Buying a home may feel difficult if you live with a long-term disability or your income includes disability related benefits. The HOLD Scheme (Home Ownership for People with Long Term Disabilities) was created to help individuals in this position access home ownership through a shared ownership structure.
Rather than needing to purchase a property outright, eligible buyers can purchase a share of a home, while paying rent on the remaining share owned by a housing association. This can make home ownership more achievable where traditional mortgage routes may not be suitable.
SynergiseUK connects you with specialist mortgage brokers who understand shared ownership mortgages and lending linked to the HOLD housing scheme, helping you explore options that may support long-term housing stability and independence.
Broker Disclaimer
SynergiseUK introduces enquiries to specialist, regulated mortgage brokers who can assist with shared ownership mortgages and lending linked to housing schemes such as the HOLD Scheme. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What Is the HOLD Scheme?
The Home Ownership for People with Long Term Disabilities (HOLD Scheme) is a government-supported shared ownership programme designed for individuals with long-term disabilities who wish to buy a home but may not be able to access traditional buying options.
Through the scheme, eligible buyers purchase a percentage of the property, with the remaining share owned by a housing association. Rent is paid on the portion not owned.
This structure allows buyers to access the housing market while maintaining affordable monthly payments that combine mortgage repayments and rent.
Who the HOLD Scheme May Be Suitable For
The scheme may be considered by individuals who:
• Have a long term physical disability or learning disability
• Require stable, long term housing suited to their needs
• Receive disability related benefits or supported income
• Need a property that may require adaptations or accessibility features
• Are unable to access standard shared ownership programmes
Eligibility will depend on individual circumstances and local housing association availability.
How HOLD Scheme Mortgages Work
When purchasing through the HOLD scheme, buyers typically obtain a shared ownership mortgage for the share of the property they are buying.
Key features may include:
• Purchasing a share of the property rather than the full value
• Paying rent on the remaining share owned by the housing association
• Mortgage affordability based on income and lender criteria
• Properties that may already be adapted or suitable for adaptation
• The ability to increase ownership over time through staircasing
Specialist mortgage brokers can help identify lenders who understand shared ownership structures used within disability housing schemes.
Why Introductions Through SynergiseUK Can Help
Access to Specialist Mortgage Brokers
SynergiseUK connects you with brokers experienced in arranging shared ownership mortgages and specialist housing finance.
Understanding of Supported Income
Some lenders may consider applications where income includes certain benefits or supported income, subject to their criteria and affordability checks.
Shared Ownership Expertise
Specialist brokers understand the process of purchasing through housing associations and shared ownership schemes.
Guidance Through Each Stage
From initial enquiry to completion, brokers can help explain the steps involved and identify lenders who may be suitable for your circumstances.
Access to Specialist Lenders
In some cases, specialist brokers may have access to lender products or criteria not always available on the high street.
Stops to Buying Through the HOLD Scheme
The process usually involves several stages:
-
Confirming eligibility for the HOLD housing scheme
-
Registering with a housing association offering suitable properties
-
Finding a home that meets your needs
-
Arranging a shared ownership mortgage through a specialist broker
-
Completing the purchase and moving into your new home
Timescales can vary depending on property availability and housing association processes.
Take the First Step Towards Home Ownership
SynergiseUK connects you with specialist brokers who understand HOLD Scheme mortgages, shared ownership housing, and pathways to home ownership for people with long term disabilities.
Further Products or Services you may also be interested in...
Click on any of the above to discover more
Frequently asked Q&A's
The HOLD Scheme (Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disabilities) is a shared ownership housing programme that helps eligible individuals with long-term disabilities buy a share of a home while paying rent on the remaining share owned by a housing association.
The HOLD Scheme may be available to people with long-term disabilities who cannot access other home ownership schemes and require stable housing suited to their needs. Eligibility is typically assessed through housing associations and may depend on local availability and personal circumstances.
Yes. Buyers purchasing through the HOLD Scheme usually obtain a shared ownership mortgage for the share of the property they are buying, while paying rent on the remaining share owned by the housing association.
Some lenders may consider income that includes certain disability-related benefits, although this depends on lender criteria and affordability assessments. Specialist mortgage brokers can help identify lenders who may consider supported income.
No. The scheme allows buyers to purchase a percentage share of the property, often between 25% and 75%, with the housing association owning the remaining share.
In some cases, buyers may be able to increase the percentage of the property they own over time, known as staircasing, subject to housing association policies and mortgage lender criteria.
Yes. Many properties offered through the HOLD Scheme may already include adaptations for accessibility, or may be suitable for modification to meet individual mobility or support needs.
The HOLD Scheme is primarily available in England through participating housing associations, although property availability can vary depending on the region and local housing programmes.
Applications usually begin by contacting a housing association that offers the HOLD Scheme in your area. Once a suitable property is identified, a specialist mortgage broker can help arrange a shared ownership mortgage for the share being purchased.
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you