...to consider moving into this flat?

[Decembercake]

Long story short, we have to move house in the next few months. I'm a single parent & have always rented - landlord's selling. Given 6 months notice & all done correctly.
Love our current home & don't want this to happen again so I'm looking at shared ownership options. There's one in a great spot next to a big park. It's just about affordable.
I have two kids and a dog. Dog is small, quiet & old. Have been advised by two other residents that 'people have dogs' in the block but the housing association clearly stating dogs aren't allowed (online; haven't actually asked)
It's so near to lots of outside space, I don't think it's unfair on my dog, just slightly anxious about having to hide my dog... a bit... possibly?
AIBU to go ahead and hope for the best?
Anyone done this & it's been ok?

I'd avoid shared ownership like the plague; you can still be evicted by the housing association, and they can raise your rent.

hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/shared-ownership-what-to-watch-out-for/

This article mentions getting permission from the housing association about pets, you have to pay just to ask the question :

www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/shared-ownership-pros-and-cons

It will cost even if you’re just asking to get a cat or a dog

"If you want to knock down a wall or make any structural modifications with the property you have to jump through so many hoops, the first one being seeking permission from the housing association. It will cost you every single time you make an inquiry. Even if you want to get a cat or a dog, you need to pay the housing association £100 simply for asking the question. All of these costs add up."

Sorry to be so negative OP, but my friend bought a shared ownership property and she is basically stuck there now, it doesn't work out cheaper than renting in the long run and sounds like a massive headache.

I had a shared ownership house which I sold last year. While it was a lovely house and there were no issues with pets... think long and hard about how long you might be there. Selling it was awfully difficult and more expensive than a standard house. I had to pay for the HA solicitors, admin fees (which were tripled between exchange and completion and took 5 months to get back) and valuations every 3 months while up for sale/selling. So a minimum of 2 valuations if it is a quick sale.

The house itself was lovely. The neighbours were a mix of full ownership, shared ownership and rented. Some neighbours were a pain in the arse sometimes but you get that almost anywhere.

That Glamour article is such a load of misinformed rubbish. I’d stay away from shared ownership but equally I’d also avoid buying a leasehold flat for the same reasons

Thanks for all the comments. Much appreciated