New data from the National Shared Ownership Campaign has revealed unprecedented levels of interest in shared ownership among aspiring home purchasers, at a time when the latest Budget offered little support to aspiring buyers or movers; 1 in 3 (33.9%) people surveyed in November 2025 said they would consider buying a home through shared ownership, with a further 32.3% wanting to learn more.
Our findings also highlight the financial pressures facing would-be buyers. Almost four in ten respondents (38.2%) believe they will never be able to buy a home, and just 28.7% think they may be able to purchase within the next few years. Campaign Lead Jo Short comments: “The housing landscape has become incredibly tough. People are looking for options that will make home ownership a reality at a time when buying in the traditional way feels like a pipe dream for an increasing number of people. After the Autumn Budget failed to deliver meaningful help for first-time buyers yet again, those with aspirations for getting a foot onto the ladder need viable choices.”
Stagnant incomes remain the top barrier to homeownership, cited by 61.1% of respondents. 57.5% say they cannot save a deposit, and 42% identify the cost of living as a major obstacle. Jo Short comments: “Incomes simply aren’t stretching far enough to enable people to save for a deposit, especially for those with expensive rent to pay; the system no longer works for them. This is exactly why shared ownership must be championed as an option to consider as part of the national housing response. Shared ownership is increasingly seen as the only workable route for many would-be buyers, and the government now needs to amplify and support this tenure so that more people can access a stable, secure and accessibly-priced home.”
Shared ownership is a government initiative designed to help people who cannot afford to buy a home in the traditional way. Under the scheme, buyers can purchase a share of a property, typically between 25% and 75% but as low as 10% for some homes, and pay subsidised rent on the remaining portion, which is owned by a housing association or developer. To be eligible, household income must be £90,000 or less in London, or £80,000 or less outside of London. Over time, homeowners can staircase, gradually buying additional shares until they own 100% of the property if they wish to. The model is intended to reduce the initial financial barrier to home ownership, making it especially appealing in high-cost areas like London and the South East.
If you'd like to find out more about how Shared Ownership works, or it's eligibility, head to our '
What is Shared Ownership?' pages to find out more.