Shared ownership proves successful for London first time buyer
For Jason Bond, 34, buying a property in London was an almost inconceivable prospect until he found out about the government-led part buy, part rent Shared Ownership scheme, which helps first time buyers and those struggling to buy step onto the property ladder.
With this scheme, Jason was able to buy 25% of the full price of his new home through Thames Valley Housing and only had to raise a mortgage for the 25% that he was purchasing.
Jason, a London bus driver, found out about Shared Ownership a couple of years ago and quickly realized that this could be an affordable way for him to purchase his own property. He says, “I was living with work colleagues in Putney, which worked well, but I was very aware that I wanted my own place – a space just for me that I owned. I decided that I could raise the deposit required for a Shared Ownership property and began to focus on saving. For two years I worked very hard in my job, including overtime work, to save what was needed.
“A few months ago I registered for Shared Ownership with my local council and they notified me of the different developments in and around the area,” continues Jason. “The most important factor for me was to be near the bus garage in Putney as I didn’t want to have to commute too far.
“When I found out about Hurlington Court at Queen Mary’s Place I wasn’t sure about it as I didn’t know Roehampton well. However, I went to visit and was really impressed – the quality of finish, thought behind the layout and affordable price tag made the offering completely irresistible. It was better priced than some of the affordable developments in Putney, yet more spacious and all built within lovely communal gardens and spaces.”
Jason finishes, “I feel incredibly lucky to have my own apartment in London and am looking forward to exploring the area more. Plus with a gym on-site at Queen Mary’s Place I am looking forward to getting back into going to the gym regularly. Wandsworth, Hammersmith, Fulham, Wimbledon and Chelsea are all easily accessible from my new place which is great for going out and, most importantly; it takes just 20 minutes to get into work every day.”
Jason bought a one-bedroom new apartment at Hurlington Court in Queen Mary’s Place, Roehampton, London, through Thames Valley Housing. He purchased 25% of the property valued at £260,000.
Queen Mary’s Place, Roehampton Lane, SW15 5EY, has been built to an exceptional standard by St James Homes, offering buyers a rare opportunity to buy into some of the highest quality new build properties in the area. Apartments at Hurlington Court are the final phase of affordable homes at Queen Mary’s Place and are currently available to people who live and/or work in the boroughs of Wandsworth Sutton, Merton, Kingston, Richmond, Lambeth and Croydon.
The development of luxury apartments is set in 14 acres of landscaped grounds on the site of the Grade I Listed Roehampton House, dating from 1710. The new properties are designed in keeping with the architecture and prestige of Roehampton House whilst offering the best of contemporary London living, with high standards of workmanship, design and high quality specification. The historic gardens have been carefully restored and new communal landscaped areas have been created. In addition, there is a gym on site for all residents.
Hurlington Court is situated in Roehampton village, which has been popular since the 18th and 19th centuries with aristocrats and royalty because of its celebrated parkland. Richmond Park is the largest of the parks near to the development, with 2,500 acres of grassland and woodland; a haven for horse-riders, cyclists and walkers, as well as golfers and tennis players.
However, the area is not by any means remote, as Putney and Barnes station is one and half miles away from the development, with a Resident shuttle bus running to Putney station in peak afternoon and morning periods. Nearby Barnes railway station connects to Clapham Junction and Waterloo, meaning residents can be in the City in just 20 minutes – perfect for commuters.
In addition, there are a variety of locations for shopping , eating and going out in the nearby vicinity, including Putney Exchange, Richmond village, Kew, Barnes, East Sheen and Wimbledon village, all within a five mile radius.
The interiors of each apartment at Hurlington Court are built to a very high standard with stylish and modern features such as continental designer kitchens, fully integrated fridge-freezers and dishwashers, programmable heating systems, fitted wardrobes to main bedrooms and lifts to all occupied floors.
Prices of the new apartments at Hurlington Court start from £50,625 for a 25% share in a studio apartment priced at £202,500.
All the properties at Hurlington Court are available through the Shared Ownership government-led initiative, aimed at helping first time buyers, and those looking for help to buy their own home, get on the property ladder. To apply for this scheme, purchasers need to have an annual household income of between £18,000 and £60,000, live and/or work in the London SW region and qualify for Homebuy.
The main objective of Thames Valley Housing is to get people living in their own home in an affordable way. They are dedicated to providing the best possible customer service experience, from enquiry, to meeting, all the way through to purchase point and beyond. To read about past buyers’ experiences of Shared Ownership properties, please visit: homebuy4u.co.uk/news.php
For more information on Hurlington Court or other HomeBuy schemes, visit: tvha-hurlingtoncourt.co.uk
