From renting to buying: Paul's journey to his own home with Aster

Let us introduce you to Paul, a shared owner at Aster and a true success story of how shared ownership can change lives. Paul works as the Registered Manager for Homemead in Teddington, London and recently bought a shared ownership home in Redhill. His story is a testament to perseverance, smart decisions, and the joys of having a place to truly call your own.

From Surbiton to Redhill

Before finding his dream home in Redhill, Paul was living in Surbiton, Surrey with his partner. When the relationship ended, he found himself moving back in with his parents—something many of us can relate to, but it wasn’t exactly where he saw himself long-term. He spent the next two years saving up and actively searching for a place of his own.

It was a chance conversation during a training session at work that changed everything. A colleague mentioned that she had bought an Aster home, which piqued Paul’s interest. A quick email to Oli Schofield at Aster led to an exciting discovery: a shared ownership property in Redhill that was perfect for him. Although he hadn’t seen the property, Paul trusted his instincts and made the decision to move forward quickly, securing his future home.

Taking the leap

Shared ownership turned out to be the perfect option for Paul. He had been exploring the concept already, and the more he learned about Aster’s offerings, the more he knew it was the right choice. The flexibility of shared ownership allowed him to put down a deposit that was within his budget and move forward without the daunting financial burden that comes with traditional home buying.

Paul emphasises how smooth the process was with Aster. From quick responses to emails to the helpful guidance from the Aster team, Paul felt supported every step of the way. Even before viewing the property, he had peace of mind knowing that Aster’s reputation was top-notch.

Making it his own One of the biggest perks of buying his home through shared ownership was the freedom it gave Paul. Unlike renting, where you have to ask permission for every little change, buying meant he could truly make his space his own. He chose his flooring, painted the walls, and even created a "no shoe zone" policy—much to his parents' amusement when they came to visit.

The area around his new home also turned out to be a perfect fit. With a nature reserve just five minutes away, Paul enjoys peaceful walks, embracing the community and tranquillity that Redhill offers.

Why Aster? When asked if he would recommend buying a home with Aster, Paul didn’t hesitate. The combination of accessibility, support, and the quality of the homes made the decision easy for him. He appreciated the straightforward process and how quickly Aster’s team responded to any queries or concerns.

Paul’s advice: For anyone considering shared ownership, Paul’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to give it a go. The lower deposit requirements make it much more accessible, and it’s a great option for those who are eager to have their own space without the heavy financial burden. In Paul’s case, his deposit was around £8,000—a far cry from the hefty sums typically needed for a traditional mortgage.

What home means to Paul For Paul, home is more than just a place to live; it’s a sanctuary. His favourite room is his bedroom, which he’s decorated with a dark green feature wall, dark furniture, and a cozy, peaceful atmosphere.

Living in Redhill has also provided him with a balanced lifestyle. Coming from the busy streets of Brixton, Paul appreciates the slower pace and community feel of Redhill, while still being close enough to London for work.

Paul’s story of moving from renting to buying has given him the stability and freedom he craved. Aster’s shared ownership made it possible for Paul to turn a challenging situation into a new beginning, and he couldn’t be happier with where he’s ended up.

As he says, “There’s nothing like leaving work and coming home to your own space.” It’s a sentiment many of us share, and Paul’s journey shows just how attainable that dream can be.

If you’re considering shared ownership, take it from Paul—it’s worth exploring. The flexibility, support, and freedom it offers might just be the key to finding your own place to call home, just like Paul did.