Natalie and her partner were able to stay local thanks to shared ownership

Shared ownership is an affordable way to buy a home of your own. NCHA's customers have written about their experiences in a series of case studies, to explain what shared ownership has done for them.

Natalie and her partner had a strong desire to get their foot on the property ladder in Buxton. However, when they tried to get a mortgage they were limited. This was restricting their property search to stay local, as there was nothing available in their budget.

The properties at the development on Granby Road in Buxton were made available to people with a local connection, giving priority to those needing help to stay locally in affordable homes.

Location was a key element for the couple as they both work and have family living in the area. Before moving into their three-bedroom end-terraced house the couple lived with parents. This enabled them to save for the 5% deposit they needed to buy their first home.

Natalie said: “We saw the sign at the development and went away to research shared ownership. The scheme suited our circumstances, so we picked our house off-plan in the early stages. It just jumped out at us, we feel like we have the best!

“We moved in just weeks before Christmas, and we made it the best ever. We couldn’t be happier. It’s the family home we’ve always dreamed of living in and it would have been out of our reach without the opportunity shared ownership offered us.

“The size and space within the property was another important factor as we have two sons from a previous relationship. The boys stay at weekends and holidays and enjoy the time they spend with us. We are close to open space and a park which gives them the opportunity to be out exploring.

“When the weather improves we are planning to do some work in the garden so we have a seating area and space for a barbecue.

“I am so grateful to Sandra and everyone we’ve dealt with at NCHA for being so friendly and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend shared ownership to any one struggling to get onto the property ladder. The process of buying a home is simpler than you might think and with NCHA, you’ll be supported every step of the way.”

Granby Road is an affordable rent and shared ownership housing development in Buxton. NCHA have provided 73 much needed brand new homes to the area. We couldn’t have done this without the support of High Peak Borough Council, and housing grants received from Homes England.