Shared Ownership
Shared ownership offers a flexible option to purchase a home, allowing you to own a portion of the property while renting the remaining share. You can typically purchase between 25% and 75% of the property's value. To finance your share, you'll obtain a mortgage and use your savings, while rent will be paid on the unowned portion. As you increase your ownership share (known as staircasing), your rent decreases.
For more detailed information on shared ownership, please visit the government website.
Shared Ownership for Older Adults
Shared ownership may be available to individuals aged 55 and above who wish to downsize or seek specialised support as they age. Like standard shared ownership, you can typically buy a share between 25% and 75% of the property value, with rent paid on the remaining share. If you purchase a 75% share, you may not need to pay rent on the remaining portion. The maximum share you can typically purchase is 75% to ensure these properties remain accessible to older adults in the future.
For more information on Older Persons Shared Ownership, please visit Own You Home's website.
Rent to Buy
Rent to Buy is a government initiative that allows you to rent a newly constructed home for a specified period, typically five years, with the option to purchase the property outright at the end of the term. Alternatively, you can pursue shared ownership before the five-year period ends, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. If you choose not to purchase the property, you may be able to continue renting it after the five years.
Your landlord will discuss the available options with you. Under Rent to Buy, properties are rented at a discounted rate to help you save for a deposit.
Both shared ownership and rent-to-buy provide affordable paths to homeownership in Knowsley. Explore these options and find a solution that aligns with your financial circumstances and housing needs.
For more information on Older Persons Shared Ownership, please visit Own You Home's website.
Current affordable home ownership developments
Current developments where there are affordable homeownership opportunities available in the borough are:
- The Watch Factory, Prescot (Livv Homes)
- Canterbury Park, Huyton (Livv Homes)
- The Finches, Halewood (Livv Homes)
- The Woodlands, Halsnead Garden Village (Your Housing)
- Woodcroft Corner, Halsnead Garden Village (Onward Homes)
- The Meadows, Halsnead Garden Village (Cobalt Homes)
There are several registered providers, commonly known as housing associations, who provide shared ownership and rent to buy homes in Knowsley. Please visit the links below to check availability:
- Torus Homes
- Onward Living (Onward Homes)
- Livv Housing
- One Vision Housing (Sovini)
- Home Reach (Heylo Housing)
- ForLiving
- Cobalt Homes
Properties are sometimes advertised on websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla.