Below are some of the questions that our existing shared owners often ask us.
For all other queries, please contact sales@broadlandgroup.org or our Customer Services team, or call 0303 303 0003.
How do I buy more shares? (also known as staircasing)
Please contact Broadland Housing Association to let us know you would like to buy more shares. Complete and return the staircasing application form, along with payment for the RICS valuation. Alternatively you can email the sales team at sales@broadlandgroup.org and we will send you a copy of the form. Read our guide to staircasing.
A RICS valuation is required to find out the current value of your property. We need this to calculate the cost of the additional shares you wish to buy. An estate agent’s valuation is not acceptable, in accordance with your lease. Once your property has been valued and we have provided you with the cost to staircase, you are under no obligation to proceed. However, you will not be entitled to a refund for the cost of the RICS valuation.
You can partially staircase to 80% or final staircase to 100%, depending on the terms of your lease. Some properties in rural areas can only staircase to 80%.
How do I sell my share of the property?
Please contact Broadland Housing Association to advise us of your intention to sell your property. Complete and return the initial notice to assign form, along with payment for the RICS valuation or a copy of your own RICS valuation. Please download and read the full procedure on selling your home. Alternatively you can email the sales team at sales@broadlandgroup.org and we can send you a copy of the initial notice to assign form along with the procedure.
You must contact Broadland Housing Association first if you wish to sell. This is a requirement of your lease. Failure to do so may result in penalty provisions. Your lease will have a nomination period in which Broadland Housing Association will have the opportunity to find you a buyer first before you can market with an estate agent. Please contact the sales team for further information.
Buildings insurance
The service charge you pay each month partly goes towards the buildings insurance for your property. Your buildings insurance policy is with Zurich. You can download the policy information below or email the sales team at sales@broadlandgroup.org for a printed copy.
Please note: we are not responsible for insuring your home contents, only the building. We would recommend all shared owners obtain their own contents insurance.
Can I make alterations to my shared ownership property?
If you wish to make major alterations to your property, you must first ask permission from Broadland Housing Association. Examples of works you may need our permission for include:
- replacing your windows
- replacing your central heating system
- building an extension or conservatory
- altering the internal layout of your home
- erecting a shed
Please download and complete the alteration request form, and return it to tenantalterationrequests@broadlandgroup.org.
As a shared owner you do not need our permission for minor alterations, such as painting and decorating, replacing flooring or landscaping your garden.
How do I report a defect?
If you have purchased a new build, your property will be covered by a defects period, usually 12 months from the date of completion. If you need to report a defect, please contact our Customer Services team or call 0303 303 0003.
Once your defect period is over, any maintenance on your property will be your responsibility.
Your responsibilities will vary, depending on the type of property purchased, for example a house or a flat. Please check your lease for further details.
Who do I speak to if I want to report a neighbourhood issue, or if I am struggling to pay the rent?
We are always here to help. Please contact our Customer Services team, who will be able to signpost you in the right direction with a member of staff to help. You can contact us if you are having a neighbourhood issue such as anti-social behaviour or concern for a neighbour. You can also contact us if you are struggling to pay your rent or need help and advice on applying for benefits.
Contact our Customer Services team at enq@broadlandgroup.org or call 0303 303 0003.
Guide to our current administration fees
You can download our current guide to administration fees. Please note these are subject to change at any time.
You can also download all the documents mentioned in these questions from our important documents for existing shared owners page.