few paths left that doesn’t require saving for a decade.
Below, you’ll find real guides on how shared ownership works, what costs you’ll actually face, how staircasing affects your mortgage, and what to watch out for when you’re ready to buy your next share. No fluff. No promises. Just what you need to know before you take the step.
