Shared Ownership viewing night.

homeless9

Hi people,
I am going to view a Shared Ownership property tonight in which they have 3 or 4 different people viewing the property and then the agent decides who gets to buy it.

Anyone been through this process?

Is the agent showing you the property trying to gauge anything from you when you come to view the property to make them choose to offer the property over the other viewers? I assume not.

I assume they have a list of names of who gets priority out of all the viewers prior to the viewings which is based on whatever criteria they have put together.

So I don't need to act really enthusiastic or do my party trick at the viewing to increase my chance of being the first to be offered the property? 

Feels a bit weird going to a viewing where at the end of it they pick someone to buy it like it's some competition.

eddddy

homeless9 said:

Feels a bit weird going to a viewing where at the end of it they pick someone to buy it like it's some competition.

I think you might have misunderstood the process.

I suspect what happens is - if you like the property, you make an application (or offer) to buy it.  When considering applications, they might prioritise based on things like:

• Your current housing situation
• Whether you've ever owned a property before
• Whether you live and/or work locally
• Your financial situation and financial history

Here's one Shared Ownership provider's eligibility criteria and prioritisation criteria. You should search out similar info for whichever provider you are dealing with: https://www.peabodysales.co.uk/ways-to-buy/shared-ownership/eligibility-check/

homeless9

eddddy said:

homeless9 said:

Feels a bit weird going to a viewing where at the end of it they pick someone to buy it like it's some competition.

I think you might have misunderstood the process.

One application has already been made to pass initial requirements for the viewing...

Yeah, I think I'd then need to complete an 'expression of interest' form and then I guess they decide based on some criteria of theirs.

I live and work in the borough so maybe I trump someone who only lives, but not works in the borough. 

I get the feeling couples / couples with a child will get priority over me, though.

But I cannot find this agents criteria anywhere, so I am just guessing.

[Deleted User]

It will be based on priority, in my case it was 1) You had to live in the borough or next one, 2) Have housing need (three people in one bed flat 3) Meet earnings criteria.  We were top priority and did get the house. You sound a bit 'off' because you are puzzled by what's going on so I'd probably try and keep quiet about that if you can.  However, i would have thought you could phone the HA and ask how they select the final applicant when there is more than one interested.

homeless9

deannatrois said:

It will be based on priority, in my case it was 1) You had to live in the borough or next one, 2) Have housing need (three people in one bed flat 3) Meet earnings criteria.  We were top priority and did get the house. You sound a bit 'off' because you are puzzled by what's going on so I'd probably try and keep quiet about that if you can.  However, i would have thought you could phone the HA and ask how they select the final applicant when there is more than one interested.

I won't be asking much, if anything, just a quick look and go.

Not sure I want to go down this shared ownership rabbit hole and they'd expect me to express my interest in buying within 48 hours of viewing. 

Just going to be a bit weird going in to view one after the other knowing they know who gets first dibs.