How to Sell a Shared Ownership Home: Rules, Timescales and Options
To sell a shared ownership home you normally have to tell your housing association first, get a RICS valuation, and give them a nomination period to find a buyer. After that you can usually sell on the open market or staircase to 100% and sell outright.
How shared ownership resales work
You own a share of the lease and pay rent on the rest to a housing association or landlord. When you sell, your lease usually gives the landlord a first right to find a buyer.
The usual steps
- Tell your housing association you want to sell.
- Get a RICS valuation — normally valid for three months.
- Nomination period — commonly 4 to 8 weeks for the landlord to find an eligible buyer for your share.
- Open market — if no buyer is found, you can usually market your share through an agent.
- Pay resale fees — many landlords charge an admin or marketing fee.
Staircasing to 100% before selling
If your lease allows it, you can buy the remaining share (staircasing) and then sell outright. This can happen at the same time as the sale on completion, which widens the buyer pool to anyone — including cash buyers.
Common delays
- Valuation expiring before a buyer is found
- Buyers failing the eligibility checks
- Leases with restrictions on who can buy
- Rent or service charge arrears that must be cleared
Selling to a cash buyer
Where your lease allows a staircase-and-sell on completion, a cash buyer can buy the full property in one transaction. Quick Sales UK can review your lease and give a no-obligation figure — see how we buy or get a free cash offer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to let the housing association find a buyer?
Usually yes. Most leases give the landlord a nomination period, often 4 to 8 weeks, before you can sell on the open market.
Can I sell my shared ownership home to a cash buyer?
Often yes, if you staircase to 100% at completion or after the nomination period ends. Check your lease first.
Who pays for the valuation?
The seller normally pays for the RICS valuation needed to set the price of the share.
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