Notting Hill Home Ownership is preparing to launch a further five developments and 209 homes in the next five months and will also be available to view via the SmartShare website.

Since the recession began the housing association, who was the first to introduce shared ownership, has seen an 80% increase in the number of viewings and reservations at its housing schemes and is expecting the new developments to be just as successful.

Until a couple of years ago shared ownership was restricted to key workers, low income, first time buyers and social tenants. Many housing associations have now widened their criteria and schemes are available to many people who want to get on the housing ladder at an affordable price, avoid the rental market or simply find themselves looking to shared ownership to solve their housing needs.

This information is substantiated by the recent findings from The National Housing Federation 2009 report that has seen a record number of people applying for shared ownership since the initiative was launched 30 years ago.