Shared Ownership Conveyancing Solicitors

Shared Ownership schemes allow buyers to purchase a share (typically between 25%-75%) of a property and pay rent on the remainder. The remaining share is owned by a private landlord or housing association. Buyers can purchase more shares of the property through staircasing.

You can buy a 10% share in some cases, but this depends on the other shareholder/s and your mortgage lender.

You’ll pay fees for the standard legal work, and an additional Shared Ownership supplement fee for the specific work. On average, the extra fee for shared ownership properties are £330*, but this depends on your circumstances.

Here are the approximate solicitor fees for properties priced at the UK average of £292,000*.

Buying a property:

Legal fees: £1,743*

Additional Shared Ownership fee: £330*

Total: £2,073*

Selling a property:

Legal fees: £814*

Additional Shared Ownership fee: £330*

Total: £1,144*

*Based on the average service costs for Konnect You users. See how our data works.

1. Look for Shared Ownership Experience

Find a solicitor with prior experience in Shared Ownership transactions by doing the following:

• Check their website for a dedicated Shared Ownership page or case studies.
• Ask the solicitor directly about their experience with leasehold transactions.
• Confirm they have worked with housing associations.

2. Confirm Their Charging Method

Get clarity on costs before instructing your solicitor to avoid hidden costs:

• Fixed-fee solicitors charge a set amount regardless of how long your case takes
• Hourly-rate solicitor costs increase the longer the case takes

Request a detailed breakdown separating legal fees from disbursements and other fees.

3. Choose Between Local or Online Services

Decide what type of service is best for your circumstances:

• Local Solicitors offer face-to-face meetings for reassurance
• Online Conveyancers provide 24/7 access through digital portals

4. Verify Their Speed and Availability

Shared Ownership transactions involve additional steps such as lease checks, so it’s important to choose a solicitor who acts promptly:

• Ask about their current workload and average completion times
• Confirm they can start immediately once your offer is accepted
• Check their communication methods - will they provide regular updates?

Shared Ownership transactions take longer than standard conveyancing due to the additional checks involved in the process.

Standard legal work: 8-12 weeks

Shared Ownership extra steps: 2-4 weeks

Total: 10-16 weeks

Since Shared Ownership properties are leasehold, there is more paperwork, including the leasehold management pack and LPE1 form.

The Shared Ownership steps take place before the standard conveyancing process. There are four stages you must follow to successfully apply:

• Confirm you are eligible for a Shared Ownership scheme.
• Check the market for a suitable property via house associations and private landlords who will determine whether you meet their criteria.
• Reserve the property through the landlord. They may request a fee, but some will reserve the property at no extra charge.
• Instruct your solicitor to begin the lease checks and legal proceedings.