Education

What does Shared Ownership mean in 2026?

26 December 2025

With a new year ahead of us, now’s the time to think about what you’d like to achieve in 2026. If home ownership is a goal that you’ve been putting off for various reasons, this year could be the one where you finally make the leap. 

If you’re interested in a more affordable approach to home ownership, where available properties are all secure, modern new builds, then Shared Ownership could be the perfect decision. 

But Shared Ownership can mean a lot of different things to different people, so let’s look at five reasons to choose Shared Ownership, no matter where you are in your life.

1. For first-time owners, Shared Ownership means affordability

Some people have the assumption that because you’re paying for both rent and a mortgage, Shared Ownership can quickly become very expensive. However, this is a common myth that’s easily disproved. 

Your mortgage is calculated based on the portion of the home that you own, which is often much, much lower than you’d take out to buy privately. Similarly, your rent and service charges are calculated based on the share that you don’t own, which can decrease as you increase your ownership via staircasing. 
This means that a 25% share of a £200,000 property could have a monthly rent of £344. To see what this means in your personal situation, check out our Affordability Calculator. 

2. For commuters, Shared Ownership means a reliable base

Think that Shared Ownership is just for flats in the middle of London? Think again! Whether you’re working in the city and want to stay local or you’re looking for a quieter life outside of the centre, there are lots of options to choose from. 

A key benefit of Shared Ownership is how popular it’s becoming across the entirety of the UK. From Suffolk to Norfolk to Birmingham, we have a wide range of Shared Ownership properties across the whole country that are move-in ready with modern furnishings and appliances. This includes all different types of Shared Ownership homes, too, from apartments to townhouses and family homes. 

And because your rent and mortgage costs are based on the share you own, you’ll often be able to secure a much nicer home via Shared Ownership than you might be able to afford when purchasing privately.  

3. For creatives, Shared Ownership means personalisation

Renting can make it tricky to feel like you have a space of your own. Whether you’re concerned about your landlord evicting you to sell the property, or you’re limited on how much you can decorate your home, it’s hard to truly put your own stamp on where you live.

Shared Ownership can mean the start of your next chapter. You have the freedom to make your house a home, and decorate your new space with furniture, wallpaper, and amenities that truly make it your own. This is the unsung benefit of Shared Ownership that owners value most, as there’s nothing better than relaxing after a long day in a stable, personalised space that’s entirely yours.  

4. For young families, Shared Ownership means stability for the long term

There’s an increasing trend of younger homeowners looking to buy their forever home, with over a fifth (22%) of millennial buyers seeking properties with more rooms than they currently need. This is often a consideration if you’re planning for a family, and in this context, Shared Ownership can be the perfect option.

Unlike renting, Shared Ownership won’t see you evicted after a number of years because a landlord wants to sell the property. Our homes are also spacious and in convenient locations with lots of transport links – perfect for the eventual school run, or trips out at the weekend.

5. For older buyers, Shared Ownership means peace and quiet

Shared Ownership homes are located in safe, secure neighbourhoods with lots of modern amenities that enhance the lives of local residents. This could mean a local shop, a tight-knit community, or handy transport links that get you where you need to go. 

And Shared Ownership doesn’t just mean living in the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking to embrace the countryside in an affordable way, a Shared Ownership home could enable you to have parks and greenery right on your doorstep.