Selling your home
You can sell your shared ownership home at any time - whether you own a share or the whole thing. So, here's how it works, what it costs, and how long it takes. No surprises.
So, it's time to sell...
Selling a shared ownership home is called a resale. It works much like any other house sale, with a few extra steps because we need to value the home and approve your buyer.
We'll be straight with you: those extra steps can take time, and sales can move slower than you'd like when several parties are involved. The best thing we can do is tell you exactly what to expect.
Most resales take on average 10-18 weeks from valuation to completion. The biggest variables are your buyer's mortgage and the legal work.
Step-by-step guide
Who does what?
Make sure your home is registered with the Land Registry. Your original solicitor can confirm this - it's a quick check, and doing it first avoids delays later.
Start the process by completing a resale request via the Sparrow customer portal. You’ll need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — check if yours is still current here. EPC's last ten years, so most homes will be fine.
We’ll arrange for a RICS-accredited surveyor to value your home. This sets the price your home is marketed at - your lease requires it, it protects you and your buyer from mispricing. You pay for the valuation (see costs below). One thing worth knowing upfront: valuations are valid for three months. If your sale takes longer, a new valuation may be needed.
Choose an estate agent to market your home at the valuation price. They’ll handle viewings, vet potential buyers, and send the buyer’s details to us for approval. We don't market your home or speak to buyers directly.
Once you accept an offer, your agent issues a Memorandum of Sale and both sides instruct solicitors. We check your buyer meets shared ownership eligibility and affordability requirements - this protects them from overstretching and it's a condition of your lease.
The solicitors handle contracts, searches, and legal queries. We prepare a management pack for your buyer's solicitor and answer anything legal that comes our way. After exchange, a completion date is set. On the day: hand over your keys, cancel your direct debit, and pass on anything useful to your buyer - boiler instructions, warranties, the quirks on you know. and support the legal process.
• Arranges valuation
• Approve your buyer
• Provides management pack
• Supports legal queries
Note: Sparrow does not manage the sale or speak directly to buyers.
• Checks Land Registry status
• Submits Property Resale Request via Sparrow portal
• Ensures valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Pays for RICS valuation and legal fees
• Appoints and pays estate agent
• Reviews valuation report for accuracy
• Responds to solicitor and buyer enquiries
• Keep paying rent and service charge payments until completion
• Provides key handover and relevant home documents (e.g. warranties)
• Markets your home
• Conducts viewings
• Vets buyers
• Issues Memorandum of Sale
• Handle contracts and legal paperwork
• Respond to buyer enquiries
• Finalise exchange and completion
Expected costs
RICS valuation: £200 +VAT (£125 if an extension is required)
Estate agent: Usually a % of the full market value
Solicitor: Varies, but we can recommend an experienced one
Licence to assign: £125 +VAT (not needed if selling 100%)
TP1 fee: £325 +VAT (only if selling 100%)
Management pack (LPE1): £150 +VAT
Get started
Ready to sell - or just weighing it up? Get in touch with our team who can walk you through the process and get started on a valuation request.
