Stephanie Richards, a history teacher at a local Secondary School, was in a housing situation that many younger people can relate to. Still living at home with her parents, Stephanie wanted to get her own place but didn’t see privately renting as an option, and couldn’t afford to buy anything outright on her own. When she had almost given up hope, she saw an advert about the government funded HomeBuy Schemes.
“I came across the website for the HomeBuy Agent for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Homes in Hants, and used their website, www.homesinhants.co.uk, to find out more information on the various HomeBuy Schemes before applying.”
Stephanie Richards, a history teacher at a local Secondary School, was in a housing situation that many younger people can relate to. Still living at home with her parents, Stephanie wanted to get her own place but didn’t see privately renting as an option, and couldn’t afford to buy anything outright on her own. When she had almost given up hope, she saw an advert about the government funded HomeBuy Schemes.
“I came across the website for the HomeBuy Agent for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Homes in Hants, and used their website, www.homesinhants.co.uk, to find out more information on the various HomeBuy Schemes before applying.”
“I was registered for just 2 months when I was sent information on a brand new development in Hedge End, called Oak Tree Place, which Swaythling Housing Society were selling to Keyworkers. I was invited to view the properties, and things just went on from there!”
The homes available at Oak Tree Place were available through the New Build HomeBuy scheme, and at Stephanie’s first viewing she had the whole scheme and process of purchasing explained to her.
“I was also given the contact details of an Independent Financial Advisor who specialised in Shared Ownership schemes and mortgages. I made an appointment, which was all free of charge, and she came to my house to go through an assessment to see what I could afford. There was very little paperwork and she found me a great deal on my mortgage.”
Stephanie chose a 2 bedroom house and purchased a 25% share for just £38,750. With large, bright and airy bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen complete with appliances, Stephanie was particularly impressed by the quality of the finish on the new build.
“I now pay under £500 per month, including my mortgage and rent on the remaining share, to own my own 2 bedroom house. And because the house is a new build, the bills are really low because its so energy efficient. I could never have dreamed this was possible, I would thoroughly recommend the HomeBuy Schemes, for Keyworkers and any first time buyers”.