FAQs: Staircasing

Staircasing gives you the option to buy more shares in your shared ownership home. You can usually do this in stages—for example, 5% at a time—until you own 100% and no longer pay rent on the remaining share. You don’t need to staircase all at once, and the pace is up to you.

• Lower rent – each additional share reduces the rent you pay
• More equity – you own a bigger portion of your home
• Greater control – you may be able to make changes more easily or remove lease restrictions
• Easier sale – owning 100% means you can sell on the open market with fewer conditions

Most shared owners can staircase, but it’s always worth checking your lease first, as there may be limits such as:

• A minimum share to purchase each time
• A cap on how many times you can staircase
• Whether your account must be up to date with rent and charges

If you’re unsure, please get in touch with your case handler and we’ll be happy to help you review your lease.

There usually isn’t a minimum timeframe. You can staircase whenever you’re ready, provided your lease allows it and you have the funds or mortgage in place. Some schemes offer smaller, more frequent increments (e.g. 1% or 5%), while others require larger steps. We can confirm what applies in your case.

You’ll need to arrange a Royal Institiute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)-qualified surveyor valuation of your property. This valuation will set the current market value, and the share price is then calculated from this.

Please don’t arrange a valuation too soon after your original purchase. You must wait until your title is registered at the Land Registry, otherwise the valuation may expire (usually after 3 months) before you can legally staircase. If you’re unsure if your title is registered yet, we’re happy to check this for you.

Here’s a general overview:

1. Check your lease and confirm eligibility with your housing provider
2. Apply to staircase and pay their admin fee
3. Arrange a RICS valuation (valid for around 3 months)
4. Secure funds (either from savings or a mortgage)
5. We’ll handle the legal process including:
   • Reviewing documents
   • Calculating any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
   • Completing registration with Land Registry

We’ll guide you every step of the way and keep things moving smoothly.

It typically takes 1 to 3 months once all documents and funding are in place. We’ll always keep you updated on progress and let you know if anything is needed from you.

Depending on how your original purchase was handled and how much you are staircasing by, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) may apply. We’ll work this out for you and make sure everything is handled correctly.

Yes—this is known as a back-to-back transaction. It means you buy the final share and sell your home in one smooth process. This can be an efficient way to simplify things if you’re planning to move on. Please speak to us early if this applies so we can plan accordingly.

If you feel the valuation is inaccurate, you may be able to challenge it or request another RICS valuation. If a dispute continues, there are formal routes through your housing association or Homes England. We’re happy to talk you through your options if needed.

• Wait until your title is registered before getting a valuation
• Check your lease for any staircasing restrictions or conditions
• Speak to your housing provider about their staircasing procedure and fees
• Discuss your mortgage or funding with your lender or broker

When you’re ready, please get in touch and we’ll take care of the legal process for you. We’re here to make staircasing simple, transparent and fully supported.