Home Buying Guide
Where do I start finding out about shared ownership schemes?
The first step towards shared ownership is to contact your local HomeBuy agent.
You should also take shared ownership mortgage advice.
Larger authorities have offices dealing specifically with housing applications. Smaller ones usually have an officer designated to deal with housing issues in their area. Addresses and phone numbers of local authorities are listed in the local authorities section towards the front of the telephone directory.
To find out which RSLs operate in the area in which you would like to buy, contact one of the Housing Corporation offices below. For a more detailed list, visit the Housing Corporation website, where you can find a search facility.
For all Housing Corporation enquiries by phone call 0845 230 7000 or email enquiries@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk.
Central
Cambridge: Westbrook Centre, Block A Suite 1, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1YG
Fax: 01223 272531
Leicester: Attenborough House, 109/119 Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1FQ
Fax: 0116 242 4801
Wolverhampton: 31 Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4DJ
Fax: 01902 795001
London
London: Waverley House, 7–12 Noel Street, London W1F 8BA
Fax: 020 7292 4401
North
Leeds: 1 Park Lane, Leeds, LS3 1EP
Fax: 0113 233 7101
Manchester: 4th Floor, One Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, M1 1RG
Fax: 0161 242 5901
Gateshead: St George's House, Kingsway, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0NA Fax: 0191 482 7666
South East
Croydon: Leon House, High Street, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1UH
Fax: 020 8253 1444
South West
Exeter: Beaufort House, 51 New North Road, Exeter EX4 4EP
Fax: 01392 428201
What happens next?
You may be invited to a meeting to discuss your application further. The next stage is to look at the properties available and agree a price and the proportion of the share you want to buy.
When this has been agreed you should then approach your mortgage lender.
The Housing Corporation website offers helpful guidance on things to consider when buying through a shared ownership scheme.
More about shared ownership:
What is New Build HomeBuy and how does it work? Who is eligible and what are the selection criteria? Special features and how to apply What is involved with shared ownership and who can apply? How do I increase my share and how much do properties cost? What rights and responsibilities do I have? Are there restrictions on resale? Can I buy with someone? And what about finance and legal issues? What questions should I ask? Will shared ownership really enable more first time buyers to buy a home? Shared Ownership Mortgage basics Benefits and pitfalls of shared ownership Shared ownership schemes run by house-builders The First Time Buyers Initiative/English Partnerships
Useful links
www.communities.gov.uk
www.englishpartnerships.co.uk
www.housingcorp.gov.uk
www.direct.gov.uk