Anita realises her homeownership dream at 57 

With affordability remaining a challenge for many aspiring homeowners, shared ownership is helping more people get onto the property ladder.

 

After renting privately for most of her adult life, Anita Heneghan never thought owning a home again would be possible. 

Yet, at the age of 57, Anita and her husband recently purchased a two-bedroom house at a new Housing Plus Group development in Bomere Heath. 

Anita and Stephen bought the property through shared ownership. They own 20 per cent of the home. 

Anita said: “My husband came across a pension he didn’t know he had and it was a substantial amount of money. 

“We thought we could use that to help us buy a shared ownership home and finally have something that’s ours.” 

Before moving into their new home, Anita and Stephen were renting a bungalow. 

However, they were concerned the owner might decide to sell the property, leaving them needing to find somewhere else to live.  

“We needed some security now that we’re older and something to call our own,” Anita explained. “A friend of mine had bought her home through shared ownership years ago and mentioned it to me. 

“We went to have a look at the development and fell in love with the house and everything about it.” 

Shared ownership allows buyers to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining proportion. 

Over time, homeowners can choose to buy additional shares through a process known as staircasing. 

“We’ve got a brand-new house and we know we’re never going to get asked to leave,” said Anita. 

“Owning part of my own home, with the possibility of staircasing in the future, means I have something I can leave to my daughter.  

“I never thought it would be possible. I can’t believe my luck, and our sales consultant, Luke, has been fantastic throughout the whole process.” 

Luke Jones, Sales Consultant at Severn Homes, said: “I love seeing first-hand the difference shared ownership can make for people who thought home ownership was out of reach. 

“It offers flexibility, security and a place you can be proud to call home. If you’re thinking about taking your first step onto the property ladder, our team is here to help.” 

Anita is now looking forward to making the house her own, something she was never able to do while renting.  

She added: “I’ve got a good eye for detail and I can’t wait to start putting my own stamp on the place. 

“In the bungalow, we couldn’t do things like change the carpets or redecorate, so it feels really special to be able to do that now.” 

To see what shared ownership properties we have available across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Telford & Wrekin, click here.