Generation Rent versus Generation Own: is shared ownership the key?
Many parents are stepping in to allow their adult children to live at home because seeing them onto the property ladder feels out of reach. Shared ownership could see them taking that step through their own front door.
What do the experts think about shared ownership?
TV presenter, property expert and experienced parent, Amanda Lamb, hosts our roundtable discussion about the perils of living with adult children and whether shared ownership might just be the solution to the nation's co-habiting issues.
What is a Parent Landlord?
Quite simply, they're the parents of adult children still living in the family home. Is that you?
Our recent study* reveals 54% of parents believe their children won’t be able to step onto the property ladder without their help.
Multigenerational living comes with significant burdens and some parents are confronted with modern-day parenting dilemmas:
- Should they charge their children rent?
- Who does the chores?
- What happens when their partner wants to move in, too?
*A study of 1,000 people was conducted by Markettiers on behalf of Latimer by Clarion Housing Group in February 2025.
Modern-day parenting dilemmas
What is shared ownership?
Shared ownership is a buying scheme that allows you to buy a share of a property, paying a subsidised rent on the remainder, without having to cover the full property value at time of purchase.
This means that a mortgage is only required on a share of the property value making the possibility of purchasing much more achievable for many. At Latimer, we recognise everyone’s circumstances are different.
With shared ownership, you buy a share of your home - as much as you are calculated to be able to afford - starting from a minimum share, specific to the development, and rising up to 75% of the property’s value.
Subsidised rent is then paid on the remaining share of the property. In the experience of most Latimer buyers, the rent typically falls below the market average.
Can more shares be bought?
Staircasing is the term used to describe the process of buying more shares in your home over a period of time. Shared ownership allows buyers to purchase at a rate that works for them, increasing the percentage of shares as they can afford to do so.
The cost of future shares will be dependent on the property value at the time of purchasing based on market conditions. Buyers can purchase shares as many times as they want but it's worth noting that there are associated costs with each purchase including solicitors fees and property valuations.
Can you picture your child inviting you round for a meal at this stylish apartment at Islington Wharf?
Does shared ownership mean sharing with someone?
No - unless you want to. Purchasing with shared ownership is similar to purchasing through outright sale in the sense that the buyer lives in the property how they wish. They can live alone, with family or friends as they choose - it's personal choice.
As our developments progress we'll welcome visitors at marketing suites, show homes and in properties available to view.