Shared Ownership Staircasing Mortgage Options — Which Lenders Offer Shared Ownership Deals?

Why Shared Ownership Mortgages Are Different

Shared ownership mortgages are a specialist product. Unlike a standard residential mortgage — where you simply borrow against the full value of the property — a shared ownership mortgage is secured only against the share you own. You also pay rent on the remaining share to the housing association, which lenders must factor into your affordability calculation.

This means not every high street lender offers shared ownership mortgages, and those that do may have specific criteria around minimum share size, property type, housing association approval, and lease length.

Lenders Active in the Shared Ownership Market in 2026

The shared ownership mortgage market has matured considerably over the past decade. In 2026, a reasonable number of lenders offer shared ownership products, including:

• **Nationwide Building Society** — one of the most active shared ownership lenders, with products across a range of share levels.
• **Halifax and Lloyds Banking Group** — offer shared ownership mortgages through their branch and broker networks.
• **Santander** — active in the market, with competitive rates for shared ownership borrowers.
• **Leeds Building Society and Coventry Building Society** — regional mutuals that have historically offered strong shared ownership products.
• **Virgin Money and Yorkshire Building Society** — both have shared ownership propositions.
• **Specialist and broker-only lenders** — including those accessible only through a whole-of-market mortgage broker.

The availability of specific products, rates, and criteria changes frequently. Using a whole-of-market mortgage broker who specialises in shared ownership is the most reliable way to find the best deal available to you.

How Affordability Is Assessed

When you apply for a shared ownership mortgage (or staircase onto a new one), the lender will assess affordability based on:

• Your gross household income and any other income sources
• Your existing financial commitments (loans, credit cards, car finance)
• The monthly rent you pay on the unsold share (this counts as a financial commitment)
• Any other monthly obligations, including service charges and ground rent

The rent on the unsold share can significantly affect how much you can borrow. This is one reason why buying a larger initial share — if you can afford to — often improves your long-term mortgage options.

Staircasing and Remortgaging

When you staircase, you have two main mortgage options:

**Option 1 — Remortgage with your existing lender.** If your existing lender offers a shared ownership mortgage for your new, higher share level, a product transfer or remortgage with them may be the simplest route. Your lender already has your details and the property on their systems, which can speed up the process.

**Option 2 — Remortgage with a new lender.** You are free to switch lenders when you staircase. A new lender will require a full mortgage application, but may offer a better rate. Your solicitor will handle the discharge of the old mortgage and the registration of the new one.

Be aware of **early repayment charges (ERCs)** on your existing mortgage. If you are within a fixed-rate period, staircasing and remortgaging may trigger a significant penalty. Timing your staircase to coincide with the end of a fixed-rate deal — or calculating whether the long-term savings outweigh the ERC — is an important part of the financial planning.

Use our [Shared Ownership Calculator](/shared-ownership-calculator) to model how your mortgage payment changes at different share levels and interest rates, helping you identify the right moment to staircase and the right amount to buy.

Important Considerations for Leasehold Properties

Mortgage lenders will check the unexpired lease term before offering a shared ownership mortgage. Most lenders require at least 70–85 years remaining on the lease at the time of application (with some requiring more), taking into account the mortgage term. If your lease is running short, you may need to extend it before or alongside your staircase transaction — which adds cost and complexity. Check your lease term early.