Staircasing
Increasing your share of your home
If you have bought your home through a shared ownership scheme, you can buy further shares until you own 100% of the property. This is known as staircasing. You are not obliged to buy more shares, but the more you own, the less rent you pay and, if you sell, the more profit you will make if the value of your home has increased.
You may be restricted on the number of times you can staircase, and you should check your lease to clarify this. The minimum share you can purchase is set out in your lease - it is usually 20%, except for the final share, which may be less in order for you to staircase to 100% ownership.
You cannot staircase if you have any service charge or rent arrears. Some properties have a limit on the amount you can staircase. Details can be found in your lease.
A guide to the staircasing process can be found in the homeowners handbook and the full procedure is set out in your lease.
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