Preparing to Staircase: What You Need to Know

For many shared owners, staircasing is an exciting opportunity to increase their share in their home and move closer to full homeownership. But before starting the process, it’s worth taking some time to prepare.

Understanding what’s involved can help make your staircasing journey smoother, give you confidence in your decision, and ensure you’re ready for the costs and responsibilities that come with buying an additional share.

Start by Understanding Your Current Position

Before thinking about how much extra share you’d like to buy, it’s important to review your current financial situation.

Many shared owners choose to staircase after a change in circumstances, such as an increase in income, building up savings, or wanting to reduce the rent they pay on the share they don’t own.

Taking stock of your finances can help you understand what may be achievable and whether now is the right time to make your move.

Think About Your Long-Term Plans

Staircasing is about more than simply increasing your ownership percentage. It’s also an opportunity to think about your future goals.

Ask yourself:

• Are you planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future?
• Would you like to work towards full ownership?
• Are you looking to reduce your monthly rent payments?
• Has your household or financial situation changed since you first purchased your share?

The average equity share purchased during a staircasing transaction rose to 43% in 2025. Having clear objectives will help you decide how much additional share you’d like to buy and whether staircasing aligns with your plans.

Understand the Costs Involved

One of the most important parts of preparing to staircase is understanding the costs involved.

Alongside the purchase price of your additional share, there may be other costs to consider, including:

• A RICS valuation of your property.
• Solicitor or legal fees.
• Mortgage arrangement fees, where applicable.
• Potential administrative fees associated with the transaction.

Being aware of these costs from the outset can help you budget effectively and avoid surprises later in the process.

Consider Your Funding Options

Every homeowner’s circumstances are different. Some residents fund staircasing using savings, while others choose to increase or arrange a mortgage to purchase additional shares. Before proceeding, it can be helpful to explore what financing options are available to you and understand how they could affect your monthly outgoings.

Speaking to a qualified mortgage adviser can provide valuable insight into what may be possible based on your circumstances.

Remember That Your Home Will Be Valued

The average market value increased 4% year-on-year. The cost of buying additional shares is based on the current market value of your home, rather than the price you originally paid when you purchased your first share.

This means the value of your property will need to be assessed by a RICS surveyor before the process can move forward.

While changes in the property market can affect the valuation, understanding this requirement early on can help you feel more prepared when you’re ready to staircase.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Staircasing can seem complex if you’ve never gone through the process before, but support is available every step of the way.

Whether you’re curious about the costs, timescales, funding options or the impact on your monthly payments, asking questions early can help you make informed decisions.

The more you understand about the process, the more confident you’ll feel when the time comes to proceed.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Preparing for staircasing doesn’t mean committing to it immediately. It simply means understanding the process, reviewing your finances, and deciding whether increasing your share could help you achieve your homeownership goals.

If you’re considering staircasing, our team can help explain the process and point you towards the information you need.

Visit our Staircasing Guide to learn more about the steps involved, associated costs and how to get started.