Shared Ownership in London

Shared Ownership in London

Buying a home in London can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers facing high property prices, larger deposit requirements and strong competition for homes in well-connected areas.

Shared Ownership offers an alternative way to buy. You purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share, which can make the upfront cost of buying more manageable than purchasing a home outright.

Guinness Homes offers Shared Ownership homes across a range of London locations, from regeneration areas in East London to established neighbourhoods in West and North West London. Whether you want good transport links, access to green space, local shops, or a home closer to work and family, our developments can help you take a step onto the property ladder in the capital.

Explore our current and upcoming developments below.

Shared Ownership Homes Across London

London is made up of neighbourhoods with very different characters, communities and connections. Some buyers want fast access to Canary Wharf, Stratford or the City. Others prefer established residential areas with parks, high streets, local transport links and everyday amenities.

Our London developments are located in areas including Silvertown, Bromley-by-Bow, Brent, South Harrow and Acton. Each location offers something different, from waterside living and regeneration areas to converted buildings with more architectural character.

Why Choose Shared Ownership in London?

Shared Ownership has become an increasingly popular option for buyers looking to get onto the property ladder in the capital.

Benefits include:

  • Lower deposit requirements compared to buying outright.
  • The opportunity to purchase a share of a new-build home.
  • Access to locations that may otherwise be unaffordable.
  • The option to increase your ownership percentage through staircasing.
  • The ability to build equity in your home over time.
  • A range of apartments available across London boroughs.

For many first-time buyers, Shared Ownership can provide a practical route into home ownership while keeping monthly costs more manageable.

Am I Eligible for Shared Ownership in London?

Shared Ownership is designed for people who cannot currently afford to buy a suitable home on the open market.

You may be eligible if:

  • Your household income is £90,000 a year or less.
  • You are a first-time buyer.
  • You previously owned a home but cannot afford one now.
  • You are an existing Shared Ownership homeowner looking to move.
  • You meet the affordability and eligibility requirements at the time of application.

Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the development and individual circumstances.

Argenta, Silvertown (E16)

Argenta is a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments in Silvertown, part of the Royal Docks and one of East London’s major regeneration areas.

Set around the historic docklands, the development forms part of a wider transformation that will introduce new homes, public spaces, businesses, shops and places to eat and drink. Residents benefit from connections via Pontoon Dock DLR, the Elizabeth Line at Custom House and the Silvertown Tunnel.

Each apartment includes contemporary interiors, integrated appliances and private outdoor space, offering a modern home in a growing East London neighbourhood.

The Waterside, Bromley-by-Bow (E3)

The Waterside is a collection of new homes in Bromley-by-Bow, with apartments available through Shared Ownership and Private Sale.

The development is well placed for access to Stratford, Canary Wharf and the City, while Bromley-by-Bow offers local shops, green spaces and transport connections across London. Planned residential amenities include an on-site gym* and convenience store*.

The Waterside provides an opportunity to buy a new-build home in an established East London location with strong links to work, leisure and everyday amenities.

The Lightworks, South Harrow (HA2)

The Lightworks is an upcoming collection of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments in South Harrow.

Designed for modern living, the homes will include open-plan layouts, private outdoor space and access to local amenities. South Harrow offers Underground connections across London, along with nearby parks, shops and everyday services.

The development will provide a new opportunity for buyers looking for a home in an established West London neighbourhood.

The Bollo Collection, Acton

The Bollo Collection offers a selection of one and two-bedroom homes in Acton.

Set across two contemporary buildings, the development includes roof gardens, landscaped communal spaces and private balconies. Residents will benefit from local amenities and excellent transport connections, making it easy to travel across London.

These pet-friendly homes offer a balanced approach to modern city living, with private and shared outdoor spaces designed for everyday use.

Hangar 16 – Acton, West London

Hangar 16 is a distinctive warehouse conversion bringing new homes to a former 1930s industrial building in Acton.

The development will offer one and two-bedroom apartments, many with a terrace or balcony. Homes will combine contemporary interiors with design influences inspired by the building’s original Art Deco character.

For buyers looking for a home with more architectural personality than a standard new-build apartment, Hangar 16 offers something different in a well-connected West London location.

Why Consider Shared Ownership in London?

Shared Ownership can help make buying a home in London more achievable by reducing the initial share you need to purchase.

Potential benefits include:

  • A deposit based on the share you buy, rather than the full property value.
  • The opportunity to buy in locations that may otherwise be unaffordable.
  • Access to new-build homes in well-connected neighbourhoods.
  • The option to buy more shares in the future through staircasing.
  • A route towards greater home ownership over time.

