Shared Ownership Success Stories: Sarah

NHG Homes: NHS worker finds a home of her own in Brixton with Shared Ownership

“Brixton is an area I absolutely love – it feels like a big milestone to buy here and I’m really excited to be back in the neighbourhood” – first time buyer returns to South London with a home at NHG Homes’ NINE Brixton

• Sarah 37, one bedroom apartment at NINE Brixton.
• Purchase price: £440,000.
• Deposit: £16,500.
• Monthly costs: £756.25 rent + £110 service charge.

Sarah 37, moved into NHG Homes’ NINE Brixton in July 2023. She bought a 25% share of her one bedroom apartment through the Shared Ownership scheme, which offers first time buyers a more accessible way to get onto the property ladder.

Sarah grew up in Europe but moved to the UK when she was 19, and now works in London for the NHS.

As a student during her doctorate degree, she lived in Brixton and fell in love with the area. Now Sarah is moving back, but this time into a home of her own.

After spending time renting in other parts of the capital over the years – and even a stint spent abroad working with Doctors Without Borders – Sarah wanted to return to living in Brixton, a place she considers home.  But with high property prices, she needed to do so in a more accessible way.

Buying a one bedroom apartment with NHG Homes was the answer. With an ideal location in the heart of Brixton, NINE Brixton offers new homes available to purchase through Shared Ownership, meaning Sarah could buy her home with a lower deposit than if buying a home at full market value.

Climbing the property ladder

Having such a strong attraction to Brixton, Sarah knew she wanted to put down roots in the area. When she found out about the apartments available at NINE Brixton, Sarah knew it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

“I had heard about Shared Ownership before, but it wasn’t initially something I considered.  I knew about this development and had enquired about buying a flat through private sale but unfortunately, I realised that option was not feasible. It was then that I found out that NHG Homes would soon be offering homes at NINE Brixton through Shared Ownership, and that they’d be at the London Home Show – I knew I had to go and find out more.”

After being guided through the buying process by the NHG Homes team, Sarah secured a 25% share of her apartment and now has the flexibility to increase her share of her home as and when it suits her.

The Brixton buzz

Brixton is the beating heart of London, a community full of life and character that – for Sarah – represents the best of what the capital has to offer.

“It’s a lively, vibrant and multicultural area, which is important for me. It’s got a great vibe that sees lots of different people coming together; I really like that and it’s like no other part of London in my view.”

Living at NINE Brixton, Sarah is also close to her friends, and the rest of the capital is easily accessible on the tube via the Victoria line. Since moving, she has shaved an hour off her daily commute to work and she can also easily get to her favourite spots, including her nail salon which was previously a two-hour round trip away, and is now on her doorstep.

Quality design

Sarah moved into her new home in July, and is enjoying its quality features in particular: “I originally viewed the flat online and thought it looked great, but once I saw it I person, it felt so much bigger. What also caught my eye was that the finishing details are really nice. I think it’s all the little things I didn’t expect, like dimmer switches and extraction fans in every room.”

The design of NINE Brixton is also a highlight for Sarah: “Although it’s very central in Brixton, it feels very quiet and peaceful within the development.”

Plenty to do

Her time renting in the area meant that Sarah knew Brixton well and she’s now looking forward to exploring more of what’s on offer nearby: “There’s everything from thriving local shops to Jamaican food spots. You can find everything and anything in Brixton and that’s what I love about it.”

Whilst there is always something going on in Brixton, Sarah is also looking forward to enjoying the quieter side of life that South London has to offer: “Brockwell Park is pretty great and the lido is amazing in the summer.  I meet with my friends quite regularly and it’ll be lovely to go there.”

How the London Home Show helped Sarah get on the property ladder

Sarah knew she wanted to buy in Brixton, but needed to find out more about the development she had her eye on and whether she could afford the move. To do this, she attended the free London Home Show, hosted by property portal Share to Buy, describing her experience as “amazing”.

“I went to the London Home Show specifically to find out more about NHG Homes and NINE Brixton, and my visit ended up helping me out with so much more than that.  There were so many professionals there to help, from solicitors to mortgage advisors. I was able to talk to NHG Homes about Shared Ownership apartments before calculating my estimated costs with a mortgage advisor.”

Sarah’s visit to the London Home Show helped to answer her questions about getting on the property ladder and it’s something she recommends to other first time buyers.

“Definitely go” she says, “and make sure you prepare for the day. Figure out what you want to ask and who to talk to…and also collect as many goodies as you can!”

For further information on Shared Ownership and homes available with NHG Homes, visit nhgsales.com or speak to the sales team on 02037333571

Share to Buy is a one stop shop for first time buyers looking to get a foot on the property ladder. Start planning your future today and check out our available properties, or visit our helpful FAQs and guides to find out more about Shared Ownership. You can also hear from more buyers via our Shared Ownership Success Stories!