Priority groups and local connection
Housing associations often give priority to people who already live or work in the local area. Serving military personnel and their families are also prioritised under government guidelines. Individual developments can carry extra conditions set by the local council.
Where a property is in high demand, those with a local connection tend to come first, along with existing social housing tenants and key workers. Your Help to Buy agent can tell you which priority groups apply where you are looking.
What if you have bad credit or are self-employed?
Having bad credit does not rule you out of shared ownership on its own, though it does narrow your choice of mortgage. Some specialist lenders will look at applicants with minor credit issues, especially where the problems are a few years old and your finances have been in good order since.
If you are self-employed you can apply too, though most lenders will ask to see at least two years of accounts or tax returns. A broker who knows shared ownership can point you towards the lenders most likely to accept your situation. Our self-employed mortgage guidance explains what proof of income you will need.