Unlocking a stronger and fairer shared ownership market
The Shared Ownership Council is a cross-sector initiative set up to drive improvements to the shared owner experience and unlock a stronger and fairer shared ownership market.
The Shared Ownership Code aims to drive better experiences for shared owners and best practice across the industry.
We’re currently underway with the process to appoint the Operator of the Shared Ownership Code. The Code Operator will be responsible for running and implementing the Code, supporting its continued development, and helping to maintain high standards across the sector. We are aiming to announce the selected Code Operator in early summer.
In parallel we are finalising the updates to the Code that resulted from its pilot, and are preparing key information for housing providers on how to join the Code and the process of applying, gaining accreditation, and renewing annually.
If you're a shared ownership housing provider and are interested in adopting the Shared Ownership Code and committing to follow its standards across your organisation – stay tuned! We will be sharing guidance on how to get involved soon.
To register your interest in adopting the Code, please contact us page via our website.
Update from the Shared Ownership Council
Above all, the aim of the Council is to drive for a shared ownership sector that is focussed on progress, enabling more consumers to access this form of tenure. This should be on the basis that information is consistent and accurate, and that all industry bodies are committed to there being as high a degree of transparency as possible.
To do so, the Council will be guided by five underpinning principles:
Focus on consumer outcomes.
Proactively include all organisations involved in shared ownership (including lenders, housing associations, intermediaries, conveyancers, and a wide range of industry participants).
Be led by the industry, with government and regulators aligned with and supportive of efforts.
Build on existing tools and foundations, to connect seamlessly with existing forums and networks, without duplication.
Develop voluntary, practical guidance and resources.
Our principles
Shared Ownership Code
The Shared Ownership Code (the ‘Code’) is a cross-industry initiative designed to standardise best practices and consumer protection for shared ownership. Covering all types of organisations that interact with shared owners, it aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and improved support for shared owners in marketing, purchasing, and management of homes. The Code will be open for organisations to adopt on a voluntary basis. The Code seeks to:
Raise standards to improve protections for current and future shared owners
Improve consumer experience of shared ownership through a clear and fair understanding prior to purchase and support during ownership and at sale
Ensure best practice and drive consistency in the information available to consumers, including ensuring transparency, fairness and awareness of what service levels to expect
To learn more about the Code, click here.
