02 Jun 2025
CIH supports launch of new shared ownership code
A new Shared Ownership Code, designed to drive better experiences for shared owners and best practice across the industry, has been launched today.
Following an extensive consultation and engagement process with customers, housing providers, mortgage lenders and sector specialists and a four-month pilot with eight housing providers, the Shared Ownership Code is now available for all housing providers to adopt.
The code has been created to standardise best practice and consumer protection for shared ownership. It aims to ensure transparency, fairness and improved support for shared owners in marketing, purchasing, and management of their homes.
It is currently stewarded by the Shared Ownership Council, a cross-sector initiative set up to drive improvements to the shared owner experience and unlock a stronger and fairer shared ownership market. The Council is in the process of appointing the Code Operator, who will be responsible for running and implementing the code on an ongoing basis. Following this appointment, the Council will be sharing further guidance and supporting documents on the adoption process for shared ownership providers.
Responding to the launch Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “The launch of the Shared Ownership Code is a welcome step in establishing a stronger and fairer shared ownership market for both the consumers and housing sector. Adoption of the Code by housing providers will help to give shared owners and potential shared owners confidence that their home will be well managed and that their ongoing relationship with their shared ownership landlords will be transparent, fair and well run.”
