AFFORDABLE HOMES
Why is spring an ideal time to begin your first home search? Esaiyas Mollallegn, Head of Marketing and Sales Operations at SO Resi by Metropolitan Thames Valley, explains why SPRING INTO ACTION
For first time buyers who are ready to get on to the property ladder this year, there are buying schemes available that help to make homeownership accessible, including the Shared Ownership scheme, enabling buyers to purchase their own home in their own way. Buyers start by purchasing a share in their property that’s affordable for them, often starting from between 10% to 25%. The advantage of Shared Ownership is that it offers a route to homeownership at a level that aligns with the buyer’s income. In order to be eligible for Shared Ownership, buyers who already own a home must have that property on the market, and their total household income
As the spring approaches, the property market is set to undergo its annual seasonal “bounce”. Homebuyer activity is expected to pick up again, but for many first time buyers there is a serious concern around affordability as they begin house hunting. Late last year, house price growth stalled in the lead up to the Autumn Budget as buyers waited to find out what the fiscal announcements might mean for them. However, as the dust settled and we enter a new year, homebuying is expected to pick up. Savills has forecast a 4% house price growth in 2026, alongside a wage growth of 22% between 2025 and 2029, which will help with buyer confidence and support first time buyers to get on the property ladder¹.
Esaiyas Mollallegn, SO Resi
must be less than £90,000 in London, or £80,000 elsewhere in England. SO Resi is delivering a selection of Shared Ownership homes across key locations such as London and Cambridge, offering choice to buyers at different life stages. If you are looking to nd out more information about the homes available to purchase with Shared Ownership, visit soresi.co.uk
savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/379365-0
SO Resi Cambourne A selection of family-sized Shared Ownership homes is available in Cambourne. Just nine miles from the historic university city of
SO Resi Wembley Way SO Resi Wembley Way comprises a selection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments in the heart of Wembley.
Cambridge, Cambourne merges the convenience of modern new- town amenities and road links with the character and charm of rural living. The development is perfectly designed for buyers from all walks of life, from first time homeowners to growing families. Set among peaceful outdoor spaces and nature reserves, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities for buyers looking to wind-down at the weekend. There is also a number of family-friendly facilities to suit your lifestyle and budget including Cambourne Fitness and Sports Centre and Cambridge Country Club. Prices start from £52,500 for a 10% share of a four bedroom home (full market value £525,000). soresi.co.uk/so-resi-cambourne
In partnership with Zen Housing, SO Resi Wembley Way is located in the centre of this Zone 4 hub for culture and entertainment. One thing is certain: in Wembley you will never be bored! With a selection of restaurants, shopping outlets and entertainment to choose from – ranging from outlet shopping to Boxpark Wembley to the iconic arena, residents will never run out of new places to eat or exciting places to explore with friends. All homes at Wembley Way have been designed with quality in mind, to ensure comfortable and stylish city living. Each home is complete with a private balcony, offering rarely available private outdoor space in London. From £87,250 for a 25% share for a studio apartment (full market value £349,000). SO Resi is offering a 5% deposit contribution to qualifying purchasers. soresi.co.uk/ nd-a-property/so-resi-wembley-way
42 First Time Buyer February/March 2026
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