First Time Buyer October/November 2025

AFFORDABLE HOMES

UNLOCKING SHARED OWNERSHIP IS OPENING MORE DOORS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

Saving for a deposit has always been a challenge for would-be homeowners, but Shared Ownership could be the key to locking up this problem and unlocking your dream home. Kevin Sims , Director of SO Resi , explains why

Kevin Sims, Director, SO Resi

SO Resi Hayes SO Resi Hayes is a modern residential complex with some apartments providing views of the Grand Union Canal. These homes benet from being close to nature and tranquillity. A perfect opportunity for rst time buyers and young professionals to get on the property ladder, SO Resi Hayes is a well-connected suburb that offers strong

The aspiration to get on the property ladder in the UK is alive and well; however, saving for a deposit while renting is a tough hurdle to overcome. New research from TSB reveals that 96% of first time buyers receive some kind of financial assistance when buying a home. As well as this, 68% rely on financial help from their parents and 57% from their friends. However, for aspiring homeowners who don’t want to spend years saving or depend on family support, Shared Ownership offers a practical alternative. This part-buy, part-rent scheme, which is supported by the Government, allows first time buyers to enter the property ladder with a much smaller deposit, making homeownership a more achievable goal.

transport links, a sense of community, and beautiful parks for outdoor enthusiasts. Currently available at SO Resi Hayes is a collection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, available from £71,250 based on an example 25% share using Shared Ownership. sharedownership.co.uk

HOW DOES IT WORK?

SO Resi Wembley Park Wembley Park is one of London’s vibrant and ideal locations for rst time buyers. Centred around the stadium, OVO Arena and Boxpark, the development offers great shopping options with international ne dining and a rich nightlife, all set among peaceful, open green spaces and gardens. For families, schools in the area have strong Ofsted ratings

Shared Ownership is a straightforward and effective solution to minimise the initial costs of buying a home. The scheme enables buyers to purchase a percentage share of a property, typically between 25% and 75%, while paying rent on the remaining portion to a housing association. The beauty of Shared Ownership is that it requires just a 5% deposit of the share being purchased. Taking an example of a property valued at £300,000, a 25% share of the property would be £75,000 with a 5% deposit amounting to just £3,750. If you were to buy the property at full market value, a 10% deposit (the typical open market minimum percentage required to buy a home) would be £30,000. Using Shared Ownership, your deposit would be 10 times smaller than purchasing the property without the scheme. Another key benefit of Shared Ownership is that it offers a flexible pathway for full ownership through “staircasing”, whereby buyers can gradually increase their share of the property over time. This feature empowers buyers to unlock ownership at a manageable pace, making Shared Ownership not just a temporary fix, but a sustainable long-term path to financial independence. Shared Ownership is more than just a scheme; it’s a key to unlocking the dream of homeownership. By lowering the initial cost hurdle, Shared Ownership is able to turn homeownership into an inspiring and achievable goal for many.

and there are super-fast rail connections, only 12 minutes away from central London. Currently available at SO Resi Wembley Park is a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, available from £97,500 for a 25% share. sharedownership.co.uk

SO Resi Henley-on-Thames Known for its picturesque riverside walks, vibrant community and the iconic Regatta, SO Resi Henley is perfect for individuals looking for Shared Ownership homes. This riverside

location is steeped in local history and surrounded by green space, with play areas and shops within a short distance. Located just a mile away from Henley station, it is ideal for commuters wanting a quick and easy way to travel into London. SO Resi Henley-on-Thames is a collection of one and two bedroom apartments. Prices start from £32,500 for a 10% share of a one bedroom apartment. sharedownership.co.uk

50 First Time Buyer October/November 2025

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker