5 Things You Didn’t Know About Co-Ownership

Published 27 Aug 2025

Think you know everything about Co-Ownership? Think again.

Whether you’re considering buying your first home or just curious about your options, here are five surprising facts that show how flexible, accessible and well-established Co-Ownership really is.

1. They’ve been around since the ’70s.

Co-Ownership launched in 1978, the same year Grease hit cinemas. That’s over 45 years of helping people into home ownership across Northern Ireland. They’re not new, They’re trusted.

2. They’re a not-for-profit and proud of it.

Every penny they make is reinvested into helping others. As a not-for-profit organisation, Co-Ownership exists purely to support people in buying homes, not to make a profit from them.

3. They’ve already helped over 34,000 people buy a home.

They currently support over 10,500 customers and make up 8% of the first-time buyer market in Northern Ireland. That’s one in every twelve first-time buyers!

4. You might not need a deposit.

Last year, half of their applicants had no deposit saved. Some lenders in Northern Ireland will accept the Co-Ownership share as your deposit, helping you buy sooner than you thought possible.

5. When you want to you can buy them out.

You don’t have to stay with Co-Ownership forever. Most customers go on to buy out Co-Ownership’s share, with over 50% doing so within 10 years. Whether it’s 5% chunks or all at once, the choice is yours.

Find out more about Co-Ownership