Get on the property ladder in the Home Counties with Shared Ownership
Check out five of the top first time buyer homes in Hertfordshire, West Sussex, Surrey and Bedfordshire
As changes in our lifestyle make remote working the norm and place a greater emphasis on access to outdoor space, buyers are looking beyond the capital to take their first steps onto the property ladder. In 2020, over 73,000 homes in the Home Counties were purchased by London leavers seeking space and value for money.
Alternative home ownership schemes, such as Shared Ownership, have long helped open up the property market for budding first time buyers by offering lower deposits and monthly repayments than typically found on the open market. Though Shared Ownership is most commonly associated with helping first time buyers in the capital, the scheme is now widely available outside of London as more and more housing providers grow their build programme outside of the M25. As a result, demand for Shared Ownership homes in the Home Counties has grown significantly – with analysis from Share to Buy showing that enquiries have increased 77% compared to this time last year.
Highlighting the best in affordable homes, Share to Buy have rounded up five of their top Shared Ownership developments in the Home Counties currently listed on the property portal.
Willow Place, Hertfordshire
Willow Place by St Arthur Homes is a collection of 15 one and two bedroom Shared Ownership apartments, just outside Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. North of the River Lea, with quick links into Central London from Welwyn Garden City station, residents have access to the best of urban and rural living. These Shared Ownership homes, surrounded by idyllic countryside and walking distance from a thriving town centre, offer an accessible route onto the property ladder in one of Hertfordshire’s most sought-after commuter hubs. Prices for Shared Ownership homes at Willow Place start from £122,500 for a 50% share of a one bedroom apartment (full market value £245,000).
Register your interest in Willow Place, St Arthur Homes.
Shopwyke Lake, West Sussex
Located just outside the historic cathedral city of Chichester, West Sussex, Hyde New Homes have launched their latest two and three bedroom Shared Ownership houses at Shopwyke Lake. Homes appeal to country and coastal lovers, with both the South Downs National Park and Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, within easy reach. Shared Ownership homes are built to a high standard with great attention given to the fit and finish of houses at Shopwyke Lake, providing first time buyers the ideal canvas to create their perfect home in West Sussex. Prices start from £124,000 for a 40% share of a two bedroom house (full market value £310,000), while prices for a three bedroom house start from £115,500 for a 30% share (full market value £385,000).
Register your interest in Shopwyke Lake, Hyde New Homes.
Forster Oaks, Hertfordshire
Nestled in a leafy corner of Hertfordshire, Forster Oaks by SO Resi is a collection of bright and spacious two bedroom apartments. Located in the popular town of Stevenage, homes feature fully open plan kitchens and allocated parking, perfect for commuters. Residents at Forster Oaks are well placed for journeys into London with train times from Stevenage railway station into London King’s Cross taking less than 30 minutes. Prices for a two bedroom apartment at Forster Oaks start from £87,500 for a 35% share (full market value £250,000).
Register your interest in Forster Oaks, SO Resi.
Longcross, Surrey
Bringing affordable living to leafy Surrey, Longrcross by Southern Home Ownership is a collection of one and two bedroom homes located in Surrey’s newest garden village. Stylish apartments are light and airy with open plan living spaces, contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances, and complete with a private balcony. Prices for a one bedroom apartment at Longcross start from £105,000 for a 35% share (full market value £300,000) and prices for two bedroom apartments start from £143,500 for a 35% share (full market value £410,000).
Register your interest in Longcross, Southern Home Ownership.
The Printworks, Bedfordshire
Located just outside the market town of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, The Printworks is a collection of two and three bedroom Shared Ownership houses, well placed for easy access to the thriving town centre and lush greenery of Dunstable Downs. Nature is at the heart of this development by Catalyst with a community garden and dedicated green spaces promoting wildlife and diversity – while inside, homes include top-of-the-range features as standard such as integrated kitchen appliances, high quality bathrooms, and turfing to both the front and rear gardens. At The Printworks, prices start from £138,000 for a 40% share of a three bedroom house (full market value £345,000).
Register your interest in The Printworks, Catalyst New Homes.
Information and pricing correct as of 31/03/2021.
Share to Buy is a one stop shop for affordable homes. On our website, you can search for properties, compare mortgages and find out all you need to know about alternative home buying schemes such as Shared Ownership and Help to Buy.