If you are looking to get on the housing ladder and you don't have enough to put down a deposit for a home, a help to buy shared ownership scheme allows you to part own your own (typically between 25% to 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. Later on when you can afford it you have the option of buying a bigger share.
With the cost of buying property going up more and more people are opting for help to buy; shared ownership mortgage schemes.
Shared equity ownership schemes vary, but in general what they tend to have in common is that they provide buyers with a loan to cover some of the value of the property, in the form of equity or a mortgage guarantee.
In practice, this means that the buyer can get on the housing ladder with a lower deposit than would normally be accepted by mortgage lenders, because the Government is shouldering some of the risk.
As an example a housing association is offering new build houses for £300,000. If you got a mortgage to buy 80% your share of the property would be worth £240,000. You would then pay rent on the remaining 20% (£60,000) to the housing association.
Not all lenders offer shared ownership mortgages.
See our table above for lenders that offer mortgages on a shared ownership or help to buy basis.
The main reason is to keep monthly costs to a minimum.
Mortgages are available with as little as 5% deposit.
A shared ownership mortgage is an affordable way to get on the housing ladder by remortgaging you may be able to release equity in your home.
Whether it will be a good idea for you to remortgage depends on a number of factors, including your goals and your personal circumstances.
However, in general, if interest rates are lower than you are currently paying on your mortgage, it may be a good time to remortgage.
If interest rate are higher than you are currently paying, it may be better to look at other options, such as a second mortgage or a personal loan (if you aim is to borrow more).
If you are not sure whether now is the right time to remortgage, it is a good idea to speak to an independent mortgage broker who will be able to offer impartial advice on Barclays & alternative lender options.