Buying a property

We aim to make the process of buying a Shared Ownership property as easy and efficient as possible for all applicants. We advise all interested applicants to have spoken to a mortgage broker and a solicitor before they submit their application to us.

We have put together a brief guide to give you an idea of what the sales process will involve.

Sales process

1. Get an idea about whether you would be eligible and could afford shared ownership

  • The Government has some online resources to help you understand whether you would be eligible for the scheme, and what / if you could afford to buy a shared ownership property. You can find out more by using the Own you Home website.
  • These resources are designed to give you an indication. You will still need to prove that you are eligible and have a full affordability assessment carried out by a qualified mortgage advisor.

2. Evaluate what you could afford

  • You should obtain an Agreement in Principle (AIP). This essentially shows that a lender will lend funds to you to purchase a property. You can do this independently, or through a mortgage broker who should do this free of charge. AIPs do not affect credit scores.
  • You should also consider what the costs of purchasing a property are, and whether you have enough available funds to pay for them. These can include, the deposit amount, mortgage broker fees, solicitor fees, property reservation fees, mortgage fees and other administrative fees that may be charged.

3. Submit your registration of interest

  • You should complete and submit a registration of interest form via the Shared to Buy website. Most of our properties will be advertised via this website.

4. Complete an application form

  • Once we have received your registration of interest, we will send you an Application Form for you to complete and return to us by email: communityhousing@dover.gov.uk along with the supporting documents requested.

5. Eligibility assessment

  • We will assess your application to check you are eligible for the scheme against the criteria. If you meet the eligibility criteria, your application will proceed to the next stage.
  • If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will be rejected, with reasons provided. 

6. Affordability assessment

  • We will send an Affordability Assessment and Declaration Form to you to send to your mortgage broker. Your mortgage broker must complete an affordability assessment to make sure you can afford to purchase the property and meet our minimum surplus income requirements.
  • You and your mortgage advisor must sign the declaration and return this with certified copies of your ID to us by email: communityhousing@dover.gov.uk.
  • If you can afford to purchase the property and meet our requirements your application will progress to the next stage.
  • If you are unable to afford the purchase and / or do not meet our requirements, your application will be rejected, with reasons provided.

7. View the property and pay the reservation fee

  • We will arrange a date and time for you to view the property. You must pay the reservation fee if you wish to purchase the property. Once you have paid the fee, the property will be reserved.

  • We will issue a Memorandum of Sale to you, your mortgage broker and your solicitor.

8. Apply for your mortgage

  • Once you have the go ahead, your mortgage broker can submit your mortgage application.

8. Your mortgage is offered

9. Your solicitor conducts their legal undertakings

  • Your appointed solicitor will conduct their legal undertakings for your purchase. They should report back to you with their findings.

10. Exchange of contracts

  • Once our Legal team and your solicitor have agreed to the sale, the contracts can be exchanged.

11. Lease agreement signed and sale completes

  • A completion date is agreed between our Legal team and your solicitor on your behalf. You must sign the lease agreement. This is a legally binding contract between you and us. You can find out more about your lease agreement here.
  • Congratulations you have bought your first home! We will hand over the keys to you one completion day.

Contact us

If you have any questions about buying a Shared Ownership property, please contact us by emailing communityhousing@dover.gov.uk. 

Last updated: 28 October 2024