Shared Ownership & Co-Buying in Reading: Smarter Ways to Buy in 2026
Looking for a smarter way to buy your first home in Reading?
Shared ownership and co-buying with friends or family are helping more first-time buyers get on the ladder in 2026. Here's what you need to know - and how to do it safely.
Shared Ownership & Co-Buying in Reading: Smarter Ways to Get on the Property Ladder in 2026
Getting on the Ladder Isn’t Easy - But There Are Options
With property prices still high and deposit requirements out of reach for many solo buyers, it’s no surprise that more people are exploring shared ownership and joint buying in Reading.
In 2026, co-ownership is no longer niche. Whether you’re teaming up with a friend, buying with a sibling, or looking at a structured shared ownership scheme, there are growing routes into homeownership for those priced out of traditional options.
👯 Buying with Friends or Family - The Rise of Co-Buying
Recent research shows:
- Joint mortgage applications rose from 49% (2021) to 53% (2024)
- 24% of young buyers are open to buying with a friend
- 22% are considering buying with a sibling
Why? Because pooling deposits, sharing mortgage payments and splitting costs makes homeownership more achievable.
But it’s not without risks. Before diving in, here’s what you should do:
- Have clear conversations about finances, exit plans and long-term goals
- Create a co-ownership agreement or deed of trust
- Decide on ownership structure: joint tenants or tenants in common
- Plan for life changes: job loss, relationships, relocation, etc.
- Get expert advice from a solicitor and mortgage advisor
If you're thinking about co-buying in Reading, we can help connect you to the right professionals and guide you through the process.
🧩 What Is Shared Ownership - And How Does It Work?
- Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme designed to help people who can’t afford to buy a home outright.
- You buy a share (usually between 25%-75%) of a property and pay a reduced rent on the remainder. You can usually buy more shares over time - this is called “staircasing.”
💡 Who’s it for?
- First-time buyers
- Those who’ve owned before but can’t afford to now
- Household income under £80,000 (£90,000 in London)
💡 What you’ll need to know:
- You’ll still need a deposit - but based only on the share you're buying
- You’ll pay rent on the remaining share
- You’re responsible for 100% of maintenance costs
- Staircasing can increase costs (valuation, legal fees, etc.)
At WhiteKnights, we work with shared ownership schemes across Reading, Lower Earley, Spencers Wood and Wokingham, and can help match you with suitable properties.
🏡 Local Insight: Is Shared Ownership Popular in Reading?
Yes - shared ownership plays a key role in opening up access to property across the region. It's often an ideal solution for:
- Young professionals renting privately
- Key workers with limited deposit savings
- Divorced or separated buyers starting again
Many developments across Reading now offer shared ownership homes, and demand remains high.
🤝 Need Help Navigating Shared Ownership or Co-Buying?
At WhiteKnights, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers in Reading understand their options, find the right property, and get expert support every step of the way.
📩 Contact us for an informal chat - no jargon, no pressure. Just honest advice about what’s right for you.
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