SNG
SNG, one of the largest housing providers in the UK, joined the Shared Ownership Code pilot to demonstrate their commitment to best practice and to showcase their industry-leading work in the shared ownership space.
Shared ownership remains a vital part of their housing offer, providing an accessible route to more affordable homeownership. With 11,000 shared ownership properties, the product enhances SNG’s range of tenures so they can provide housing solutions that are suitable for each resident.
Using a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) gap analysis tracker during the pilot, SNG identified key areas for improvement in their shared ownership practices:
Policies - SNG have made improvements after recognising the need to ensure their policies are published, accessible, and, where possible, tailored to shared ownership.
Refunds and policy update – The pilot highlighted opportunities for SNG to further support shared owners by refunding full reservation fees if customers cancel agreements within the 14-day cooling off period, and through updating their New Homes Demonstration policy.
Action plan – SNG developed an action plan to align its current practices with the Code’s requirements.
In addition to these key areas, SNG also contributed insights at peer forums, sharing learnings with other providers and consultants from the Shared Ownership Council.
SNG is confident that their role in the pilot has helped ensure the Code is robust and ready for wider adoption across the sector. They remain committed to being a leader in best practice for shared ownership and look forward to seeing the impact of the Code on customer understanding and satisfaction.
“It will be important for as many providers as possible to sign up to the Code to ensure fairness and consistency for customers in the sector. We think the impact will be that shared ownership customers will be more educated and aware of what to expect, so they can challenge unfair practices. The Code will give providers a ‘workable pathway’ to adoption, with the Council offering guidance and templates to help others take up the Code.””