Selling a shared ownership property requires a different approach than selling a traditional home. You’ll need to work closely with your housing provider throughout the process, follow specific legal requirements, and navigate a structured timeline that can take several months to complete.
The good news is that the process is straightforward when you understand the steps involved. Many shared ownership sellers successfully complete their sales without major complications by following the established procedures and working with the right professionals.
Step 1: Contact Your Housing Provider in Writing
Your first action must be to notify your housing provider that you intend to sell your shared ownership property. This notification needs to be submitted in writing: a phone call or verbal conversation won’t be sufficient to start the formal process.
When you contact your housing provider, they will send you a sales pack or information letter that outlines their specific requirements and procedures. Different housing associations may have slightly different processes, so it’s important to review their particular guidelines carefully.
The housing provider plays a central role in your sale because they co-own the property with you and have certain rights during the selling process. They need time to prepare their internal procedures and may need to update their records before you can proceed to the next steps.
Consider reaching out to your housing provider as soon as you’re seriously considering a sale, even if you’re not ready to proceed immediately. This early contact allows you to understand their timeline and requirements, helping you plan more effectively.
Step 2: Arrange a RICS Valuation and Obtain an EPC
Once your housing provider confirms they’ve received your written notice, you’ll need to arrange for a qualified Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) surveyor to value your property. You are responsible for paying this valuation fee, and your housing provider will inform you of the cost before you commit to the assessment.
The RICS valuation determines the current market value of your entire property, which allows your housing provider to calculate the precise value of your ownership share. This valuation is typically valid for three months, so you may need to commission a new one if your sale process extends beyond this timeframe.
Simultaneously, you must obtain a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if you don’t already have one. An EPC remains valid for 10 years, so if you purchased your shared ownership property recently, you may already possess a current certificate. Check your property documents to confirm whether you need a new assessment.
The EPC is a legal requirement for any property sale and provides potential buyers with information about your home’s energy efficiency. Some surveyors can complete both the valuation and EPC assessment during the same visit, which can be more convenient and potentially cost-effective.
Step 3: Complete Required Paperwork and Instruct a Solicitor
After receiving your valuation report and deciding to proceed with the sale, you’ll need to instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of your transaction. Choose a professional who has experience with shared ownership sales, as these transactions involve additional complexities compared to standard property sales.
Your housing provider will supply you with a contract of sale that requires completion with your solicitor’s details and your signature. You’ll also need to return various completed forms, along with copies of your valuation report and EPC certificate.
Many housing providers charge a pre-sale administration fee at this stage, typically around £250 plus VAT. This fee covers their costs for managing your sale, including administration, handling enquiries from potential buyers, and processing applications. This fee is usually non-refundable once paid, regardless of whether your property ultimately sells.
Review all paperwork carefully with your solicitor before signing. Ensure you understand any specific conditions or requirements that apply to your particular lease agreement, as these can vary between different shared ownership schemes.
Step 4: Allow Your Housing Provider Their Exclusivity Period
Your housing provider has the right to market your property exclusively for a specified period before you can advertise it on the open market. This exclusivity period is typically eight weeks for older shared ownership leases, though newer agreements may reduce this to four weeks.
During this time, your housing provider will advertise your property on their website and may also list it on major property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. They maintain waiting lists of potential shared ownership buyers, so there’s often good demand for available properties.
Prospective buyers during this period must go through the same eligibility assessment that you experienced when you purchased your shared ownership home. They need to demonstrate that they meet the shared ownership criteria and have the financial capacity to complete the purchase.
Any buyer must purchase at least the same percentage share that you currently own: they cannot buy a smaller share. If they want to own more than your current percentage, they can purchase additional shares from the housing provider as part of the transaction.
Use this exclusivity period productively by ensuring your property is presented in the best possible condition. Review your lease agreement for any specific requirements about property presentation, such as paint colours or removable fixtures you may need to address.
Step 5: Market on the Open Market
If your housing provider doesn’t find a suitable buyer during their exclusivity period, you can market your property on the open market through an estate agent of your choice. Important restrictions still apply throughout this stage.
The property must be sold at the RICS-approved valuation price; you should not advertise below this amount or significantly above it. Your housing provider will also need to verify that any buyer meets shared ownership eligibility criteria before the sale can progress.
When considering an estate agent, shared ownership experience is critical. These sales include eligibility checks, lease-specific conditions, and coordination with your housing provider that typical agents may not routinely handle.
Why choose PE Homes for shared ownership sales
- Proven expertise: We specialise in shared ownership sales and understand housing provider processes, eligibility checks, and RICS valuation pricing rules.
- Fixed-fee value: Our transparent £500 fixed fee replaces percentage-based commission, helping you keep more of your equity and plan costs with confidence.
- Powerful online reach: We advertise on major portals including Rightmove, Zoopla, and Primelocation to maximise visibility among active buyers.
- Specialist support: We handle viewing enquiries and scheduling, provide weekly performance reports, share feedback from viewings, negotiate offers, and progress the sale through to completion. We also liaise with your housing provider to confirm eligibility and approvals so your transaction stays compliant and on track.
Prepare your property carefully for viewings by addressing any maintenance issues and ensuring it presents well to potential buyers. Remove personal belongings and consider whether any improvements you’ve made need to be restored to their original condition, depending on your lease requirements.
Throughout the open market period, maintain regular communication with your housing provider. They need to process applications from interested buyers and provide approval before any sale can proceed to exchange of contracts.
Important Considerations Throughout the Process
The entire selling process typically takes several months from initial notification to completion. Factor this timeline into your moving plans, especially if you’re buying another property simultaneously or have specific deadlines to meet.
Keep detailed records of all communications with your housing provider, solicitor, and any estate agents involved in your sale. This documentation helps resolve any queries quickly and ensures all parties remain informed of progress.
Consider the financial implications carefully, including valuation fees, solicitor costs, potential administration fees, and estate agent commission if you proceed to open market sales. Budget for these expenses early in the process to avoid unexpected financial pressure.
Your shared ownership lease remains in effect throughout the selling process, so continue meeting all your obligations, including maintenance responsibilities and any ground rent or service charge payments.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Selling a shared ownership property involves more steps than a conventional sale, but the process is well-established and manageable when you understand the requirements. By following these five steps systematically and working with experienced professionals, you can navigate your sale successfully.
Remember that your housing provider wants to facilitate successful sales: they benefit when shared ownership properties change hands smoothly and buyers have positive experiences. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification about any aspect of their process.
For more guidance on property sales and shared ownership matters, visit PE Homes where you can access additional resources and professional support throughout your selling journey.
Tags: shared ownership, sell shared ownership property, affordable housing, property sales, online estate agent, fixed fee estate agent, shared ownership sales, first time buyers, selling your home, property ladder
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