Are you ready to adopt the Shared Ownership Code?

By Tim West · 20 August 2025

The Shared Ownership Code: Preparing for New Industry Standards

The shared ownership sector is preparing for the introduction of the new Shared Ownership Code, which will establish mandatory standards for all providers. With around 250,000 households currently in shared ownership, understanding the requirements and preparing for compliance is essential for organisations operating in this space.

Current Issues in Shared Ownership

Of the £39 billion, the Homes England programme allocates 40% of its funding to non-social rent products, including shared ownership schemes that represent the primary affordable homeownership pathway for many prospective buyers. However, the quality of shared ownership experiences currently falls short of expected standards, highlighting a need for improvement in service delivery

The shared ownership market currently faces significant challenges around service consistency and consumer protection. Shared owners experience varying levels of service quality depending on their provider, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and reduced confidence in the sector.

These inconsistencies have undermined trust in shared ownership as a viable housing solution and highlighted the need for standardised industry practices.

What is the Code?

The Shared Ownership Code was created following extensive consumer and industry consultation to standardise best practice and consumer protection for shared ownership. It aims to ensure transparency, fairness and improved support for shared owners in the marketing, purchasing, and management of their homes.

The Code is a voluntary standard established by the Shared Ownership Council, built around seven core principles covering transparency, cost clarity, sales standards, staircasing and selling procedures, financial hardship support, complaint handling, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

How Will it Affect Housing Providers?

For housing providers, the Code will require comprehensive operational changes across five key areas: accessibility, exploring shared ownership, living as a shared owner, moving as a shared owner, and making complaints with monitoring and data requirements.

Marketing materials must meet new transparency requirements, providing clear information about all costs and responsibilities upfront, including comprehensive fee lists and service charge information documents. Sales processes must follow standardised approaches with defined communication protocols, cooling-off periods, and restrictions on high-pressure selling techniques.

Property management operations will need to align with Code requirements for maintenance responsibilities, service charge transparency following the GLA Service Charges Charter principles, and enhanced complaint handling procedures. Customer service standards must be improved with clear escalation processes, defined response times, and comprehensive staff training on Code requirements.

How Can We Help?

Our shared ownership experts are available to support you to understand the requirements, and enable you to successfully adopt and maintain compliance with the Code.

We can provide resources to:

• Undertake an ‘end to end’ shared ownership service health check
• Review internal policies and practices
• Support a Code gap analysis
• Review the practical steps required to meet the Code
• Create the required training and development approach
• Review readiness to align with the Code Statement of Principles
• Prepare for Code monitoring, annual review and improvement process

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