First Time Buyer October/November 2026

EXPERT ADVICE

DEVELOPER’S DOCTOR

Laura Gaskell is the Property Sales Manager at Snugg Homes (part of the Jigsaw Homes Group). She has worked in housing for 12 years and joined the Jigsaw Homes Group Development Team in 2016, before becoming the Property Sales Manager for Snugg Homes in 2019. She loves working with the Snugg Homes Team and really enjoys the diverse nature of her role, which includes updating stakeholders, working closely with partner organisations, monitoring their targets and performance and ensuring that they put customer focus at the heart of everything they do Q What is the minimum share that I can buy with my Shared Ownership lease and how is this determined? A Several factors can affect the minimum share you can buy, but this is primarily determined by the specific

Laura Gae, Prey Sas Manar, Snug Hes

could mean paying more for shares in the future if prices have risen. That’s why it’s worth considering a larger share from the start if it’s affordable for you. Q How is it determined what share I can afford? A The share you can buy is based on an affordability check carried out by a financial adviser. The financial adviser will review your income, spendings, savings, deposit and financial commitments to work out the

largest share you can comfortably afford. At Snugg Homes, these assessments are provided by Metro Finance, a specialist Shared Ownership financial adviser that will make sure your purchase is affordable both now and in the future. Buying your first home is an exciting milestone in life, so taking time to understand your options, check key information documents and get independent financial advice will help you make an informed decision.

lease for the home you’re purchasing. Under the current Shared Ownership model, buyers can usually purchase between 10% and 75% of a home’s value, although some older leases may have different limits. As every lease is different, always check yours first to confirm the minimum and maximum share available. Q Can I always buy the minimum share available? A Not necessarily. Even if your lease allows you to buy the minimum share, your mortgage lender will usually have a minimum amount that they’re willing to lend. If buying the minimum share would require a mortgage smaller than this minimum amount, you may need to buy a larger share instead. If you’re buying with cash, you may have more flexibility, but Shared Ownership is intended to help people purchase the largest share they can comfortably afford. Q Is it usually better to buy the largest share you can afford? A In most cases, buying the largest share you can comfortably afford could save you money over time. The more of the home you own, the less rent you’ll pay to the landlord on the part you don’t own. You’ll also benefit more if your home’s value increases over time. You can usually buy additional shares in your home through the staircasing process, but these shares will be based on your home’s value at the time you buy them. This

Garstang, Lancaire Rir Walk Nestled in the historic market town of Garstang sits Riverside Walk, a beautiful Shared Ownership development offering rst time buyers an affordable route on to the property ladder. With the help of Shared Ownership specialist Snugg

FROM £48,750*

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £195,000

Homes, you can settle down into a home of your own in one of Lancashire’s most sought-after locations.

KEY FEATURES

Find Your Perfect Place to Live Riverside Walk offers a choice of two thoughtfully designed house types. The two bedroom Peel mews-style homes are available from £48,750 for a 25% share, while the three bedroom Wilberforce homes start from £56,250 for a 25% share. Both feature contemporary kitchens, spacious living areas, well- planned interiors and landscaped gardens designed to grow with you and your future needs. Residents can also enjoy everything Garstang has to offer, including independent boutiques, popular high street stores, well-regarded schools and excellent local amenities. Surrounded by canalside walks, riverside trails and the scenic Wyre Way, it’s an ideal location for those looking to enjoy accessible country living.

Two house types available

Canalside walks

Popular high street stores

To nd out more about Riverside Walk, visit snugghomes.co.uk

18 First Time Buyer October/November 2026

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