Intro
If you bought your home through a shared ownership scheme, staircasing is the process that allows you to buy more shares in your property — eventually working towards full ownership. This can be a great way to reduce your rent and gain more control over your home.
What is staircasing?
Staircasing is the process of buying more shares in your home if you own a property through a shared ownership scheme. It allows you to gradually increase your ownership percentage, reducing the amount of rent you pay to the housing provider. In many cases, you can staircase all the way to 100% ownership, at which point you fully own the property and no longer pay rent.
What should I consider when thinking about staircasing?
The decision to staircase depends on your financial situation, property value, and long-term goals.
Here are some key points to consider when deciding the right time to staircase:
Can I afford it?
You’ll need to have enough savings or secure a larger mortgage to buy an additional share. You’ll also need to cover the costs involved, including valuation fees, legal fees, and potential stamp duty.
Are property prices stable or rising?
If property values are increasing, staircasing sooner can lock in a lower price for your additional share. If prices are falling, you might choose to wait for a better deal.
Is now the right time?
If interest rates on mortgages are high, waiting for lower rates might reduce borrowing costs. If your financial situation is uncertain, delaying staircasing could provide more flexibility.
What are the benefits of staircasing?
- Lower your rent – The more of your home you own, the less rent you pay to the housing provider. Staircasing to 100% means you won’t pay rent at all.
- Work towards full ownership – If your goal is to own your home outright, staircasing allows you to gradually increase your share in manageable steps.
- Gain more control over your home – Owning a larger share gives you greater decision-making power. At 100% ownership, for some properties you won’t need the housing provider’s permission for selling, remortgaging or making home improvements.
What is the process of staircasing?
If you’re ready to buy a bigger share of your home, here’s how the staircasing process works.
- Check your lease – Review your lease to understand any restrictions on staircasing.
- Contact your Housing Association – They will guide you on their internal process and what fees are payable.
- Get a valuation – A RICS-certified surveyor will determine your home’s market value (valid for 3 months).
- Secure funding – Arrange a mortgage extension or use savings to buy your additional share.
- Instruct a conveyancer – This is where we come in! We’re experts in staircasing and will handle the legal process, liaise with your housing provider and update ownership records to make everything as smooth as possible.
- Accept the Memorandum of Sale – Your housing provider confirms the transaction details before completion.
- Complete & update ownership – Your share increases, rent reduces and if you reach 100%, you fully own your home.
How long does staircasing take?
Around 6-12 weeks, depending on valuations, mortgage approvals, and legal work.
Why choose Cavendish?
With over 40 years of expertise, Cavendish has been guiding homeowners through the complexities of property law since 1985. As specialists in staircasing, we understand the unique challenges of shared ownership and ensure a smooth, hassle-free process.
Our dedicated team handles all the legal work, liaises with your housing provider, and keeps you informed every step of the way. We’re experts at navigating all the details, so you don’t have to worry. Plus, with a 4.8-star Trustpilot score, our clients love our friendly, professional service.
Get a quote
Ready to get started? Get your free, no-obligation quote today, or reach out to our expert team for help and advice on your staircasing journey.
Our Team
Meena Daddar
Head of Shared Ownership & New Build
Meena Daddar heads up our staircasing team and is a specialist in Property Law with over 15 years of experience. She began her career with a London City firm in 2006 and has since developed extensive expertise in handling complex property transactions.
Leading a dedicated team of staircasing specialists, Meena ensures clients receive expert guidance throughout the process. Her team is committed to providing clear, practical advice and a seamless experience — no matter the complexity of the transaction.