Shared ownership allocation policy

2.1            In line with the regulatory requirements set out by the Homes England’s Affordable Housing Capital Funding Guide, this policy sets out how new build shared ownership homes will be allocated to customers, setting out our first come, first served principles in the event of demand for homes exceeding supply.

2.2            This policy applies to Red Loft (Sales consultant for the Development Team) who have responsibility via their Sales Manager, for managing the allocations process and ensuring that customers fully understand our policy.

3.1            Ensure that B3Living has a transparent and robust shared ownership allocation process which adheres to the Homes England mandatory requirements.

3.2            Enable customers to fully understand the principles of the process and allocation hierarchy, prior to incurring any costs.

4.1.1 Managing Demand

Demand for shared ownership homes exceeds supply, therefore homes are offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis, to all applicants who meet the eligibility and affordability criteria, in line with regulatory guidance.

4.1.2 Priority Order

B3Living allocates shared ownership homes using the following priority structure:

1. Local Authority Priorities
   As set out in scheme-specific Section 106 (S106) agreements, including any time‑limited cascade mechanism.
2. Ministry of Defence (MOD) Personnel
   Prioritised in accordance with Homes England guidance.
3. First to Complete Assessment
   The first applicant to pass the initial affordability assessment, providing the B3 application form has been completed in full, and information has been completed correctly. Where demand exceeds supply, we will allocate in date order from when we receive the initial approved affordability assessment.
4. Date of Enquiry

In the event of multiple customers complete an initial assessment at identical dates and times, B3Living will defer to the recorded date of enquiry, by the customer on our customer records management system.

If applicable, we will prioritise wheelchair users in the allocation of wheelchair adaptable/adapted units.

4.1.3 Assessment Timeframes

Allocated applicants must complete the full financial assessment within five working days. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the allocation being withdrawn and offered to the next eligible applicant.

Applicants requiring additional time should notify the Sales Manager so that reasonable consideration can be given to their circumstances.

4.1.4 Plot-to-Applicant Ratio

B3Living will operate a one‑to‑one plot-to-applicant ratio. This is where we allocate one plot to one applicant. If the applicant does not pass the full financial assessment, then the plot will be offered to the next applicant - avoiding unnecessary inconvenience and prevent applicants from incurring abortive costs.

B3Living is committed to ensuring that no person is treated less equitably than another, and that all customers, existing or future, are treated fairly, sensitively, respectfully and with dignity, in accordance with our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

All shared ownership application and allocation processes will comply with:

• Data Protection Act 2018
• UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR)
• B3Living’s Data Protection Policy

Documentation will be retained and disposed of in accordance with B3Living’s data retention guidelines.

B3Living welcomes customer feedback relating to the allocation process, which is used to help continuously improve our service, and received by:

• Customer suggestions
• Complaints
• Development Customer Satisfaction Questionnaires

This policy adheres to all relevant legislation and regulation, including:

• Homes England Capital Funding Guide
• S106 Planning Agreements (where applicable)
• Money Laundering Regulations 2017
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
• Equality Act 2010

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or earlier if necessitated by legislative, regulatory or procedural changes.