Why wait to own it all? Start with a piece.
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This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For personalised guidance, please speak to a mortgage broker
What is Shared Ownership?
Shared ownership is a way to buy a home if you can’t afford to buy one all at once.
- You buy a share of a home (for example, 25%, 50%, or 75%).
- You pay rent on the part you don’t own.
- You can buy more shares later if you want to. This is called staircasing.
Shared ownership mortgages are available via brokers only. NatWest does not offer direct applications for this scheme.
Benefits
- You don’t need to buy the whole home at once
You can start with a smaller share, which means a smaller deposit and mortgage. - It can be more affordable
You’re only buying part of the home, your monthly costs can be lower than buying outright. - You can buy more later
If your money situation changes, you can buy more shares over time. (staircasing) - Available for both buying a new home and remortgaging
Whether you're getting on the property ladder or switching your current Shared Ownership mortgage, this option gives you flexibility. - You’re still a homeowner
Even if you own just part of it, it’s yours. You can live in the home and make it your own.
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Considerations
You’ll pay rent and mortgage
You pay rent on the part you don’t own, as well as your mortgage payments.There may be extra costs
Like service charges or fees when you buy more shares (staircasing).You need to sell your share if you move
You can’t rent it out or keep it — you’ll need to sell your share if you want to leave.You must go through a broker
We only offer Shared Ownership mortgages through brokers, so you’ll need one to help you apply.
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Staircasing, Increasing the part I own
You can buy more of your home when you're ready — this is called staircasing. Just check with the company that owns the rest first, as you'll need their permission.
- You might start by owning 25%, 50%, or 75%.
- Later on, you can buy more shares — like going from 50% to 75%, or even 100%.
- The more you own, the less rent you pay.
- If you buy 100%, you won’t pay any rent at all.
You don’t need to buy it all at once. You can take your time and buy more when you're ready.
Your broker can help explain how this works and what it might cost.
Can I buy any home with Shared Ownership?
Not every home is available through Shared Ownership.
It depends on what housing associations and developers are offering in your area.
To find a Shared Ownership home, you’ll need to contact your local Help to Buy agent or scheme provider. The name of the scheme depends on where you live:
- England (outside London): Help to Buy
- London: Share to Buy
- Wales: Shared Ownership
- Scotland: Shared Ownership
- Northern Ireland: Co-Ownership
You can check your local scheme’s website to see what homes are available and how to apply.
Need some help?
Call us
We don’t offer Shared Ownership mortgages directly, and our advisers aren’t trained to give advice on them. You’ll need to speak to a mortgage broker for personalised advice and to apply.
But if you have general questions about the home buying process or need help finding the right support, we’re here to help.
Call us on ${dn-0800 096 9527}
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun Closed. Excluding public holidays.
Relay UK: 18001 0800 096 9527