Shared ownership complaints rising faster than for all other property types

Shared ownership schemes have become increasingly contentious in England, with complaints to the Housing Ombudsman rising sharply by nearly 400% since 2020. In 2024, the Ombudsman recorded 1,564 complaints, a stark contrast to just 324 in 2020. Diana and Chris, former participants, described their shared ownership experience as "traumatic," stating they felt trapped and faced significant financial losses when trying to sell their home. The schemes, designed to help individuals enter the property market, often leave residents with the obligations of renters but without the rights of homeowners. Currently, approximately 250,000 households participate in shared ownership, yet dissatisfaction is mounting.

The Housing Ombudsman’s data indicates that most complaints revolve around repairs, costs, and challenges associated with selling properties. A significant portion of complaints (44%) comes from London, with the South East following closely behind. As the number of shared ownership properties increases, so too do the grievances, raising questions about the viability and management of these schemes.