Who Does Co-Ownership Help?

Published 20 Aug 2025

Co-Ownership isn’t just for first time buyers, it’s for anyone who needs a helping hand getting onto (or back onto) the property ladder.

Whether it’s the struggle to save a deposit, a shift in life circumstances or affordability barriers, Co-Ownership can make home ownership possible for more people across Northern Ireland. Since they opened in 1978 Co-Ownership has helped over 34,000 people become homeowners, and they currently have over 10,500 customers.

So, who are these customers?

According to Co-Ownership’s 2024/25 insights:

• The average customer is 34 years old
• Nearly half (49%) came from the rental market
• A huge 91% were first time buyers
• The average income is around £27,000

And while many are stepping on the property ladder for the first time, Co-Ownership also supports people who need to return to it,  such as those going through a relationship breakdown or starting over after selling a previous home.

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Meet Daniel, one of Co-Ownership’s customers:

“My partner & I found ourselves in a tight spot in late 2024 when eviction loomed because our landlord had decided to sell. With rent demand & costs shooting up locally, we decided to look into buying a home – even though saving a deposit wasn’t an easy task.

In the midst of a sellers’ market, the homes we thought we could afford were all selling way over asking price. Our mortgage broker suggested we explore Northern Ireland Co-Ownership to overcome our lack of a large deposit & lack of time to save.

We decided to give it a go. From the very start, Co-Ownership were really down-to-earth and helpful. We applied and were delighted to be accepted. With their expert support, we found a home that ticked all our boxes — our dream home.

The application process was straightforward, and in just five months, the house was built and we’d secured our new home.”

And it’s not just about housing, it’s about wellbeing too.

In the 2025 Social Impact Report, 85% of customers who responded said their health and wellbeing had improved since buying with Co-Ownership.

And while many are stepping on the property ladder for the first time, Co-Ownership also supports people who need to return to it,  such as those going through a relationship breakdown or starting over after selling a previous home.

To find out more about Co-Ownership, click here