Feel trapped in shared ownership home

We bought our shared ownership home 8 years ago in our early 20s.

My late teens had involved a lot of family drama and I'd lived alone (renting) for several years before we bought the house together.

Full market price at the time was £199k and is 2 beds. That was very average for the area, we obviously didn't pay the full amount but purchased a share.

Fast forward to now, in our 30s with a toddler and outgrew the space a long time ago. I don't want to spend on a RICS valuation as I don't expect we will be selling but estimate the full value cautiously at about £225k (IMO insane for a 2 bed house). Previously I asked a local agent to come out to value but they declined when they knew it was SO.

A £25k increase which we only have a share of.

For the size we would be looking for to achieve a fair amount of space for the 3 of us (not planning any other babies/children/pets), we'd be looking at minimum £325k in our area.

A 15% deposit is nearing on £50k obviously nowhere near the equity we have in our home. (And not a quick fix easy amount for us to save)

When we purchased the home I was aware of all the pros and cons of shared ownership and still made that decision.

At the time I never expected to still be in this house 8 years on, it was our first home and a place for us before we could move into a "family home".

I genuinely do not know how we will ever leave this house. It's causing so much stress, anxiety and overall mental health decline!

How have others navigated exiting the SO system, is it even possible?

Please give me hope/advice! 🙏

Posted Jul 29, 2026, 6:51 AM UTC

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