Shared Ownership Sale Conveyancing
Selling a shared ownership home is often more complex than selling a standard freehold or leasehold property.
Alongside the usual conveyancing steps, sellers must also work with a housing association, follow specific procedures, and provide additional forms and approvals.
For many sellers, this added layer of requirements can feel confusing, especially when timelines and communications need to stay perfectly aligned.
At HPA Solicitors, we specialise in shared ownership sale conveyancing, guiding sellers through every stage with clear communication, practical advice, and a steady hand.
Whether you're selling your current share, selling after staircasing, or assigning 100% ownership to a buyer, our experienced team ensures your sale is handled efficiently, accurately, and with complete transparency.
Selling a shared ownership property doesn’t have to feel complicated. With the right support, the process becomes structured, predictable, and far less stressful.
What Makes Shared Ownership Sales Different?
Shared ownership homes are part-owned by the seller and part-owned by a housing association or registered provider. Because of this shared structure, selling your share involves extra steps that don’t exist in a typical property sale.
Housing associations often have:
- Nomination periods, giving them the opportunity to find a buyer
- Approval processes, ensuring the buyer meets affordability requirements
- Specific documents that must be completed before contracts can be drafted
- Restrictions on who you can sell to, depending on your lease
If you have staircased, increased your share of ownership, this can add further documentation, valuations, or confirmations to the process.
These additional steps can slow down a sale if not managed proactively. That’s why having a solicitor who specialises in shared ownership sales is essential.
We know exactly what housing associations require, how to obtain the correct information quickly, and how to keep your sale progressing without unnecessary delays.
Documents Needed When Selling a Shared Ownership Property
Shared ownership sales require several important documents that go beyond the standard freehold or leasehold forms. Your solicitor will help you gather, prepare, and submit everything required, including:
The Memorandum of Staircasing (if applicable) - If you have increased your ownership percentage, this confirms your new share and must be included in the contract pack.
The Lease - Buyers and housing associations must review your lease to understand rights, obligations, and any restrictions.
The Housing Association’s Seller's Pack - Often referred to as the shared ownership sale pack, this includes essential details such as rent statements, service charge accounts, notices, and approvals.
Income and Eligibility Checks for the Buyer - The housing association usually carries out affordability checks on the proposed buyer.
Management Information Pack - If the property is part of a block, the managing agent must provide details of insurance, service charges, maintenance, and accounts.
A Valid RICS Valuation (if required) - Some housing associations require a valuation to confirm the selling price of your share.
Getting these documents early helps prevent delays and ensures your sale moves through the approval process smoothly.
Our Shared Ownership Conveyancing Process
Shared ownership sales follow a more structured path than standard conveyancing. Our role is to manage each stage carefully, coordinating with all parties and keeping the process moving.
1. Instruct HPA Solicitors
Once you receive an offer or approach a nomination period, we open your file, confirm your share percentage, and outline the steps involved. We’ll request the relevant housing association forms immediately to avoid delays.
2. Obtain Shared Ownership Documentation
We gather your lease, staircasing documents, service charge accounts, rent statements, and insurance information. At the same time, we request the shared ownership sale pack from the housing association or management company.
3. Buyer Approval and Affordability Checks
The housing association will review the buyer’s financial eligibility. This is a crucial part of the process, and we stay in regular contact with the housing association to ensure progress.
4. Drafting and Issuing the Contract Pack
Once all documents are received, we prepare the contract pack. This includes the lease, staircasing history, seller questionnaires, and all management information needed for review.
5. Handling Enquiries
Shared ownership enquiries can be more detailed than standard sales, particularly around rent levels, service charges, or lease restrictions. We address these quickly and clearly, liaising with the housing association when needed.
6. Exchange of Contracts
Once all requirements are satisfied and both sides are ready, contracts are exchanged. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding, and a completion date is agreed.
7. Completion
On completion day, we ensure all financial arrangements are finalised, including notices to the housing association and any required fees. Once funds are received, keys can be released, and your sale is complete.
Throughout the entire process, you’ll receive regular updates, plain-English explanations, and guidance tailored to your specific shared ownership structure.
How HPA Solicitors Support Shared Ownership Sellers
Selling a shared ownership home requires strong communication, close coordination, and an experienced solicitor who understands the nuances of housing association processes. HPA provides that experience and reassurance.
Specialist Shared Ownership Knowledge - Our team has handled a wide range of shared ownership sales, including partial-share assignments, staircased properties, and sales requiring complex approvals.
Proactive Communication - We maintain close contact with housing associations, managing agents, and the buyer’s solicitor to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Fast Document Requests - Shared ownership sales often stall due to slow paperwork. We request key documents immediately and follow up regularly to keep your sale moving.
Clear Guidance Throughout - We explain every step in simple, practical terms. You’ll always know what’s happening, what’s needed, and how you can prepare.
A Supportive Service You Can Trust - Our team combines professional expertise with genuine care. Selling a shared ownership property may feel complicated, but we make the process feel manageable and predictable.
Common Issues in Shared Ownership Sales (and How We Avoid Them)
Shared ownership sales can face challenges, but most problems can be avoided with early action and experienced support. Here’s how we prevent common issues from slowing down your sale.
1. Slow Housing Association Responses
We request documentation immediately and maintain frequent contact with the housing association, reducing unnecessary waiting time.
2. Unclear Staircasing History
Missing or outdated staircasing documents can delay contract approval. We verify your share details early and gather all supporting evidence promptly.
3. Eligibility Issues with Buyers
If a buyer isn’t approved, it can stall the sale. We help you understand the approval process and prepare all required paperwork to minimise setbacks.
4. Service Charge or Rent Queries
Buyers often seek clarity on costs and future obligations. We ensure all financial statements are up to date and clearly presented to avoid concerns during enquiries.With proactive handling, shared ownership challenges are manageable, and often preventable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shared ownership sale pack?
A shared ownership sale pack contains the financial and administrative information buyers need, including service charge accounts, rent statements, insurance and building management details. It is usually provided by the housing association or managing agent. We request this early to avoid delays.
What is an LPE1 form for shared ownership?
The LPE1 is a Leasehold Property Enquiries form used to answer key questions about the building, service charges, ground rent and management. It’s essential for buyers to understand the property’s running costs and responsibilities. It must be completed by the managing agent or freeholder.
How long does shared ownership conveyancing take?
Shared ownership sales often take slightly longer than standard sales, typically around 10 to 14 weeks. Timescales depend on the housing association’s response times and the buyer’s approval process. We work proactively to keep everything moving.
Who pays for the shared ownership management pack?
The seller is normally responsible for paying for the management or information pack, as it is required for the buyer's solicitor to progress. Fees vary depending on the housing association or managing agent. We’ll explain how to request the pack and what costs to expect.
Can I sell if my lease is short?
Yes, you can still sell a shared ownership property with a short lease, but it may affect your buyer’s ability to secure a mortgage. If needed, we can explain options such as lease extension and help you understand the impact on your sale.
Speak to HPA Solicitors About Your Shared Ownership Sale
Selling a shared ownership home doesn’t have to feel difficult.
With HPA Solicitors, you’ll have a knowledgeable, supportive team guiding you through every step, from gathering documents and liaising with the housing association to resolving enquiries and completing your sale.
We make a complex process feel manageable, predictable, and far less stressful.
To get started, contact our shared ownership conveyancing team:
Call: 01254 274 786
Email:info@hpasolicitors.com
Or request your no-obligation quote using our online form.
Your sale matters, and we’re here to help it happen smoothly, securely and with complete confidence.