Shared ownership is one of the most common ways to get onto the property ladder, allowing buyers to purchase a share of a home while paying rent on the remaining portion. However, shared ownership conveyancing is more complex than a standard purchase because it involves a housing association alongside the buyer and lender.
This guide explains the process from instruction through to completion.
What is shared ownership conveyancing?
Shared ownership conveyancing is the legal process of buying a share of a property (usually between 10% and 75%) while paying rent on the remaining portion to a housing association.
A key feature of shared ownership is staircasing, which allows you to buy additional shares over time until you potentially own 100% of the property. Each staircasing transaction requires further legal work and valuation.
Because of the housing association’s involvement, your solicitor must review both the mortgage purchase and the lease, making the process more detailed than standard conveyancing.
Why shared ownership conveyancing is different
In a standard purchase, your solicitor deals mainly with you and the seller’s solicitor. In shared ownership, the housing association is involved throughout.
They are involved in:
- Issuing and approving the lease
- Providing management information
- Responding to legal enquiries
- Signing off key stages of the process
Because of this extra involvement, shared ownership conveyancing typically takes 10 to 14 weeks, compared to around 8 to 12 weeks for a standard purchase.
Step-by-Step Shared Ownership Conveyancing Process
Step 1: Instruct your solicitor
Once your offer has been accepted and you have approval from the housing association, you’ll formally instruct a conveyancing solicitor. At this stage, your solicitor will:
- Complete identity and anti-money laundering checks
- Verify your source of funds
- Review your mortgage agreement in principle or formal offer
- Set up your case and begin acting on your behalf
It’s best to instruct your solicitor as early as possible so there are no delays once documents are issued.
Step 2: Draft contract and shared ownership lease review
The housing association’s solicitors will issue the draft contract and lease.
This is one of the most important stages in shared ownership conveyancing, as your solicitor will carefully review the lease, including:
- Length of lease remaining
- Rent review clauses and how rent may increase
- Service charge obligations
- Staircasing rights (buying additional shares later)
- Restrictions on use or alterations
- Ground rent provisions (where applicable)
This stage can take time depending on how quickly the housing association responds.
Step 3: Property Searches
Your solicitor will order standard conveyancing searches, which include so many different things, such as environmental and water searches, and more, to identify any issues affecting the property different type of search type below
| Search type | What it checks |
|---|---|
| Local authority search | Planning history, land charges, nearby development |
| Environmental search | Flood risk, ground contamination |
| Drainage search | Connection to public sewers |
| Coal mining search | If applicable to the area |
Step 4: Raise enquiries
Once your solicitor has reviewed the lease and search results, they will raise enquiries with the housing association’s solicitors.
This is a normal part of the process where your solicitor asks for clarification on any unclear or missing information.
There may be several rounds of questions before everything is fully resolved.
Step 5: Report on title and mortgage offer
When all legal issues are addressed, your solicitor will prepare a report on title.
This document explains:
- What you are buying
- Key terms of the lease
- Your rights and obligations in plain English
Your solicitor will also work with your mortgage lender to ensure they are satisfied with the legal position before funds are released.
Step 6: Exchange of contracts
Once everything is agreed and your mortgage offer is in place, you will sign your contract.
Your solicitor will then exchange contracts with the housing association’s solicitor.
At this point:
- The purchase becomes legally binding
- Your completion date is set
- Your deposit is paid
After exchange, neither party can withdraw without serious financial consequences.
Step 7: Completion and getting your keys
Completion is the final stage of shared ownership conveyancing!
On completion day:
- Your solicitor transfers funds to the housing association
- Ownership of your share is legally transferred
- You receive the keys and can move in
After completion, your solicitor will also register your ownership with the Land Registry. This process can take a few weeks but does not affect your ability to occupy the property.
How long does shared ownership conveyancing take?
On average, shared ownership conveyancing takes 10 to 14 weeks.
However, timelines can vary depending on:
- How quickly the housing association responds
- The complexity of the lease
- Whether it is a new build or resale property
- Mortgage approval times
Delays are most commonly caused by slow turnaround times from housing associations rather than solicitors.
Can you buy a shared ownership property on a new build?
Yes! Shared ownership is commonly available on new build homes and is one of the main ways the scheme is offered.
With new builds, you are often buying a property still under construction or recently completed in partnership with a housing association.
The legal process is the same, but there are a few key differences:
- Completion depends on build progress
- Properties must be certified as ready for occupation
- Mortgage offers may need to remain valid for longer
- Completion dates can shift with construction timelines
Your solicitor will still handle the usual conveyancing steps, including lease review, searches, enquiries, and exchange.
Can you sell a shared ownership property?
Yes! But the housing association is involved in the process.
Before selling, you must usually notify your housing association, who may have the right to find a buyer first.
The process typically includes:
- Informing the housing association
- Getting a valuation of your share
- Allowing a nomination period for the housing association to find a buyer
- Selling on the open market if no buyer is found (depending on the lease)
- Completing conveyancing once a buyer is secured
If you own 100%, the property is usually sold as a standard leasehold sale with fewer restrictions.
Ready to get started?
If you’re buying a shared ownership property, having the right legal support can make all the difference.
Get a quote today to start your conveyancing process and we’ll guide you from instruction through to completion!