Shared Ownership is not the right option for everyone, so it is important to consider the full costs before applying. These can include your mortgage, rent, service charge, bills and any other costs linked to the property.

Who Can Apply for Shared Ownership in London?

Shared Ownership is designed for people who cannot afford to buy a suitable home on the open market.

You may be eligible if:

  • Your household income is £90,000 a year or less.
  • You are a first-time buyer.
  • You previously owned a home but can no longer afford to buy one.
  • You are an existing Shared Ownership homeowner looking to move.
  • You meet the affordability checks for the home you want to buy.

Eligibility can depend on your circumstances, the property and any local requirements. An affordability assessment will be completed as part of the buying process.

Interested in Shared Ownership in London?

Can we help? Send us a message or call us on 0300 456 0522.

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How does Shared Ownership work in London?

Shared Ownership is a government-supported programme that makes it easier to buy a home in London. It’s designed for people who can’t afford to buy a property fully. With Shared Ownership, you can buy a portion of a home, usually between 25% and 75%, and pay rent on the rest. This helps lower your monthly payments and supports first-time buyers in finding a place in London’s competitive housing market.

Are there any additional costs or fees I should be aware of?

When you buy a home through Shared Ownership, you need to remember that you’ll still pay rent on the part of the home that you don’t own. This rent is usually a percentage of the total value of the property. In addition to mortgage payments and rent, there are also other costs, like service fees for looking after shared areas.

What is staircasing?
Staircasing is the process of buying additional shares in your Shared Ownership home after you move in. As your ownership share increases, the rent you pay on the remaining share reduces. Depending on the lease and property, staircasing may allow you to eventually own 100% of your home.
What is the difference between new build and resale properties under Shared Ownership?

You might come across both new builds and resale properties when exploring options for Shared Ownership homes in London. New homes are part of fresh developments usually sold by housing associations. Resales are existing shared-ownership homes being sold by their current owners.

What determines my eligibility to buy a Shared Ownership home?

If you’re struggling with affording an open market property due its cost, then purchasing a house through Shared Ownership could potentially offer an effective solution! The annual household income must not exceed £90k for anyone purchasing Shared Ownership in London.

What about stamp duty regulations on Shared Ownership properties?

Stamp Duty applies when you buy properties in the UK, including when you purchase through Shared Ownership schemes run by local councils. It can be complicated to understand when and where it applies, so it’s best to discuss this with a solicitor during the buying process. Additionally, the rules can change each year, and there are sometimes discounts available to help reduce the burden of these costs, especially in light of environmental concerns linked to stricter regulations in the past.

Do you offer apartments to rent in London?

No, we do not offer properties to rent in London. Guinness Homes only provides new build Shared Ownership and resales.

Do you offer properties through the London Living Rent scheme?

No, Guinness Homes does not offer properties through the London Living Rent scheme.

How do I get a Shared Ownership Mortgage?

When purchasing a Shared Ownership property, you’ll usually need a mortgage for the share you are buying and you’ll pay rent on the share you do not own.

Many lenders offer Shared Ownership mortgages, and specialist mortgage brokers can help identify suitable products based on your circumstances. The amount you can borrow will depend on factors such as your income, deposit and financial commitments.

Our recommended mortgage advisers can carry out an initial affordability assessment and explain the options available.

What deposit do I need for a Shared Ownership home in London?
The deposit is usually based on the share you are purchasing rather than the full property value. This can make the upfront costs lower than buying the same property outright.
Can I sell my Shared Ownership home?
Yes. If you decide to move, you can sell your Shared Ownership property. The process will depend on the terms of your lease and the requirements of the housing provider.
Are service charges payable on Shared Ownership properties?
Most Shared Ownership homes include a service charge that contributes towards the maintenance and management of communal areas and shared facilities.
Can I own 100% of a Shared Ownership property?
Many Shared Ownership homes allow buyers to staircase to 100% ownership, although some properties may have restrictions depending on the lease and location.

Find Your Shared Ownership Home in London

Whether you’re searching for your first home, looking to stay close to family, or hoping to reduce the cost of buying in the capital, Shared Ownership can provide an affordable route into home ownership.

From East London’s regeneration areas to well-connected neighbourhoods in West and North West London, Guinness Homes offers a range of Shared Ownership apartments designed for modern living.

Browse our latest developments or contact our sales team to discuss your options and register your interest.