Shared ownership staircasing: buying more of your home
Where a link is marked *, it is a partner link — we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * earn us nothing. How we make money.
Quick answer: Staircasing lets you buy additional shares in a shared ownership property until you own 100%. Each step increases your ownership and mortgage, and reduces the rent you pay on the portion still owned by the housing association.
Shared ownership lets you buy a share of a home — typically 25% to 75% — and pay rent on the rest. Staircasing is the process of buying more shares over time. It is how shared ownership becomes a path to full ownership, though each step involves valuation, legal fees, and mortgage arrangements.
Last reviewed:
Read the full mortgages & first homes guide →Primary source: www.gov.uk/shared-ownership-scheme
How staircasing works
You notify the housing association that you want to buy more shares. A surveyor values the property at current market price, and you pay that proportion for the additional share.
If the property's value has risen, your new share costs more than your original purchase price per percentage point. If it has fallen, you benefit from the lower valuation.
Costs at each step
Expect a RICS valuation fee (£250–£500), legal fees for both sides (£500–£1,500), mortgage arrangement fees if you need to increase your loan, and Land Registry fees.
These costs make frequent small staircasing steps expensive. Plan your staircasing strategy — buying 25% at a time may be more cost-effective than 1% annually if fees are charged per transaction.
Owning 100%
At full ownership you no longer pay rent to the housing association. Your mortgage covers the entire property value.
Some shared ownership leases include restrictions even at 100% ownership — such as requiring permission to sublet or sell. Check your lease terms before staircasing.
Common questions
Can I staircase to 100% immediately?
Most schemes allow it, but you must pay for a valuation and cover all fees. Some housing associations require you to have owned your initial share for 12 months first.
What if I cannot afford to staircase?
You can remain a shared owner indefinitely. You continue paying mortgage on your share plus rent on the rest. There is no obligation to staircase.
Does staircasing affect my mortgage?
Yes. Buying more shares usually means borrowing more. You may need to remortgage or take a further advance with your lender.