THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR SHARED OWNERSHIP PROPERTY
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“What are the CHALLENGES when selling my shared ownership property?”
Selling a Shared Ownership? We’ve Got You Covered. The Apartment Department specialises in leasehold sales; all shared ownership properties, whether a flat or a house, are leasehold, making this the ideal team to ensure a seamless transaction. Selling a shared ownership home isn’t quite the same as selling a fully owned property. Whether it’s an apartment or a house, shared ownership comes with additional steps, requirements, and legal considerations. That’s where The Apartment Department comes in.
With extensive experience working alongside major housing providers such as Vivid Homes, Grainger, Sterling, and many others.
Our dedicated apartment sales team ensures that your property is marketed effectively, reaching the right buyers and securing the best possible outcome. This guide takes you through the key steps, legal requirements, and potential pitfalls of selling your shared ownership home, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a smooth and successful sale. Every housing association/registered provider and local authority has its own specific process, so while this guide provides an overview of the most common requirements, we highly recommend reaching out to discuss the specific details of selling YOUR property.
Our Promise to You We make leasehold sales simple. We communicate clearly, so you’re never left in the dark. We do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. We care about your move as much as you do. Moving home should feel exciting – not exhausting. Whether you’re buying or selling, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. The Apartment Department – because leasehold doesn’t have to be complicated.
Martin Coombs | Senior Area Manager
Understanding Shared Ownership Sales How Selling a Shared Ownership Property Works: Shared ownership schemes allow buyers to purchase a percentage of a property while paying rent on the remaining share to a housing association/registered provider. This structure means that selling a shared ownership home involves additional steps beyond a standard sale.
✔ Shared Ownership Properties – Shared ownership schemes are available for both houses and
apartments, not just flats. This offers greater choice for buyers seeking more space or a garden, while still benefiting from the affordability and flexibility of shared ownership.
✔ Selling Your Share – Typically, you can only sell the share you own unless you choose to staircase (purchase more shares) to full ownership before selling. In some cases, a partial staircase may be possible.
✔ Housing Association/Registered Provider Nomination Period – Most housing
associations/registered providers have an exclusive nomination period (usually 4–8 weeks) to find a buyer before allowing you to market the property more widely. Some may require this to be done directly through them, while others allow an estate agent to handle it.
✔ RICS Valuation Required – The selling price must be determined by a RICS-certified surveyor, not just an estate agent’s valuation.
✔ Buyer Eligibility – Any prospective buyer must meet the eligibility criteria set by the housing
association/registered provider, which often includes income assessments, affordability checks and salary caps.
✔ Legal & Leasehold Considerations – Shared ownership sales must follow specific leasehold legal processes that can affect the timeline and complexity of the transaction.
Understanding these requirements is key to ensuring a smooth sale, which is why working with a specialist agent like The Apartment Department makes all the difference.
Bridges Apartment Dept. is your solution to MOVING home, providing the expertise you need to sell your leasehold home…
How We Market Your Property to the Right Buyers Reaching the Right Buyers with Targeted Marketing Finding the right buyer for a shared ownership home requires a strategic marketing approach and an established database of shared ownership buyers. At The Apartment Department, we take a tailored approach to ensure your property gets the exposure it deserves. Our Proven Marketing Strategy Includes: Professional Photography & Floorplans – Highquality images that showcase your home at its best. Shared Ownership Buyer Database – Your property is matched with pre-qualified buyers actively looking for shared ownership homes. Online Exposure – Listings on Rightmove, Zoopla, and specialist shared ownership platforms. Social Media Advertising – Targeted campaigns to reach buyers searching for properties like yours. Direct Housing association and Registered Providers Collaboration – Ensuring your property is presented to eligible buyers first. Independent Financial Advisors – We work with shared ownership mortgage specialists who can quickly verify buyer eligibility.
This comprehensive marketing approach ensures maximum visibility and a higher chance of securing a sale.
The Apartment Department Advantage Our unique position at the centre of these sectors ensures that we maximise your property's value while ensuring a smooth, efficient sale process.
We take a proactive, strategic approach to selling your shared ownership home: Pre-Sale Preparation Reviewing lease terms and service charges upfront. Gathering key legal documents before listing. Advising on lease extensions where necessary.
Specialist Sales Progression Assigning a dedicated leasehold specialist to handle your sale. Collaborating with specialist leasehold solicitors to expedite contracts. Educating buyers on leasehold obligations to avoid last-minute surprises.
Expert Marketing High-quality photography and video tours tailored for apartment buyers. Targeted online advertising to our database of over 2,000 landlords and investors. Enhanced visibility across major property portals and social media.
Negotiation & Buyer Selection Identifying financially qualified buyers to prevent failed transactions. Ensuring buyers have solicitors experienced in leasehold sales. Managing expectations to streamline negotiations and avoid unnecessary delays.
Our Customer Charter Leasehold sales, made simple. Buying or selling a leasehold property can feel like a maze. That’s where we come in. We know the ins and outs of leasehold sales – and we’re here to make the whole process as easy, clear, and stress-free as possible. With The Apartment Department, you’re in safe hands. Here’s what you can expect from us: Straight-talking advice, from start to finish No jargon, no waffle – just honest, expert advice tailored to you. We’ll break down the details, from lease lengths to service charges, so you know exactly where you stand. Clear, open communication We keep you updated every step of the way. Whether it’s good news or a tricky situation, you’ll hear from us first – with real solutions to keep things moving. A dedicated team on your side You won’t be passed from pillar to post. You’ll have a Leasehold Specialist who knows your sale inside out, working hard behind the scenes to keep everything on track.
