Staircasing means purchasing a further share in a shared ownership home. The price is linked to the property’s applicable current market value, so the landlord or housing provider will require valuation evidence before calculating the cost of the additional share.
Exact requirements depend on the lease, provider and scheme. Before instructing a valuer, obtain the provider’s current written criteria and confirm whether it will appoint the surveyor or expects you to do so. A compliant report cannot guarantee that a transaction will complete or that the provider will accept it without questions.
Standard and gradual staircasing
Government guidance distinguishes standard staircasing from gradual staircasing available under qualifying leases. Standard staircasing usually involves buying a further share based on a current RICS valuation. Gradual staircasing may use a house-price index, although either party may be able to request a RICS valuation under the scheme rules.
The lease and provider documentation control what is available for a particular home. The surveyor does not decide eligibility or calculate the rent after purchase.
What is valued
The valuer normally assesses the market value of the relevant property interest in accordance with the provider’s assumptions. The provider then applies the share percentage and scheme rules. The valuation is not simply a figure for the share already owned.
Tenure, lease length, service charges, condition, location and comparable evidence may all be material. The valuer needs the lease or key details and should identify assumptions where documents are missing.
Validity and timing
Government and Homes England funding guidance commonly use a limited validity period for valuations. Providers can impose their own operational requirements, and the valuation may need to remain valid at a specified transaction stage.
Do not order too early. Ask the provider what date matters, what happens if the report expires and whether an update by the original valuer is permitted.
Preparing the instruction
Send the provider’s requirements, lease details and information about approved improvements before the inspection. The valuer should be independent and have appropriate residential valuation competence.
The report is prepared for the stated staircasing purpose, user and valuation date. It is not a home survey, mortgage offer or guarantee of provider acceptance.
Budget for the wider transaction as well as the valuation. Legal work, provider administration and mortgage arrangements may run alongside it, but the valuer does not estimate those costs unless separately qualified and instructed. Coordinating the order date with those advisers helps avoid commissioning the report before the parties are ready.
- Obtain the provider’s current valuation checklist
- Confirm the share and staircasing route
- Provide the lease and service-charge information
- Disclose improvements and written permissions
- Check the valuation-expiry process before ordering
Advice for your property
Get the right professional inspection
Online guidance is useful, but it cannot account for the construction, condition and history of an individual property. Tell us what you are buying or need valued and we will explain the appropriate service.
Authoritative sources and further reading
The guide is general information, not property-specific, structural, legal, tax or financial advice. Source pages can change; consult the relevant professional for your circumstances.