CBRE found that uptake of Shared Ownership remains closely linked to affordability. In London and the South East, where house-price-to-earnings ratios are highest, the tenure represents around 10% of social housing and 2% of total stock. In the North East, where house-price pressures are least acute, Shared Ownership accounts for about 2% of social housing and just 0.4% of the wider market. Across all regions, monthly shared ownership costs remain below those of traditional mortgage repayments and private rental prices.
The average annual rate of staircasing to full ownership has slipped to 2.2% of total Shared Ownership stock over the past five years. However, purchasers are buying larger stakes when they do staircase. The typical equity share acquired has risen from 34% in 2022 to 43% in 2025, with the average value of additional shares increasing by around £15,000. CBRE attributes this shift to higher household saving ratios during a period of elevated inflation and interest rates, enabling buyers to accumulate greater capital before purchasing further equity.
Commenting on the findings, Alex Cakkos, senior director, CBRE Affordable Valuation and Advisory Services, said: "The staircasing landscape has changed, this latest fall is in line with higher interest rates impacting mortgages and lower HPI rates over the last three years. Looking forward, as mortgage rates continue to soften, we are optimistic over future staircasing uptake."
Paul Hawkey, senior director, CBRE Residential Capital Markets, said the sector is at a turning point, highlighting policy clarity, improved consumer protections and £39 billion of Social Affordable Housing Programme funding as key drivers. "Shared Ownership is entering a new phase… As inflation gradually cools and staircasing becomes more accessible, we expect renewed demand and deeper investor engagement, with Shared Ownership poised to play a pivotal role in delivering the next generation of affordable housing."
