Our journey to home buying; our shared ownership story
A bit about us
We are a couple from West Sussex who have rented for years. I work as a Contracts Manager/Foreman, and my wife is an Office Manager. We've always lived in West Sussex, enjoying the beautiful countryside and close-knit communities.
The decision to buy
Our journey to home buying began when our last rental property became less than ideal. The landlady was very controlling, and we felt the need for more stability and freedom. This prompted us to explore shared ownership as a viable option.
Discovering shared ownership
Initially, we knew nothing about shared ownership. Our discovery started with a simple search online, which provided us with all the information we needed to get started. Shared ownership offered us the opportunity to buy a home that we could truly call our own. We wanted a forever home where we could make lasting memories and personalise our space without the fear of being asked to move.
The importance of having our own space
Having our own space has been incredibly important. It means not worrying about moving again or receiving notice to vacate due to changes in the owner's circumstances. It's a relief to have that stability. One of the biggest advantages of shared ownership for us is the freedom to decorate and make improvements, both internally and externally. This level of control is something we never had in private rentals.
What "Home" means to us
Home is a place where we can leave our mark. We love being able to decorate and personalise our space without worrying about it being short-term. It's truly ours. It's hard to pick just one favourite feature or room because we love all of it. Every part of our home feels special and uniquely ours. One of the best parts about our new home is the community. We have family in the same village, which makes it feel even more special and connected.
Final thoughts
We are grateful for the opportunity to buy our home through shared ownership. It's given us the stability and freedom we've always wanted. If you're considering this path, take the time to research and understand the process, but know that it can lead to a having a place to call your own.
