SOWN

SOWN: specialists in shared ownership housing in the UK

SOWN is a British estate agency focused exclusively on shared ownership housing and part-buy, part-rent schemes. The company was created to specialise in this segment of the UK residential market, combining sector knowledge, partnerships with collaborating entities and a buyer-oriented approach. Since its launch in 2018, it has grown to form a nationwide team dedicated solely to shared ownership housing and resale properties.

Shared ownership model and staircasing

The company explains that, in the shared ownership model, the buyer acquires a share of the home and pays rent on the share they do not yet own. According to the information on the website, it is usual to buy between 25% and 75% of the property, which reduces the mortgage and the initial deposit. Rent is paid to the housing provider on the share not acquired and, according to the company, is usually significantly lower than for similar homes on the open market.

Through the staircasing mechanism, the owner can acquire additional shares when their financial situation allows, with the possibility of eventually owning 100% of the home. SOWN presents this system as a flexible route to home ownership and highlights as advantages a smaller initial outlay, lower rent than on the open market and the possibility of benefiting from the appreciation of the share acquired.

Services for buyers and sellers

SOWN's activity is organised into two main areas. For buyers, it offers searches for shared ownership homes and developments across the UK, as well as support with eligibility, affordability and mortgage options. The company also offers free property valuations and surveying and certification services through RICS surveyors.

For those selling, SOWN manages the sale of shared ownership homes and resale properties. It also provides a full sales progression and asset disposals service to housing associations and registered providers. The company states that it works with housing associations, developers and providers across the UK to market shared ownership homes.

Buyer profile and coverage

SOWN targets both first-time buyers and those returning to the market. The company states that it guides interested parties throughout the entire process, from eligibility and affordability analysis to the mortgage and the particularities of shared ownership. It also works with mortgage brokers and specialist solicitors who understand the processes of staircasing, remortgaging and resale.

The website shows a catalogue of shared ownership homes in different areas of the UK, with property types ranging from modern apartments to spacious family houses and new-build developments. At the time of analysis, the platform indicated 304 homes currently available, 9,583 active applicants and 554 homes sold in the last year, as well as an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 48 reviews.

Editorial activity and industry presence

The company maintains a news and analysis section on the shared ownership housing market, with articles on myths about the model, access to home ownership and housing policies. SOWN participated in the UKREiiF 2026 event, where the sector debated the relevance of the shared ownership model alongside other issues such as investment, planning reform, housing delivery and real estate market trends. The event sessions are available on demand.

Registration details

SOWN is registered in England with number 09939099 and its registered address is Building 1, Meadows Business Park, Blackwater, Camberley GU17 9AB.

Location and contact

Building 1, Meadows Business Park, Blackwater, Camberley GU17 9AB