Proactive problem-solvers Leasehold sales can sometimes hit a snag – but we’re always one step ahead. We work closely with solicitors, management companies, and other agents to smooth out any bumps in the road. The right buyers, the best exposure If you’re selling, we don’t just list your property and hope for the best. We actively market it to the right buyers, giving it the attention it deserves. If you’re buying, we’ll match you with apartments that suit you – and flag any leasehold quirks before you commit. We keep the momentum going Leasehold sales can take longer – but we don’t sit back and wait. We chase solicitors, nudge management companies, and keep the whole process moving, so you can buy or sell faster. Support beyond the sale Need help with lease extensions? Want recommendations for local services? We’re still here for you, long after the paperwork is signed.
The Apartment Department – because leasehold doesn’t have to be complicated.
Your Selling Journey – Step by Step Step 1: Inform Your Housing Association/Registered Provider. Before listing your property, you must notify your housing association/registered provider of your intention to sell. They will outline the process and provide relevant paperwork.
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Step 2: Obtain a RICS Valuation
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Arrange for a valuation from a RICS-certified surveyor, as this will set the price for your sharethis will need to be sent to your housing association for approval.
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Step 3: Housing Association/Registered Provider Nomination Period The housing association/registered provider typically has 4-8 weeks to find an eligible buyer.
Step 4: Marketing Your Property If a buyer isn’t found within the nomination period, you may be granted permission to market the property on the open market.
Any buyer must be financially qualified and meet shared ownership eligibility criteria before proceeding.
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Step 5: Finding the Right Buyer
6 Step 6: Buyer Approval After a suitable buyer is found they will be required to be approved by the housing association/registered provider.
Step 7: Legal & Mortgage Processes The buyer’s solicitor will work with your housing association/registered provider and mortgage lender to ensure all leasehold conditions are met before exchange.
Step 8: Completion! Once all legal aspects are finalised, contracts are exchanged, and you can complete the sale. Selling a shared ownership home might seem more complex than a traditional sale, but with The Apartment Department handling the details, we’ll ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
The Apartment Department Team Our dedicated team offers unparalleled knowledge and experience in leasehold property sales, ensuring every transaction runs smoothly.
LEO SPICER
STEPHEN HUBBARD
Leasehold Specialist Aldershot
AMY FUREY
Leasehold Specialist Basingstoke
JUSTIN MANNERS
Leasehold Specialist Farnborough
SIMON KERRY
Leasehold Specialist Leasehold Specialist Bracknell Forest Ash Vale
KEITH TRAVERS
Leasehold Specialist Basingstoke
JADE NASH
Leasehold Specialist Farnham
JONATHAN STANTON
Leasehold Specialist Camberley
LIBBY BETTS
RITCHIE COHEN
Leasehold Specialist Bracknell Forest
JASMINE ROBINSON
Leasehold Specialist Farnborough
KIERAN EGAN
Leasehold Specialist Leasehold Specialist Hook Fleet
ROBERT STOCCHETTI Leasehold Specialist Hook
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." — Phil Jackson
Vicky Quinn-Campbell – Your Leasehold Specialist Lawyer
With years of experience in leasehold transactions, Vicky at simply conveyancing ensures every legal detail is handled smoothly—preventing delays, avoiding surprises, and keeping your sale on track from start to finish.
In summary…
Specialist Leasehold Expertise For Your Shared Ownership Property
If you decide to use the apartment department to sell your property, you can be assured that our dedicated team are trained on every part of the leasehold process and implement these skills on every sale. If you choose to use another agency, do ask them the important points raised in this Guide, on how they are going to maximise your sale price without any delays.
With The Apartment Department, you benefit from specialist knowledge, expert negotiation, and a structured sales process designed to achieve the best possible outcome. Feature & Benefit Breakdown Shared Ownership Expertise Our team is highly experienced in shared ownership transactions, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for both buyers and sellers. We understand the unique complexities involved, providing clear, reliable guidance at every stage. Faster Sales Process - Leasehold sales often involve additional legal and administrative steps. We proactively address potential delays early, ensuring a swift and efficient process that keeps your sale moving forward. Expert Negotiation- From lease extensions to ground rent clauses and service charges, we understand the nuances of leasehold agreements. This expertise ensures sellers receive the best possible outcome while buyers proceed with confidence. Guided Support- We provide tailored resources to assist our clients at every stage of their journey.
Legal & Financial Partnerships - We partner with leading leasehold specialists, legal advisors, and financial experts to ensure a seamless transaction. Our clients gain access to professional guidance that makes the process smooth and stress-free. Transparent Fee Structure - We believe in clarity and fairness when it comes to fees. Our structured pricing offers competitive rates with exclusive discounts. Marketing Expertise- We don’t just list properties; we market them strategically. Our targeted campaigns attract serious leasehold buyers, ensuring your property reaches the right audience for a faster and more successful sale. Bridges Brand Strength - As part of The Bridges Group, we leverage a wellestablished and trusted brand. With extensive market reach, credibility, and a track record of success, we provide the assurance that your sale is in expert hands.
Let The Journey Begin...