Shared ownership doesn’t mean I have to share

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.

Harjeet Singh, mum of two, works as a housekeeper. She bought a 25 per cent share of a three bedroom home at Abbey Meadows, Leicester, through shared ownership with NCHA.

“My two boys and I needed to find a new home and renting was expensive. My employer who had a connection with the builder at Abbey Meadows proposed shared ownership.

“There are some misconceptions about shared ownership - I thought I would have to live with other people because it’s shared ownership (I don’t!). My employer fully explained the scheme and I asked a lot of questions before I committed.

“I work long hours and so my eldest son helped with emails to ensure a smooth process. I felt apprehensive, but Kirren in the sales team supported me so much, she explained everything really well.”

Harjeet was lucky to have a £20,000 deposit so only required a mortgage of £47,500 and pays £477.62 rent on the remaining share.

“I’ve had a good experience, the process was very speedy and I am very happy to have this beautiful new home. The house is convenient for my boys and my work. I don't drive, but it has good public transport connections into the city. In a year or two I would like to start saving money so I can purchase the property and own it outright.

“I’m so proud of myself to be able to own my own home, as without shared ownership there was no chance I’d be able to. I would like to thank everyone that supported me, and now I am looking forward to getting settled in our new home.”