Just tell them you rent if they ask about it. They would never know you owned it.

Thanks, but I guess I was a bit worried about being reported to the shared ownership organisation and that affecting my chances of buying again in future.

It won't affect your chances of buying again (unless you plan to keep the other owners in the loop regarding your future flat purchases, and why would you - it's none of their business?) and punters won't have a clue how to report you to then anyway, but you will almost certainly be in breach of your lease and if you're rumbled or outed they'll make it difficult for you to keep working as well as probably making your life generally unpleasant.

I've owned the last three places I've worked from and never had problems - I can't emphasise enough how much depends on finding the right place in terms of layout, entrance/s and approach, location, neighbours and so on. I don't work where I live now but I used to - if you're thinking of it as a relatively short term thing and have a contingency plan for if things go wrong I'd definitely recommend looking into it .

Hi, just making some enquiries here. I am thinking about buying (shared ownership), as rent in London is now exorbitant. I currently work form a flat I am renting as I would not be able to afford to rent a work flat as well. Would anyone work from a flat they actually own or would that be a bad idea? I would probably try to sell the flat in a couple of years anyway, so it's not like my clients would know where I intend to live long term.

The thing is if neigbours cause issues then you will be stuck with the property being taunted for a long time. Renting is easier while escorting then if any thing you can move away from the complications. Neighbours catch on eventually after staying in one place for a long time.

I used to work from home (rented) and would only tell my regulars I lived there. To other clients I'd say it's a friends flat and she works away a lot and lets a few of us use it when she's not there, which is true of what I do now. Most shared ownership places have plaques outside advertising their company, so at least if the client doesn't believe that it's your apartment then if they turn nasty or stalkerish they won't see the point in doing anything against where you live. A lot of these shared ownership developments attract key workers, who often work long and irregular hours, and won't notice the goings on of your place. The only thing though is many of these developments at new builds with super thin walls, so scope out the bedroom for bordering rooms/flats.

Thanks for all the advice. I am still undecided, I wouldn't want to be stuck in a flat if my neighbours find out. I've never had a problem with neighbours before as I tend to move quite frequently but if I buy a place I'd be more likely to stay a bit longer. I suppose I could try to sell if I get problems with my neighbours but that could take time.

I'm still contemplating buying a flat or house and am getting nearer to this goal however the flat I really like is in a gated development. Entry into to development is all by entry phone so clients would not have to type in any codes- they would just have to dial my flat number for the outer gate and then my front door. I would have my own entrance as its effectively a house. I'm just wondering if I would have any problems escorting in a gated development. I understand why it might not be advisable if your renting as someone might report you to the landlord but what about if you own the property? I really love the property but if it's going to be a nightmare seeing clients then I'll have to keep looking.

Would appreciate any comments. Also do you think clients would be put off going into a ( small) gated development.

I'm no longer considering shared ownership and would like to buy a place outside London.

Thanks for the reply. I would appreciate more if anyone else has worked in a gated development.