First Time Buyer April/May 2026

#RENTSAVEOWN

homeownership easier, and without putting life on pause. We make it possible to save a deposit while renting and living in the home they will own.” The result is a homebuying option that feels predictable, transparent and realistic, especially for those navigating this journey for the first time. HOW #RENTSAVEOWN WORKS At its heart, #RentSaveOwn is simple. First, homebuyers choose their brand new home from one of Own Homes’ partner housebuilders. Own Homes buys the home.When it’s built, they move in and rent it. Each month, they pay a fixed amount equal to a mortgage payment. Part of that payment covers the rent. Another part is automatically placed into a dedicated savings account. That savings pot builds month by month. It is possible to boost savings by adding extra money, and friends or family can add to it too. When they’re ready, they use their savings as a deposit and take out a mortgage from any mortgage lender to buy the home they already live in. There’s no guesswork. From day one, they can see how much they’re saving and how close they are to owning. STAYING IN CONTROL EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Own Homes has designed #RentSaveOwn to put homebuyers firmly in control. With access to an app, they can simply track how savings build each month, how much of their money is going toward their future home, track progress over time, and know how soon they’ll be ready to buy. It’s about building confidence and giving them control of their money. Over time, that visibility helps to build healthy habits and long-term financial confidence. As Chris puts it, ”Homebuyers aren’t just working towards owning a home; they’re able to plan, save and build wealth in a way that feels manageable and motivating.” WHY LIVING IN THE HOME MAKES SUCH A DIFFERENCE For Toby and Abi, that visibility is what makes #RentSaveOwn different. Toby says, “When you’re saving, it can feel like a constant sacrifice without seeing the finish line. You’re always giving things up, but the goal feels far away.” Abi agrees. “Saving means saying no to things. And when you can’t see your progress, it can be demotivating. Living in the home while saving changes that.” With #RentSaveOwn, you live and breathe the

motivation.You see every day what you’re saving for. It makes homeownership feel real, not distant or imaginary.” It also provides a sense of certainty about where you’ll be living, making it easier to plan, settle in and feel in control.

if those buying don’t have someone close who’s been through it recently. Own Homes explains the costs, commitments and next steps from the outset, so that homebuyers can see what’s expected of them and what support is available. For Abi, that support matters and she comments, “There are companies out there that don’t always have your best interests at heart. Knowing you can ask questions and get clear answers is really reassuring.” MAKING RENT WORK HARDER FOR YOUR FUTURE Renting can often feel like money that simply disappears each month. Own Homes reframes rent to be a stepping stone towards homeownership and financial stability. By automatically saving part of their monthly payment, homebuyers can build a deposit without having to save on top of rent. Over time, those contributions add up, turning rent into progress. At the end, homebuyers also have a home that can help build equity, and this helps strengthen long- term wealth. LAUNCHING SOON Own Homes is launching later this year, but you don’t have to wait until then to find out whether this rent-to-own option could work for you.You can explore how it works and decide whether it’s right for you by visiting ownhomes.com. Own Homes offers a different way to own your own home, because owning a home should feel achievable. Visit ownhomes.com

WHO #RENTSAVEOWN IS FOR

#RentSaveOwn with Own Homes is designed for those who:

• Are able to afford a mortgage-level monthly payment • Want to own the home they live in • Are looking for a clear, structured route into homeownership. Those who apply must have a household income over £45,000, be in stable employment or self-employment, and have a good credit history. There are upfront costs, including one month’s rent in advance and an administration fee, and homebuyers commit to purchasing the home once they have been approved. “We’re very open about the responsibilities involved,” says Chris. “It’s important homebuyers understand the commitment they are making before they start.” That openness is deliberate because the aim is confidence.

CLEAR INFORMATION, REAL SUPPORT

Buying a home for the first time can feel overwhelming. Learning about mortgages, surveys, solicitors’ fees, insurance, and other costs isn’t always easy to understand, especially

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