A stronger and fairer shared ownership market
The Shared Ownership Council was 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 Council was established as a time-limited initiative to provide an independent focus on improving the shared owner experience. We were formed with the core aim of developing the Shared Ownership Code for housing providers, and having achieved our purpose and ensured the Code has a sustainable, long-term home, the Council formally concluded on 16 October 2025.
From that point onwards, this website and all Shared Ownership Council communication channels have been inactive, and there is no delivery team to respond to any questions or enquiries.
Above all, the aim of the Council was to drive for a shared ownership sector that was focused on progress, enabling more consumers to access this form of tenure. This was on the basis that information was consistent and accurate, and that all industry bodies were committed to there being as high a degree of transparency as possible.
To do so, the Council was guided by five underpinning principles:
Focused on consumer outcomes.
Proactively included all organisations involved in shared ownership (including lenders, housing associations, intermediaries, conveyancers, and a wide range of industry participants).
Was led by the industry, with government and regulators aligned with and supportive of efforts.
Built on existing tools and foundations, to connect seamlessly with existing forums and networks, without duplication.
Developed voluntary, practical guidance and resources.
Our principles
Shared Ownership Code
The Shared Ownership Code (the ‘Code’), initially developed by the Shared Ownership Council, now operated by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), 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 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, visit the Code’s official website: https://www.sharedownershipcode.org.uk/.
