OPSO (Older Persons Shared Ownership)

Some shared ownership properties are built specifically for older people who may be looking to buy a smaller property as their current home is too big for them, or is unsuitable for their needs due to health problems.

To apply for these properties you must be over 55 years of age and unable to afford to purchase a new home without some assistance. Contact us if you are unsure if you qualify.

The scheme works in a similar way to shared ownership, click here for more details.

You will buy a share in the new home. This share will range from 25% to 75%, depending on what you can afford. Through OPSO (older persons shared ownership) the maximum share you can buy is 75%.

This means that you need to get a smaller mortgage to buy the property, and will also need a smaller deposit. You can buy more shares as and when you can afford them - this is called 'staircasing'.

A housing association owns the remaining share and you will pay a reduced rent on that share. As you buy more shares, you will pay less rent. If you chose to buy the maximum 75% share, you will pay no rent on the remaining 25%.

You may also have to pay a service charge if, for example, the property is a flat with a communal area.  Details of the rent and service charge payable for each property can be found on our website, or from the housing association who owns the other share of the property.

As a home owner, you will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs on your home. If you live in an apartment, your landlord will be responsible for the communal areas.

To search for OPSO properties, visit our find a property page. You can apply for the homes through our website.

Download our Older Persons Shared Ownership info sheet here