Shared ownership can be a more affordable way to own your home. It helps you step onto the property ladder by letting you buy a share of a new home (10%–75%) and pay rent on the part you don’t own. You’ll need a smaller deposit, and you can increase your share over time, a process called ‘staircasing’. You get to live in your home just like any other homeowner, with the option to fully own it in the future.
If you’re a shared owner you can buy more shares in your home, when you can afford it. This is known as staircasing. It helps you work towards owning your home in full. Also, as your share increases, your rent goes down. Find out more
Smaller deposit based on your share, not the full price Monthly payments are affordable for you Buy more shares and ‘staircase up’ at the time that's right for you If house prices go up, the value of your share goes up too You can decorate your home your way You can sell your home if you want to
Who can apply? You may be eligible if: You’re a first-time buyer or don’t currently own a home Your household income is under £80,000 a year You’ve saved a deposit and can afford the monthly costs All applications include a financial check to make sure Shared Ownership is right for you. How payments work The amount you buy depends on what you can afford, this includes your mortgage and how much you’ve saved for a deposit. Once you move in, your monthly costs will cover: Your mortgage for the part you’ve bought Rent on the part you haven’t bought yet (the bit we still own) Even though you’re only buying a share to start with, this is still your home. You can live in it just like any other homeowner. And when you’re ready, you can buy more shares over time, this is called staircasing, until you own it all. What homes are available? New build homes Resale homes from other shared owners Some homes designed for specific needs (e.g. ground-floor flats) How to apply Check you’re eligible Talk to Garden City Homes – we’ll explain everything Complete a financial assessment Find and reserve your new home
Get in touch with Garden City Homes. They’ll walk you through everything. Call 0300 777 7177 0300 777 7177 Email enquiries@gardencityhomes.org.uk Visit Garden City Homes
You’re a leaseholder if: You bought your home from Manchester City Council before it became part of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group You bought through Right to Buy or Right to Acquire from Parkway Green, Willow Park or Wythenshawe Community Housing Group You bought a flat from someone who originally did either of those When you buy a lease, you’re buying the right to live in your home for a set time – usually up to 125 years. You own the flat, but Wythenshawe Community Housing Group still owns the building or land it’s on. Your lease is a legal contract that sets out what you’re responsible for – and what Wythenshawe Community Housing Group are responsible for.
As a leaseholder, you take care of: Repairs inside your home (like plumbing, electrics, decorating) Telling us if you’re subletting your property Getting permission before making changes to things like windows, heating, or external doors Making sure you’ve got the right insurance (if it’s not included in your service charge) Telling us about repairs needed in shared areas, if you notice anything wrong You’ll also pay a service charge to help cover shared costs like cleaning, repairs and lighting in communal areas. Service Standards – Flats, Grounds, etc. (PDFs) Service Charges glossary [DOC] Fees & Charges (PDF) Not sure what your lease covers? Just get in touch – and we can talk you through it.
We look after: Shared spaces like stairs, corridors, gardens, and lifts The structure of the building – roofs, walls, window frames, etc. Managing service charges and sinking funds (money saved for big repairs) Organising major works when they’re needed Building insurance, if it’s included in your lease Not sure what your lease covers? Just get in touch – and we can talk you through it. ARMA – Leasehold Support Lease Advisory Service Download the Leaseholder Handbook Not sure what your lease covers? Just get in touch – and we can talk you through it.
What is a lease? A lease gives you the right to live in your home for a set number of years – usually 125. It explains what you are each responsible for and what we take care of. What do the legal terms mean? Leaseholder / Lessee – That’s you! Lessor – That’s us, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group Covenant – The legal terms and promises in your lease Breach of Covenant – When either side doesn’t stick to the deal Estate charge – Money you pay to help look after shared spaces across the wider Wythenshawe area What do the legal terms mean? Leaseholder / Lessee – That’s you! Lessor – That’s us, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group Covenant – The legal terms and promises in your lease Breach of Covenant – When either side doesn’t stick to the deal Estate charge – Money you pay to help look after shared spaces across the wider Wythenshawe area What’s a service charge? This is what you pay towards the upkeep of shared parts of your building, like: Repairs in communal areas Cleaning, lighting, caretaking Grounds maintenance A contribution to the sinking fund You’ll get a full breakdown in your yearly service charge statement. Having trouble paying? We want to help, call our Financial Inclusion Team on 0300 111 0000. What’s a sinking fund? It’s a savings pot for big future repairs like roof replacements or major upgrades. You contribute through your service charge. If you sell your home, the fund stays with the property – not the person. What about insurance? Most leases include building insurance – but it’s always best to double check yours. Protector Insurance: 0161 274 9077 or claims@protectorinsurance.co.uk Note: This doesn’t cover your belongings – we recommend getting contents insurance separately. Check out our Building Insurance Cover [PDF] Note and Insurance Claim Form [PDF] for more support. Can I replace my windows or doors? Yes – but you’ll need our okay first. Windows and external doors need approval, a FENSA certificate, and a Deed of Variation In flats, doors also need to meet fire safety standards What else needs permission? You’ll need written approval for: Structural changes Heating system Changing your kitchen layout Adding satellite dishes or aerials What doesn’t need permission? You can go ahead with: Internal decorating Replacing internal doors Fitting wardrobes or furniture Take a look at our Tenant Improvements Form (DOC) to request an alteration. Can I change my lease? Yes – if both you and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group agree. This is done through a Deed of Variation. You’ll have to pay an application fee of £100 and legal costs. Can I extend my lease? Yes, and we encourage it! Flats: You can extend by up to 99 years Houses: Usually by 50 years You’ll need a RICS valuation, and there will be a premium and admin fee to pay. Will I be consulted about major works? Yes, if you’re contributing over £250: We’ll write to you before work starts You’ll get cost estimates We’ll explain your payment options Can I rent out my property? Yes – you don’t need our permission, but: Please let us know and give your new contact address Check with your mortgage provider Be aware that subletting might affect your building insurance
