THE ULTIMATE
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
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.
Understanding Shared Ownership Sales
How Selling a Shared Ownership Property Works:
Sharedownershipschemesallowbuyerstopurchaseapercentageofapropertywhilepayingrent ontheremainingsharetoahousingassociation/registeredprovider.Thisstructuremeansthat sellingasharedownershiphomeinvolvesadditionalstepsbeyondastandardsale.
✔ SharedOwnershipProperties–Sharedownershipschemesareavailableforbothhousesand apartments,notjustflats Thisoffersgreaterchoiceforbuyersseekingmorespaceoragarden,while stillbenefitingfromtheaffordabilityandflexibilityofsharedownership.
✔SellingYourShare–Typically,youcanonlyselltheshareyouownunlessyouchoosetostaircase (purchasemoreshares)tofullownershipbeforeselling.Insomecases,apartialstaircasemaybe possible
✔ HousingAssociation/RegisteredProviderNominationPeriod–Mosthousing associations/registeredprovidershaveanexclusivenominationperiod(usually4–8weeks)tofinda buyerbeforeallowingyoutomarketthepropertymorewidely.Somemayrequirethistobedone directlythroughthem,whileothersallowanestateagenttohandleit
✔ RICSValuationRequired–ThesellingpricemustbedeterminedbyaRICS-certifiedsurveyor,not justanestateagent’svaluation.
✔ BuyerEligibility–Anyprospectivebuyermustmeettheeligibilitycriteriasetbythehousing association/registeredprovider,whichoftenincludesincomeassessments,affordabilitychecksand salarycaps
✔ Legal&LeaseholdConsiderations–Sharedownershipsalesmustfollowspecificleaseholdlegal processesthatcanaffectthetimelineandcomplexityofthetransaction
Understandingtheserequirementsiskeytoensuringasmoothsale,whichiswhyworkingwitha specialistagentlikeTheApartmentDepartmentmakesallthedifference.
How We Market Your Property to the Right Buyers
ReachingtheRightBuyerswith TargetedMarketing
Findingtherightbuyerforasharedownershiphome requiresastrategicmarketingapproachandan establisheddatabaseofsharedownershipbuyers. AtTheApartmentDepartment,wetakeatailored approachtoensureyourpropertygetstheexposure itdeserves.
OurProvenMarketingStrategyIncludes:
ProfessionalPhotography&Floorplans–Highqualityimagesthatshowcaseyourhomeatitsbest.
SharedOwnershipBuyerDatabase–Yourproperty ismatchedwithpre-qualifiedbuyersactivelylooking forsharedownershiphomes
OnlineExposure–ListingsonRightmove,Zoopla, andspecialistsharedownershipplatforms.
SocialMediaAdvertising–Targetedcampaignsto reachbuyerssearchingforpropertieslikeyours.
DirectHousingassociationandRegistered ProvidersCollaboration–Ensuringyourpropertyis presentedtoeligiblebuyersfirst
IndependentFinancialAdvisors–Weworkwith sharedownershipmortgagespecialistswhocan quicklyverifybuyereligibility.
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 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.
Step 2: Obtain a RICS Valuation
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
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.
Step 5: Finding the Right Buyer
Any buyer must be financially qualified and meet shared ownership eligibility crite before proceeding
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.
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...
