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 on the sales process.

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.
• These resources are designed to give you an indication. You will still need to prove that you are eligible and have a full financial assessment carried out by a mortgage broker.

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 considered 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 and an IFA Declaration Form.
• The IFA Declaration Form must be completed and signed by your mortgage broker.
• You must complete the Application Form and submit this along with your Agreement in Principle and the IFA Declaration form to communityhousing@dover.gov.uk.

5. Eligibility and affordability assessment

• We will assess your application to check you are eligible for the scheme against the criteria. We will also carry out an affordability and sustainability check using a government calculator.
• If you meet the eligibility and affordability 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. However, if your circumstances change you may be able to reapply for Council Shared Ownership.

6. View the property and pay the reservation fee

• We will arrange a date and time for you to view the property. If you are happy with the property, you must pay the reservation fee to secure the property.
• Once you have paid the fee, the property will be reserved to you subject to contract. We will cease all marketing of the property.

7. Apply for your mortgage

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

8. Your mortgage is offered

• Once your mortgage has offered you must end a copy to us via communityhousing@dover.gov.uk.

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.