Increasing your share
Increase your share over time with simple, flexible options that help you own more of your home when the time is right for you.
Increasing your share is a flexible way to own more of your home over time. Many co-owners choose to buy out Co-Ownership fully, while others prefer to keep things as they are. There is no requirement to increase your share, and you can continue paying rent on our share for as long as you wish.
How to buy more of your home
You can increase your share in 5% steps or lump sum amounts, or you can buy out the entire Co-Ownership share whenever you are ready. People often choose to increase their share when:
- their mortgage deal is up for renewal and they can borrow more
- they receive inheritance or savings
- their circumstances change, such as earning more or having additional income in the household
When to increase your share
You can explore buying more of your home at any time. Simply log in to your online account and request a buying-out valuation, which costs £75. If you are thinking about increasing your share, it’s usually worth doing as early as you can. This is because we have an equity sharing partnership, and the value of the share you want to buy may rise over time (in-line with the value of the property). For more information, see buying us out.
What is equity sharing?
Before joining Co-Ownership, your solicitor will explain the equity sharing lease, which is an agreement between you and Co-Ownership. It means that when you buy a greater share of your home, or sell it, we both benefit from the value going up. If the value goes down, we share in the loss. As co-owners, we share the risk.
Increasing your share of the home and buying up to 100% is optional - there is no obligation to buy out the remaining share. With Co-Ownership, you have a 99-year lease, giving you the option to stay in your home, own your share and pay rent on ours, for as long as it suits you.
If you decide to move house at any stage, we split the equity from the sale according to the ratio of ownership. And since Co-Ownership is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, our proceeds from the sale are put back in the pot to help other people in Northern Ireland achieve home ownership.
Increasing your share video
Ready to own more of your home? This short video explains how increasing your share works, from using our buying out calculator to getting a valuation and arranging your finance, whether you're buying in small steps or purchasing us out completely.
Want to learn more about increasing your share?
Head over to Owning more of your home for more detailed information on the process behind buying more of your home.
Co-Ownership were great from start to finish. They were quick to get back to me whenever I needed anything, communication was clear, and nothing was ever delayed. The whole process felt smooth and well managed. Overall, I’m extremely happy with the service and would definitely recommend them.