REAL LIFE
L ucy said, “We were aware of the challenges young people are facing trying to get on to the property ladder these days, but renting just didn’t seem a viable option for us after finishing university. I had some personal saving and an inheritance, but not enough to help us buy on the open market. When researching homeownership, we’d noticed shared ownership, but didn’t know much about it, so that’s when we started exploring further.” Lucy and Oliver found the Sovereign Network Group (SNG) website where they discovered homes for shared ownership sale at the Nobel Park development. “We’d literally driven past Nobel Park the other week and commented on how we’d love to live there!” Lucy explained. “We completed an affordability assessment through an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) on the SNG panel and were pleased to hear we were able to purchase a house!” The couple were able to select a plot and reserve off-plan and so chose a two bedroom semi-detached house with driveway parking and a private garden. Lucy said, “We viewed the house before exchange and were amazed when we first walked in.We just couldn’t get over the size of the rooms – it totally exceeded our expectations along with the finishes, kitchen, and bathroom style – it was just perfect! The best part of buying somewhere new has meant we can put our own stamp on it, it already feels like home and the layout has been perfect for when we have had friends round for an evening. "We have two double bedrooms; the second room is our home office, it has got so much space that we have two desks set up to allow us both to work from home, as After getting a taste of independence while studying at the University of Southampton; Lucy was adamant that she and her partner Oliver, both aged 22, were not going to move back home with their families when they’d graduated. After looking at their options, they settled on starting their homeownership journey at the popular Nobel Park development in Didcot, Oxfordshire Shared ownership: Didcot, Oxfordshire
FACT FILE
Property: Two bedroom semi-detached house Share: £122,500 for a 35% share Deposit: £17,000 Monthly mortgage: Around £500 a month Monthly rent: Around £500
"SHARED OWNERSHIP HAS MADE GETTING ON THE PROPERTY LADDER POSSIBLE FOR US BOTH AT THE AGE OF 22"
a meal out. The location really is perfect for our everyday life. ”We were surprised at how big our home is and it dispelled any myths for us about new builds being small, so our initial thoughts of living here for just a couple of years quickly changed! We see ourselves being here much longer, so don’t feel we need to be making future plans; we want to enjoy the independence we so wanted. Shared ownership has made getting on the property ladder possible for us both at the age of 22; don’t hesitate – go for it! We have never been happier and more settled and are so excited about our future at Nobel Park!”
well as a bed for when we have guests to stay over.” Nobel Park has a strong emphasis on creating a community feel, with open green spaces for all residents to enjoy. Lucy described the main amenities they take advantage of now they are living at the development. ”Of an evening we love to go for a walk around the site. The neighbours are lovely, there is a real mix of age groups as well. A bus stop has now been built within the development which offers a route to Didcot Parkway station – ideal for days when Oliver and I are commuting to Reading and London for work. The route also takes you straight to Didcot town centre where we love to go at the weekends for a look round the shops or
sovereignliving.org.uk/developments/nobel- park-didcot
68 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
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