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

• Request shared ownership mortgage advice
• Open Market HomeBuy
• New Property Deals with a gifted deposit
• Request a quote from a property solicitor 
• Best First Time Buyer Mortgage table

Useful links

www.communities.gov.uk
www.englishpartnerships.co.uk
www.housingcorp.gov.uk
www.direct.gov.uk