Lenders and housing associations speaking on panel sessions at Just Mortgages’ inaugural new build and affordable housing event said brokers should prepare for an increase in shared ownership enquiries, especially as Help to Buy is due to end next year.
Furthermore, they said housing associations are expected to build more shared ownership houses and increasing numbers of lenders are predicted to enter the space.
However, panellists said there needed to be more consumer awareness and understanding of shared ownership, so brokers had a key role to play in educating borrowers.
Panellists also noted that there were multiple affordable housing options which borrowers should consider, including Deposit Unlock, private equity loan schemes, the mortgage guarantee scheme and First Homes scheme.
Lenders speaking on the three panel sessions during the day included Barclays, Halifax, Nationwide, Santander, Leeds Building Society, Skipton Building Society, Kent Reliance and Kensington Mortgages.
Housing associations and property providers on the panels included Sage Housing, SO Resi Partnerships, NU Living and Swan Housing.
John Doughty, financial services director at Just Mortgages New Build Division, said: “Lenders and brokers are getting less Help to Buy enquiries from customers as restrictions were introduced a year ago and the scheme nears the end of its shelf life. Instead, we are talking to more people wanting to know if they are eligible for shared ownership.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the lenders, housing associations, property providers and developers for their participation in our event during what was a thought-provoking and successful day.”
Shared ownership currently accounts for two per cent of housing stock and the government has pledge funding for up to 90,000 new shared ownership properties over the next five years.
