Shared Ownership in Dover, Kent | Homes & How It Works

Where is Dover?

Dover sits on the southeastern coast of England, in the county of Kent. Known for its strategic location facing mainland Europe, it’s just 21 miles across the English Channel from Calais and is home to the Port of Dover - the UK’s busiest passenger port.

Despite its historic maritime setting, Dover is also well-connected for modern commuters. London St Pancras is reachable in just over an hour via high-speed rail, and the A2 and M20 motorways offer direct road links to Canterbury, Maidstone, and beyond.

If you're looking for a shared ownership home in a town that blends coastal calm with great connectivity, Dover is a standout choice.

The history of Dover

Dover’s history spans thousands of years. Its iconic white chalk cliffs and strategic location have made it one of Britain’s most important coastal towns since Roman times. The ancient Dover Castle, often referred to as the "Key to England", has stood watch over the channel for over 900 years and remains one of the largest and best-preserved castles in the country.

In the 20th century, Dover played a crucial role in both World Wars, particularly through the Dunkirk evacuation and the secret wartime tunnels beneath the castle.

Today, Dover’s rich heritage is a point of pride for locals and a source of fascination for visitors. From Roman lighthouses to underground wartime bunkers, history is never far away in this town, making it a truly special place to call home.

Living in Dover

Living in Dover combines the character of a historic seaside town with the promise of modern regeneration. The waterfront is being redeveloped, creating new opportunities for work, leisure, and housing, while the town centre retains its welcoming, community feel.

With coastal walks, local markets, and a growing number of independent cafés and restaurants, life in Dover suits a relaxed pace. The surrounding countryside and nearby villages like Wingham and Aylesham provide an even quieter lifestyle, with local farm shops, nature trails, and traditional architecture creating a charming rural backdrop.

Families are well served by local schools, and the area’s affordability makes it attractive for first-time buyers, commuters, and downsizers alike.

What is Dover famous for?

The White Cliffs of Dover - These chalk cliffs are one of the UK’s most famous natural landmarks. Walking trails along the cliffs offer stunning views over the Channel.

Dover Castle - With over 900 years of history, featuring medieval architecture, wartime tunnels, and panoramic sea views.

Port of Dover - Europe’s busiest ferry port, connecting the UK to continental Europe. It plays a vital role in trade and tourism, bringing a global feel to the town.

Roman Painted House - One of the best-preserved Roman-era structures in Britain, offering a glimpse into ancient life in Dover.

South Foreland Lighthouse - A historic Victorian lighthouse perched atop the cliffs, known for its links to pioneering scientific discoveries.

Wartime Heritage - From the Battle of Britain Memorial to the secret tunnels under Dover Castle, the town is steeped in stories of bravery and defence.

Dover offers a unique blend of coastline, countryside, and culture, making it perfect for those seeking relaxation while still being close to amenities.

Why call Dover home?

Dover offers a blend of peaceful living, historic charm, and practical amenities. With coastal walks, countryside escapes, and a compact town centre, you’re never far from nature or daily essentials.

Whether you're a young professional, couple, or family, Dover delivers space to grow, explore, and unwind without the pressures of big-city life. Its affordability, when compared to other areas of Kent, Dover is an extremely affordable option for homes. It also has great transport links, and regeneration plans make it a strong option for shared ownership homebuyers in Kent.

The future of shared ownership in Dover

As regeneration continues across the town, especially along the seafront and town centre, Dover is evolving into a more vibrant and attractive place to live. With this positive change and increasing interest in the area, shared ownership provides a realistic and affordable way to buy a home here.

At Moat, we’re proud to offer high-quality, energy-efficient homes designed for real life. Whether you're buying your first property or planning your next chapter, shared ownership gives you the chance to purchase a share of a home and pay rent on the rest. Over time, you can increase your share through staircasing, making it a flexible path toward full ownership.

Shared ownership in Dover is ideal for those who want to enjoy coastal living, historic charm, and strong transport connections without the high upfront costs of buying outright.

Why choose Moat Homes?

We are a leading housing association, owning and managing over 23,000 homes in the South East. We are experts in the areas of Kent and Canterbury, and have a number of shared ownership homes available.

We are incredibly proud to be:

An experienced and compassionate landlord in our communities
Dedicated to building strong relationships with the local authorities in the areas we work in
One of the Homes England delivery partners, developing around 500 new homes every year
Financially strong, allowing us to deliver excellent services to our customers and build new homes
An expert in providing shared ownership

How do I get started with shared ownership?

Find out the key things you need to know about shared ownership, whether you’re eligible, and more within our information hub.

With future developments, ongoing local investment, and rising demand, buying a shared ownership home in Dover now could offer lasting value and a real sense of community.

Within the scheme, we offer everything from city apartments to family homes, so whether you're looking for shared ownership in Dover, Ebbsfleet, Herne Bay, Canterbury or the wider Kent area, get started on the property ladder with your dream home through Moat.

If you need more information, please read through our information hub and deep dive into what is shared ownership.

For shared ownership homes in the wider Kent area, please see our page on shared ownership Kent.

View all

New Homes

Moat at Fortuna Fields

Wingham, Kent CT3 1AL

£1,196 estimated monthly cost

2 - 3 bedrooms

1 - 2 bathrooms

Shares from 25%

Full market value from £355,000

New Homes

Bluebell Grove

Ratling Road, Aylesham, Kent, CT3 3BA

TBC estimated monthly cost

2 - 4 bedrooms

1 - 2 bathrooms

Shares from 25%

Full market value from TBC

Shared ownership in Dover