The Chartered Institute of Housing has called for a comprehensive review of shared ownership in England, warning that the tenure should be sustainable over the long term rather than merely affordable at purchase. Its concerns include the risk of a two-tier system, making clear that advisers need to consider rent increases, service charges, staircasing costs, resale constraints and lease terms alongside the initial mortgage payment.
In the buy-to-let market, The Mortgage Works has widened criteria for landlords, including increasing the maximum age at application for first-time landlords from 70 to 75 at up to 70% LTV, alongside changes to maximum total borrowing. This may create options for later-life and portfolio clients, but it does not remove the need for careful affordability, tax and exit-planning discussions.
Technology can make complex criteria easier to search and compare, yet it cannot determine whether a shared-ownership or landlord strategy is suitable. Advisers should use digital tools to improve consistency and evidence gathering, then apply human judgement to long-term client outcomes, foreseeable risks and Consumer Duty obligations.