Shared ownership

eligibility

We understand that buying on the open market isn’t always an option. So, if you’re looking for an accessible way to find your place to call home in one of Dorset’s most desirable coastal towns, shared ownership at Hartstone offers you the perfect opportunity to step onto the property ladder in beautiful Christchurch, combining flexibility with security in a location you’ll love.

As a UK Government-backed scheme, shared ownership allows you to buy a share of your home and pay rent on the remainder, making buying a home more accessible. However, there are specific eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet before applying.

Am I eligible for shared ownership at Hartstone?

You could qualify for shared ownership at Hartstone if you meet the following requirements:

Age: You must be 18 or over.
Income: Your household income is no more than £80,000 per year.
Current Property Status: You do not currently own a home. If you’re selling a property, your sale must have an accepted offer before we can proceed with your application.
Affordability: You can demonstrate that you’re able to maintain the costs of buying and living in your new home.
Residency: You are a British citizen, an EU/EEA citizen, or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

If you meet these criteria, shared ownership could open the door to your new home at Hartstone in Christchurch, helping you build a future in a community that truly feels like yours.

Unlock shared ownership opportunities at Hartstone

What is shared ownership?

Shared ownership offers a pathway onto the property ladder by purchasing a percentage of your home and paying rent on the remainder. This means:

Lower upfront costs
Flexible staircasing: you can buy more shares over time
Security of a long-term lease and the opportunity to build equity

How to apply for shared ownership at Hartstone

We understand that buying on the open market isn’t always an option. So, if you’re looking for an accessible way to find your place to call home in one of Dorset’s most desirable coastal towns, Shared Ownership at Hartstone offers you the perfect opportunity to step onto the property ladder in beautiful Christchurch, combining flexibility with security in a location you’ll love.

As a UK Government-backed scheme, shared ownership allows you to buy a share of your home and pay rent on the remainder, making buying a home more accessible. However, there are specific eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet before applying.

Step 1

Register your interest

Contact the Aster sales team once you’ve seen a home you’d like to apply for.

Aster will send you:
• Pricing information, floor plans, site plans.
• Information on the homes available.
• Any local connection requirements that apply to the homes.

Step 2

Apply for a home and carry out a stage 1 affordability assessment

Complete an initial affordability assessment with TMP Mortgages, Aster’s appointed partner.

Step 3

Aster application form

Fill out Aster’s online application form. This can be found here.

Step 4

Property allocation and stage 2 affordability assessment

• If you pass the stage 1 affordability assessment, you’ll be allocated a shared ownership home.
• You can now complete the stage 2 affordability assessment with TMP to determine the share you can buy.
• You’ll need to provide TMP with the following documents listed in their guide here.

Note: TMP’s affordability assessment is not mortgage advice and the assessment does not guarantee the availability of a mortgage.

Step 5

Ask questions and read the key information documents (KIDs)

• Ask the Aster sales team any questions you have about the property/development and the process.
• Read the “Key Information About the Home” document that is available alongside the property details.

Step 6

Final confirmation and reservation

If you pass the Stage 2 affordability assessment, Aster will:
• Confirm the share you can buy.
• Explain the next steps in your home buying journey.
• Send you the “Key Information Documents” to read through.

Once you’ve read everything and are happy with the home you’ve chosen at Hartstone, you can pay your £250 reservation fee and complete our reservation form to secure your home on this brand new development.

FAQs: your questions answered

What deposit do I need?

Reservation fee (£250) and mortgage deposit based on your share (usually 5% of the share you are purchasing).

Can I staircase later?

Absolutely! Shared ownership buyers can buy additional shares (usually in 10% increments). In most cases with shared ownership homes, you can go onto buy 100% of the property. When you hit this milestone of 100% ownership, if the lease allows you to acquire the freehold, the property is no longer a shared ownership home. It’s worth noting though, that shared ownership apartments will remain leasehold, and service charges will still need to be paid if you go onto 100% ownership on all property types.

Energy efficiency at Hartstone?

All homes are built to high energy standards, with low running costs and eco-friendly features.

Help with mortgage advice?

Yes! At Aster, we work closely with The Mortgage People (TMP), they are best placed to answer all financial questions and explore mortgage options that suit your needs.

For more information on how shared ownership works, click here.

Ready to make Christchurch home?

Be part of a warm, welcoming community designed with care in Dorset’s coastal surroundings. Whether you’re renting, stepping onto the property ladder with shared ownership, or investing in a luxury home, Aster’s new development in Christchurch offers a true sense of belonging.

Our shared ownership homes are often very popular, and demand can outstrip supply. While we aim to operate on a First Come, First Served basis, please note that this approach may vary depending on the development or specific circumstances. In line with Homes England guidance, we also publish our Adverse Credit Policy and Surplus Income Policy to ensure transparency and consistency in our decision-making. You can read more on these policies here:

First come, first served policy

Adverse credit policy

Surplus income policy

Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2AW

Our construction team are currently working at Barrack Road, Christchurch. However, our sales team is not based at the development and cannot take enquiries there.
Please contact us directly with any queries - we’re always happy to assist.

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Aster Group and while we will try to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.