20 QUESTIONS
Bernie Conroy, MD of Bernie Conroy Consulting Limited, has over 36 years of leadership in the housing sector and is a Chartered Marketer with a passion for making homeownership more accessible. She co-founded the first Intermediate Market one-stop shops and later helped set up and manage the national Post Sales Help to Buy Agency. She has chaired the NHF Shared Ownership Advisory Panel and London Home Ownership Group, provided consultancy to housing associations and local authorities, and played a key role in developing and implementing the new Shared Ownership Code Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? Better location – you can change the house, but not where it is. What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home? A freestanding bathtub. What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work?
What room at home is your favourite? The kitchen/diner it’s where everything comes together: chaos, laughter, relaxation, connection with family and friends, and fun. What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home? Smart thermostats – they save energy, learn your routine, and make your home feel just right. What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? A soft, neutral tone like warm white or light sage green – sounds a bit boring but I find it calming and versatile.You can add strong pops of colour, statement furniture and switch out accessory pieces for a quick and different look. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests? Jodie Comer (seems good fun, great story teller and down to earth), Romesh Ranganathan (for humour, wit and easy conversation), and Mary Black (for music and good vibes). What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? My Mum was Irish and had a very open and hospitable take on life. Anyone could drop in unexpectedly and they would be warmly welcomed in, encouraged to stay for a cuppa and some food. Nothing was ever too much trouble and the more the merrier. What is your favourite song and why? Ellis Island by Irish singer Mary Black – it’s about memory, Irish migration, real emotional storytelling and is beautifully sung. Would you rather have a garden or a balcony? A garden; more space to grow things, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? Period homes – even though generally a nightmare to heat! Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? A media room – it's more interactive and has multi-functionality. I love watching films with the family at home. Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower? A luxurious bathtub for relaxation, mindfulness and comfort. Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country? The city – because it puts the world at your doorstep. I just love the energy, convenience and variety city living gives you. If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home? Ireland. I have a lot of family in southern Ireland, and it has stunning landscapes, friendly people and a rich cultural heritage. 20 QUESTIONS Bernie Conroy
Having family and friends around to socialise. What’s your favourite thing about your home?
The garden. I am lucky to have an outdoor space with some mature trees which give privacy and makes the space appealing to look at and to use. Where did you buy your first home? I bought my first home with my husband in Hackney before it was a cool area to live in! It was a two bedroom flat that needed complete
renovation and took us nearly two years to do. What advice would you give a first time buyer?
My advice would be to prioritise location and look at what they can afford and find out about all the options including Shared Ownership. Do your homework, be patient, and don’t stretch your budget to the max – leave room for surprises. And if buying a flat, be mindful of what the cost of service charges are as in the main these always increase. What are your views on Shared Ownership? Shared Ownership is a great product that allows people to get on the property ladder with a fraction of the traditional deposit. It can be a helpful stepping stone into homeownership, especially for those who may struggle to buy outright. However, clarity around the terms and future costs is essential. Rent generally increases annually on the share you don’t own, and if the property is a flat, there will likely be a service charge. That said, service charges are not unique to Shared Ownership – they are common across most leasehold homes. Shared Ownership may not be right for everyone, but it is a good option for a large number of people. First time buyers should explore all options available to them and seek appropriate advice to determine what works best for their circumstances. For those buying through Shared Ownership now, many will benefit from the new Shared Ownership Code, which has been developed to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent offer across housing providers. What are your views on the property market? The property market is increasingly complex and competitive, particularly for younger or first time buyers. Rising prices, higher and changing interest rates and limited supply can make it feel challenging to get on the ladder. However, there are still opportunities for those who stay informed, flexible, and open to different paths into homeownership – whether that’s through schemes like Shared Ownership, buying in emerging areas, or considering new build properties with incentives. While it’s not without its challenges, with the right guidance and research, buyers can still make confident and informed decisions in today’s market to get a home that suits their needs.
110 First Time Buyer February/March 2026
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