Staircasing Cost Calculator
Staircasing Cost Breakdown
Additional Share to Buy
Cost of Additional Share-
New Total Mortgage-
New Monthly Mortgage Payment-
New Monthly Rent (on remaining HA share)-
Total Monthly Housing Cost-
Current Monthly Housing Cost-
Additional Costs (valuation, legal, SDLT)-
Staircasing Cost Components
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Share | Based on current value | Must be independently valued |
| RICS Valuation | £300-£500 | Required by housing association |
| Solicitor/Conveyancer | £800-£1,500 | For lease variation |
| Mortgage Arrangement | £0-£1,500 | Depends on product |
| Stamp Duty (SDLT) | Varies | On share purchased, if cumulative >£250k |
| Housing Association Fee | £100-£300 | Admin fee for staircasing |
Key Staircasing Facts
Min Staircase
10% share
Final Staircase
100% ownership
Valuation Valid
3 months
How to Use This Calculator
1
Enter current property value
Input the estimated current market value. A RICS valuation will determine the exact figure.
2
Set current and target shares
Enter your current ownership percentage and the percentage you want to own after staircasing.
3
Enter mortgage details
Input your current mortgage balance and the expected rate and term for the new (larger) mortgage.
4
Enter current rent rate
Input the annual rent rate charged on the housing association's share (typically 2.75%).
5
Review costs and savings
The calculator shows the cost of the additional share, new monthly payments, and comparison with current costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is staircasing in shared ownership?
Staircasing is the process of buying additional shares in your shared ownership home, increasing your ownership from the initial percentage towards 100%. You can usually staircase in increments of 10% or more. The cost is based on the current market value at the time of staircasing, not the original purchase price.
How much does staircasing cost?
The cost of the additional share is calculated as: Current Market Value x Additional Percentage. For example, buying an additional 25% of a £300,000 property costs £75,000. You will also need to pay for a RICS valuation (£300-500), solicitor fees (£800-1,500), and potentially SDLT.
Do I pay stamp duty when staircasing?
SDLT on shared ownership works in two ways: if you elected for market value at initial purchase, no further SDLT is due on staircasing. If you opted for the 'staircasing election', SDLT is payable on each tranche when the cumulative value of shares purchased exceeds £250,000. Most first-time buyers use the staircasing election.
Can I staircase to 100%?
Yes, in most cases. Staircasing to 100% is called 'final staircasing' and gives you full ownership. You then own the property outright (subject to mortgage) with no rent to pay. However, some properties in designated protected areas or Section 106 agreements may be restricted to 80% maximum ownership.
Does staircasing reduce my rent?
Yes. Rent is charged only on the housing association's remaining share. If you staircase from 40% to 75%, your rent drops significantly because the HA now owns only 25% instead of 60%. At 100% ownership, rent ceases entirely. This is the main financial benefit of staircasing.
When is the best time to staircase?
Staircase when property values are relatively low (you buy the share at current market value). If values have risen significantly since your purchase, staircasing is more expensive. Also consider: your financial readiness, mortgage rates, and whether you plan to stay long-term. Staircasing is generally not worthwhile if you plan to move within 2-3 years.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.