Shared ownership service charges (UK): why they can change your monthly cost
Service charges pay for running and maintaining the building/estate. They can change year to year, so your monthly cost can change too.
Published: 31/03/2026 • Last verified: 31/03/2026
The short answer
In shared ownership, your monthly cost is usually a mix of:
- your mortgage (on the share you own),
- rent (on the share you don’t own), and
- service charges (to run and maintain the building/estate).
Service charges can change because they’re based on the actual costs of things like maintenance, cleaning, insurance and major works — and those costs can go up or down over time.
A tiny example
If your service charge is £180/month and it increases by £25/month after an annual budget review, your monthly cost increases by £25 even if your mortgage payment stays the same.
This is why it’s worth reviewing the breakdown and asking what’s included before you commit.
Helpful links
- Related calculator: /shared-ownership/
- Full guide: /guides/shared-ownership-service-charges-uk/
- Full guide: /guides/shared-ownership-monthly-costs-explained/
- Glossary: /glossary/service-charge/
- Glossary: /glossary/leasehold/
Sources