Selling a property is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events. When you add the layer of "Shared Ownership" into the mix, many homeowners feel an immediate sense of overwhelm. You might have bought your home through a scheme like sharetobuy.com and now you’re ready to move on, but the rules seem different from a standard sale.
The good news? The shared ownership resale process is actually very logical and structured. While it has a few extra steps compared to a traditional sale, it’s designed to keep homes affordable for the next generation of buyers.
At PE Homes, we believe in keeping things simple. In this guide, we’re going to break down exactly how to sell shared ownership property in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’ve never sold a house before.
The 3-Minute Summary: The Process at a Glance
If you’re in a rush, here is the linear path you’ll follow:
- Instruction: You notify your Housing Association of your intent to sell.
- Valuation: You arrange a shared ownership valuation for sale with a RICS surveyor.
- Nomination Period: The Housing Association has a set period (usually 4–8 weeks) to find a buyer themselves.
- Open Market: If no buyer is found, you list the property on the open market (this is where we come in!).
- Buyer Approval: The new buyer is vetted for eligibility.
- Conveyancing: Solicitors handle the legal transfer.
- Completion: You move out, and the new owner moves in.
Now, let’s dive into the details so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
Step 1: The RICS Valuation (The Price is Set)
Unlike a traditional house sale where an estate agent tells you what they "think" they can get for your house, selling shared ownership requires an official RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) valuation.
Because shared ownership is a government-backed scheme, the price must be fair and based on the current market. You cannot simply pick a number out of thin air or try to start a bidding war. A qualified surveyor will visit your home, assess its condition and the local area, and provide a formal report.
This report tells you exactly what 100% of the property is worth. Your share price is then calculated from that total. For example, if the house is valued at £200,000 and you own 50%, your share is marketed at £100,000.
Pro Tip: Most RICS valuations are only valid for 3 months. If your sale takes longer, you may need to pay for a "desktop valuation" or an extension later on.
Step 2: The 'Nomination Period' – The Housing Association's First Dibs
Once you have your valuation, you send it to your Housing Association. This triggers what is known as the Nomination Period.
This period typically lasts between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on your lease. During this time, the Housing Association has the exclusive right to find a buyer from their waiting list of eligible people. The goal is to ensure the home stays within the "affordable housing" ecosystem for first-time buyers.
They will usually charge you a marketing fee for this service. If they find a buyer during this window, the process moves straight to the legal stage. However, if they don’t find a buyer within those 8 weeks, you gain the right to move to the open market.
Step 3: Moving to the Open Market (Maximum Visibility)
If the nomination period ends and your home hasn't been reserved, it’s time to take control of the sale yourself. This is where most people look for an online estate agent to help them reach a wider audience.
When you move to the open market, your goal is to get your property in front of as many eyes as possible. At PE Homes, we ensure your listing is live on the "Big Three" portals:
- Rightmove
- Zoopla
- OnTheMarket
By being on these platforms, you aren’t just waiting for the Housing Association’s list; you are reaching every first-time buyer in the country who is searching for a home in your area.
Step 4: Saving Money with a Fixed Fee Shared Ownership Sale
One of the biggest frustrations when selling a shared ownership house is the cost. Traditional high-street estate agents often charge a commission based on a percentage of the full market value, even though you are only selling a share. This can lead to thousands of pounds in fees.
At PE Homes, we do things differently. We offer a £500 fixed fee for shared ownership resales.
Let's look at the math:
- Traditional Agent (1.5% commission on £250k value): £3,750 + VAT
- PE Homes Fixed Fee: £500 (No hidden surprises)
By choosing a fixed fee estate agent, you can save upwards of £3,000. That is money that stays in your pocket for your next deposit, new furniture, or moving costs. We believe that affordable housing should also mean affordable selling.
Step 5: Vetting the Buyer and Legal Work
When a buyer is found, whether through the Housing Association or through our listings on Rightmove, they must be "qualified." This means an independent financial advisor will check that they can afford the share and that they meet the basic eligibility criteria for shared ownership (such as a maximum household income).
Once the buyer is approved, the solicitors take over. This is the "conveyancing" stage. Your solicitor will work with the buyer’s solicitor and the Housing Association’s legal team to ensure all the paperwork is in order.
Important: Make sure you hire a solicitor who is experienced in shared ownership. The paperwork is slightly different from a standard leasehold sale, and having an expert will speed things up significantly.
Why Choose PE Homes?
We know that property sales can feel like a minefield. Our mission is to simplify the shared ownership resale process for you. We provide the same professional photography, floorplans, and portal coverage as the big names, but at a fraction of the cost.
- Fixed Fee: Only £500. No percentages, no hidden costs.
- Full Coverage: We list on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket.
- Expert Advice: We understand the nuances of the nomination period and RICS valuations.
- Simple Process: We handle the tech and the listings so you can focus on your move.
If you are thinking, "I need to sell my house online," but you’re worried about the complexities of shared ownership, we are here to help. We are proud to be one of the most cheap estate agents without compromising on the quality of service.
Common Questions About the Shared Ownership Resale Process
How long does it take?
Typically, the whole process takes between 3 and 5 months. The nomination period takes up the first 8 weeks, followed by marketing and then the legal process, which usually takes 12 weeks.
Can I sell for more than the RICS valuation?
Generally, no. You must sell at the valuation price to keep the property "affordable." If the valuation feels too low, you can challenge it with the surveyor by providing evidence of comparable sales, but once the report is finalized, that is the price.
What if I want to sell 100% of the property?
If you have "staircased" to 100% ownership, you can usually sell your home on the open market just like any other property. However, some leases have a "right of first refusal" where you still have to offer it to the Housing Association first. Always check your lease!
What are the main costs?
- RICS Valuation Fee (usually £250-£500)
- Housing Association Marketing Fee (if applicable)
- Solicitor Fees
- Estate Agent Fee (Only £500 with PE Homes!)
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) if you don't have a valid one.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Selling your shared ownership home is a major milestone. It’s often the stepping stone to buying a property outright or moving to a new area. By understanding the shared ownership resale process and choosing the right partners, you can make the transition smooth and cost-effective.
Don't let high commission fees eat into your hard-earned equity. Join the hundreds of homeowners who have chosen a smarter way to sell.
Want to learn more? Check out our website at pe-homes.co.uk to see how we can get your property listed and sold for a flat fee.
Let’s get your home on Rightmove and Zoopla today!
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