When working with staircasing, the step‑by‑step process of buying a larger share in a shared‑ownership property. Also known as incremental ownership, it lets you move from a 25% stake to full ownership over time. The method is a core part of shared ownership, a scheme that pairs a buyer with a housing association to make a home affordable. Because most shared‑ownership units are held on a leasehold basis, the lease terms directly impact how and when you can staircase.
Staircasing isn’t just about paying more money; it’s about building property equity. Each extra percentage you purchase boosts the portion of the house you truly own, which in turn raises the value of your stake on the market. For many first‑time buyers, that growing equity is the main reason they choose the shared‑ownership route in the first place. When you look at the numbers, a modest 10% increase in share can shave several thousand pounds off your rent bill and give you a bigger say in decisions about the flat or house.
Before you start the process, check three things: the remaining lease length, the current market value of the whole property, and the financing you’ll use. A short lease can limit how much extra you can buy because the lender may view the remaining term as too risky. Getting a proper valuation is crucial – the price you pay for the new share is based on the full‑market value, not the discounted rent you’ve been paying. Finally, most people fund their staircase with a mortgage, so talk to a lender about the best product for a second‑hand share purchase. Staircasing can be cheaper than moving to a brand‑new home, but you need a clear picture of costs, including the admin fee from the housing association and any legal fees.
Costs can surprise you if you’re not prepared. The housing association usually charges a percentage of the new share price for administration – often 1% to 2%. Add the legal fees for a transfer of ownership, and you might be looking at a few thousand pounds on top of the mortgage deposit. Many buyers offset these expenses by using government schemes or first‑time‑buyer incentives that are still available for shared‑ownership properties. It’s worth checking whether any regional grants can be applied to the staircasing transaction.
Another piece of the puzzle is timing. Some buyers wait until they’ve saved a larger deposit, while others staircase as soon as the lease hits a certain age (often 80 years) to avoid a steep rent increase. The market also plays a role – if house prices are rising fast, buying a larger share now can lock in a lower price for the future, but it also means you’re paying a higher amount upfront. We recommend running a simple break‑even calculator: compare the total cost of staircasing now versus the projected rent you’d pay for the next five years. If the staircasing cost is lower, you’re probably making a smart move.
In practice, the staircasing journey looks like this: you request a valuation, agree on a purchase price for the extra share, secure a mortgage for the new amount, pay the admin and legal fees, and finally sign the transfer documents. The housing association updates the lease to reflect your new ownership percentage, and you start paying rent only on the remaining share you don’t own. Many buyers find that the sense of ownership grows quickly – the moment you own 50%, the house feels much more yours.
These are the core ideas that run through the articles below. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of shared ownership, the hidden costs of staircasing, how to fund the process, and real‑world examples of people who have successfully increased their stake. Ready to see the full picture? Keep scrolling to explore detailed guides, cost breakdowns, and expert tips that will help you decide if staircasing is right for you.
Learn what a share of ownership means, how shared‑ownership schemes work, staircasing options, costs, and key pros for first‑time buyers.