Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that fractional ownership schemes are adequately regulated to protect consumers.

Housing providers offering shared ownership properties that are grant-funded or delivered via Section 106 agreements must use model leases provided by Homes England or the Greater London Authority. These model leases contain a fundamental clause governing how shared ownership operates. Most shared ownership homes are also delivered by Registered Providers of Social Housing, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing.

However, private developers offering shared ownership outside of grant funding or Section 106 are not required to follow a model lease or be regulated by the Regulator.

Consumers who encounter issues with their shared ownership arrangement may be able to seek support or redress through the Housing Ombudsman Service, where applicable. Other routes may be available depending on the provider and nature of the issue.

The government is considering what more can be done to improve the experience of shared owners.