Shared ownership

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

Some housing associations and other organisations operate a shared ownership scheme, where a property is owned jointly between the landlord and the tenant. These schemes can allow you to get a foot on the property ladder if you can't afford to buy a home outright. The rules governing shared ownership vary between housing associations, so it's important that you understand what your rights and responsibilities are.

About shared ownership

Shared ownership is a cross between renting and buying. This page explains how shared ownership schemes work, who is eligible to apply and how you can make an application. Read more 

Buying a shared ownership property

You'll probably need to take out a mortgage to buy into a shared ownership property, and you'll have to find a solicitor to help you with the legal work involved. This page explains the buying process, and what you can do if you want to buy additional shares in the property, or sell your shares. Read more 

Shared Equity schemes

The two Shared Equity schemes, the New Supply Equity Shared scheme and the Open Market Shared Equity Pilot, were set up by the Scottish Government to give financial help to people who cannot afford the full purchase price of a home. Like shared ownership, the scheme allows you to buy a stake in a property, which can be either be built by a housing association or bought on the open market. However, you don't have to pay any form of rent for the part you don't own. Read more