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Shared Ownership and Leasehold

Making the most of your Shared Ownership home

Whether you're settling into your new home or planning your next steps, we're here to support you every step of the way. On this page, you'll find helpful information about your £500 repairs allowance, how to increase your ownership through 1% staircasing, and how to request permission for home improvements. These options are designed to give you more flexibility, confidence, and control as a Shared Owner—so you can truly make your home your own

Repairs allowance

If you’ve recently moved into a new-build Shared Ownership home, you may be entitled to a repairs allowance of up to £500. This allowance is designed to help cover the cost of essential repairs during the first 10 years of your ownership, giving you peace of mind as you settle into your new home.

The £500 allowance can be used for a range of qualifying repairs, such as plumbing issues, electrical faults, or problems with fixtures and fittings. It’s important to note that cosmetic improvements or routine maintenance aren’t covered, and the allowance is only available for homes that are less than 12 months old at the time of purchase.

To make a claim, simply complete our short form below, including any supporting documentation, such as receipts or photos. We’ll guide you through the process and confirm whether the repair qualifies under the scheme. If approved, we’ll reimburse you up to the £500 limit.

 

 

Make a claim

Request to make changes to your home

We understand that making your home truly yours sometimes means making changes—whether it’s redecorating, installing new fixtures, or planning a larger renovation. If you’re a Shared Owner, you’ll need to request permission before carrying out any alterations to your property. This helps us ensure that any changes meet safety standards and don’t affect the long-term value of your home. Examples of changes that require approval include replacing flooring, fitting a new kitchen or bathroom, adding built-in wardrobes, or making structural modifications.

To request permission, simply complete our alterations request form and provide details of the proposed work, including plans, materials, and contractor information if applicable. Our team will review your request and let you know if further documentation is needed.

Admin Fees for Shared Ownership Homeowners

We apply an administration fee for processing certain home improvement requests from Shared Ownership customers.

  • A £100 admin fee applies to minor works, such as installing a new kitchen or bathroom.
  • A £300 admin fee applies to major works, including larger structural changes like building an extension or adding a garage.

These fees help cover the administrative time and checks required to process your request. If you're unsure which category your planned works fall into, please get in touch with our team for guidance.

Please wait for written approval before starting any work. If changes are made without permission, you may be required to reverse them or cover the cost of remedial action. If you’re unsure whether your plans require approval, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to advise.

 

 

Request Alteration

Staircasing

Shared Ownership gives you the flexibility to buy a home in stages, and 1% staircasing makes that journey even easier. With this option, you can increase your share of the property by just 1% at a time—making homeownership more affordable and accessible. Unlike traditional staircasing, which often involves larger increments and valuation fees, 1% staircasing uses a fixed price based on your original purchase value. That means no need for a new valuation or solicitor fees, and you’ll know exactly what each 1% will cost upfront.

You can staircase by 1% once per year, and each increase brings you closer to full ownership. It’s a great way to build equity gradually, at a pace that suits your budget. Plus, as your share grows, your rent payments to the Housing Association will reduce accordingly. If you’re interested in staircasing or want to check your eligibility, get in touch with our team. We’ll guide you through the process and help you take the next step toward owning more of your home.

 

 

 

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Buy a home with Open Door

Open Door is the home ownership arm of Halton Housing; we build and sell quality homes for shared ownership, rent to buy and outright sale.       

The Open Door Team love nothing more than finding a home that’s just right for customers. Whether that’s shared ownership, rent to buy or outright sale, Open Door will work closely with you to find out what you’re after and which options will work best for you.

Visit Open Door