88% of Shared Ownership (SO) sales in 2024 were to First-Time Buyers (FTBs), according to research by DLUHC and MHCLG, indicating that routes to homeownership are changing. Whether that’s due to finances, increasing housing prices, or changes in how the younger generation earn their income, SO presents a great solution for those who may not fit the high street.

For many FTBs, a significant barrier to homeownership is the deposit. As a result of recent economic pressures and worldwide events, people don’t have the resources for a large deposit, which can potentially price them out of the open market. Our Specialist Lending Study 2025/26 shows misconceptions remain around deposits. 40% of people think they need a deposit of 15% or more, whilst nearly a third don’t know how much they’d need.

With our SO range, you can place customers with smaller deposits, enabling FTBs a greater opportunity to buy a home.

The deposit difference is significant, providing FTBs with a lifeline to get onto the property ladder. They may also be able to staircase to purchase a greater share of their home later on.

At Pepper, we can support you with those just-off-high-street customers with inclusive criteria and human underwriting. Here’s how we can help you support more customers with Shared Ownership:

  • Maximum Loan to Share of 95%, up to 75% LTV
  • Self-employed customers with one year’s trading accepted or latest year used for affordability
  • No credit scoring – we base affordability on the full picture
  • No debt-to-income ratio – unsecured missed payments won’t affect product tier
  • No value limit on CCJs and defaults (no need for them to be satisfied)
  • Minimum income of £18,000 per annum with 100% of secondary income accepted
  • Earned income accepted up to age 75
  • 100% of monthly bonus, overtime, and commission accepted
  • FTB’s 100% gifted cash deposit acceptable with proof of 6 months’ rental history

 

For additional information and support, get in touch with your BDM to discuss our Shared Ownership range, or discover more on our website.