Mythbuster Series: You can’t decorate a Shared Ownership home

The Decorating Myth
One in four British people redecorate to keep up with trends, while 19% do it for enjoyment. There’s a common misconception floating around that if you live in a Shared Ownership home, you can’t decorate or personalise your space. This belief can be a major turn-off for those looking to make their home truly their own. In fact, the matter is one of Sharetobuy.com’s most frequently asked question.

What is Shared Ownership?
Before we dive in, let’s quickly revisit what Shared Ownership is all about. Essentially, it allows you to buy a share of a property while paying rent on the remaining portion. It provides all the rights and responsibilities of homeownership, including the freedom to make your living space uniquely yours. So yes, you can definitely add your personal touch!

Love Living Homes have put together a guide for it’s shared ownership resident’s here.

The Truth: Decorate as You Wish
Here’s the good news: as a Shared Ownership homeowner, you can decorate your home just like anyone else. Want to paint the walls your favourite colour? Go for it! Thinking of rearranging the furniture or adding some beautiful artwork? You’re free to do that too. For more comprehensive knowledge on the do’s and don’ts, check out the government guidance  on Gov.uk.

However, it should be noted that if you purchase a newbuild, we advise that you refrain from decorating within the defect period. This ensures that your warranties remain valid. In the interim, use colourful features or furniture to create your personalised space until after the defect period expires.

On average, Britons will redecorate their living room once every 25 months and their bedrooms once every 29 months. From putting up shelves to hanging wallpaper, the choices are entirely yours. Check out some stunning show home pictures for inspiration—you’ll see how easy it is to transform a space!

What You Can and Can’t Do: Structural Changes
Now, let’s talk about the difference between simple decorating and larger structural changes. While you have the freedom to personalise, any major renovations—like knocking down walls or adding extensions—may require prior approval from your housing provider. It’s a good idea to check your lease agreement for specific guidelines and permissions needed for those big projects. Here’s a link to our application forms and guidelines for structural changes.

Why You May Need Approval for Structural Changes
You might wonder why some structural changes require a stamp of approval. It’s all about maintaining the building’s integrity and making sure everything complies with local regulations. But don’t worry! Most small decorating changes won’t require any approval, and housing providers generally support reasonable requests for larger modifications.

Tips for Getting Approval (If Needed)
If you do have plans for a larger project, here’s a quick guide to help you get that approval:

Shared Ownership homeowners can fully decorate their homes to reflect their personal taste and lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to get creative! And for those bigger changes, just remember to consult your lease agreement and reach out to your housing provider for guidance.

Interested in learning more about how to make your Shared Ownership home truly yours? Contact us today!