SHARE TO BUY
FINDING YOUR SPACE: HOMEOWNERSHIP OPTIONS EXPLAINED WITH SHARE TO BUY
For many aspiring first time buyers, navigating the property market can feel overwhelming. From understanding eligibility criteria to comparing tenures, the path to buying doesn’t always feel straightforward. That’s where Share to Buy comes in
Share to Buy is the UK’s leading online portal dedicated to affordable homeownership and buying schemes. Designed to support aspiring homeowners, the platform brings together thousands of homes in one place, covering a wide range of affordable buying options all suited to different financial situations, life stages and locations. SHARED OWNERSHIP A homeownership scheme backed by the Government, Shared Ownership allows aspiring buyers to purchase a share of a home while paying subsidised rent on the remaining portion. As the deposit is based on the share being purchased rather than the full property value, upfront costs can be significantly lower than buying on the open market. In addition to new build homes, Shared Ownership resale properties are also available. These are homes where the current owner is selling their share, offering buyers the opportunity to purchase a previously lived-in Shared Ownership property. Older Persons Shared Ownership (OPSO) is another arm of Shared Ownership, designed specifically for those aged 55 and over. The scheme offers a more affordable way to downsize from a larger family property or move into accommodation better suited to someone’s changing needs.
the future – typically through Shared Ownership. Similar homes in the capital are covered by the London Living Rent scheme. Intermediate Rent provides homes at reduced rental levels compared to the open market, offering greater affordability and stability for tenants. Beyond property listings, education remains central to Share to Buy’s mission. The platform offers free guides, FAQs, tools and affordability calculators to help users better understand their options and navigate each stage of the buying process with confidence. In addition to its online presence, Share to Buy connects directly with buyers through its events platform, Share to Buy Live.The London Home Show – the UK’s largest event dedicated to first time buyers – has welcomed over 83,000 hopeful homeowners since launching in 2013. Smaller regional events and Homebuyers Days are also bringing practical guidance to communities across the country, including the Manchester Home Show taking place later this autumn.
make buying more affordable in areas where prices may otherwise be out of reach.
SHARED EQUITY Shared Equity is another option featured on Share to Buy, helping buyers purchase a home with a smaller upfront deposit and reduced mortgage. With this scheme, buyers fund part of the purchase through a mortgage while a housing provider or developer contributes the remainder as an equity loan. This means the buyer legally owns 100% of the property, but both parties hold a stake in its value, with the equity loan being repaid in the future, either over time or when the home is sold. RENTAL SCHEMES For those who are not quite yet ready to step on to the housing ladder, Share to Buy lists a range of rental options including Rent to Buy, London Living Rent and Intermediate Rent. Rent to Buy allows tenants to rent a home at a reduced rate for a fixed period, allowing them to save toward purchasing their home or another property in
FIRST HOMES
The First Homes scheme offers eligible buyers a discount of at least 30% on selected new build properties, with the discount applied to the property’s market value. Aimed primarily at first time buyers and key workers, First Homes is designed to
To explore available homes and learn more, visit sharetobuy.com
64 First Time Buyer April/May 2026
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