South West Homes
- What is HomeBuy
- Do I qualify?
- What Happens Next?
- MOD Personnel
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Finding the right mortgage
- What will it cost?
- Approved Advisors
- Applicant Magazine
- Events & News
- Social Media
- Money Advice
- Home Focus Magazine
- Our Developments
- Win M&S Vouchers
- Links
- About/Contact us
- Privacy Policy
Staircasing
Buying more shares in your home
What is Staircasing?
Staircasing is the term given to buying extra shares in your shared ownership property.
How does Staircasing work?
Most leases allow you to buy extra shares in your home after you have made your initial purchase. You can choose to go up another step on the home ownership ladder by buying further shares, or you can, in most cases, chose to purchase all the remaining shares.
If you are a shared owner thinking of staircasing, you are advised to contact your mortgage lender to find out about further borrowing.
How much would further shares cost?
Shares are sold at the current market value, disregarding any improvements to your home that your landlord has consented to. The assessment of the current market value is made by a RICS qualified valuer. We have a panel of approved valuers on our website and your landlord will probably also have one. Check with your own landlord first to make sure you get the best deal. An estate agents valuation is not acceptable, nor is a valuation provided by your mortgage lender.
What do I do once Ive received the valuation?
Once your landlord has sent a copy of the valuation, they will advise you of the cost of buying extra shares. If you wish to progress then you will need to instruct a solicitor to act for you, and ensure the details are passed to your landlord.
What happens about the rent payments?
If you partially staircase then your rent will reduce in accordance with the extra shares you have purchased and it will remain leasehold. However if you are buying 100%, it will depend on the type of property and what is in the lease as to whether it will become freehold. If you are in a house it is likely to become freehold. If you are in a flat or apartment it is likely to remain leasehold.
Where can I get further help and advice?
We have a panel of solicitors, independent financial advisers and surveyors on our website. They will be pleased to give you help and advice. You can also contact your current landlord for further information.
I have purchased through the FirstBuy scheme, how can I staircase on my property?
You can choose to make part repayments (called staircasing) of the FirstBuy equity loan at the current market value at the time you wish to staircase. The minimum additional repayments is 10% of the total market value. You have the option to make repayments until at a later date you own 100% of the property.
If you sell your home and the FirstBuy equity loan is unpaid, based on the above example you would repay 20% of the full market value when the property is sold.