SO Resi Magazine 2021

CONTENTS welcome

HELLO! The last issue of SO Resi magazine was a huge success and we are delighted to be bringing you the fourth exciting issue in partnership with First Time Buyer.

Raising awareness and discussing options for first time buyers is important work, so we are delighted to be collaborating again with a fantastic publication, which really digs deep down into the realities of buying your first home.

Have worked with first time buyers for over 50 years, we know they want a home that is comfortable, secure and in an area they love. At SO Resi we work hard to make this possible through shared ownership.

This issue gives you the latest information about a range of our superb SO Resi developments across London, the South East and Hertfordshire and explains exactly how shared ownership works and what’s involved each step of the way. We’ve also shone a spotlight on some first time buyer hotspots, and explained resales.

Jade Vanriel, a property blogger and social media influencer who recently visited one of our developments in Hertfordshire explains what a day in her exciting life is like. Finally, we asked Jon Lord, MD at Metro Finance, to give his view on how the shared ownership mortgage market now stands for first time buyers.

On behalf of the whole SO Resi team, I would like to wish you every success and happiness in the search for your dream home.

Kush Rawal, Residential Investment Director, SO Resi

CONTENTS 4 SHARED OWNERSHIP

If you are struggling to buy your first home, we give you the lowdown on shared ownership, the scheme which only requires a 5% deposit.

6 WHERE WE ARE

A quick look at where some of the SO Resi developments are around the country.

HOTSPOT – FARNHAM Recently named 8 one of the best places to live in the South East, Farnham is a great place for first time buyers looking for green space, great schools and beautiful homes.

SO RESI DEVELOPMENTS Discover some of the SO Resi properties available around the country.

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REAL LIFE 13 Moving back home after finishing university, Helen Lambert saved hard and bought a share of a two bedroom home at SO Resi Ware in Hertfordshire.

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REAL LIFE Oliver Gregson and partner

Jessica Burton used shared ownership to purchase a two bedroom house at SO Resi Alfold.

HOTSPOT – GREENFORD In the borough of Ealing, known as the Queen of the Suburbs, Greenford is undergoing regeneration and becoming a great choice for first time buyers.

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22 FINANCE

Jon Lord, MD of Metro Finance, discusses the shared ownership mortgage market.

A DAY IN LIFE...

Property blogger and social media influencer Jade Vanriel tells us what a day in her life is like.

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26 HOTSPOT –

MAIDENHEAD With great transport links into London, the market town of Maidenhead is a favourite for those leaving the city.

RESALES 28 Get the lowdown on selling your shared ownership home, find out what it’s like to live in Reading and discover some resale properties on the market.

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GUIDE TO SHARED OWNERSHIP simple

SHARED OWNERSHIP

HELPING HOPEFUL HOMEBUYERS ON TO THE PROPERTY LADDER WITH SHARED OWNERSHIP YOU BUY A SHARE OF YOUR HOME, WITH A LOWER DEPOSIT AND A SMALLER MORTGAGE, AND PAY A MONTHLY PAYMENT ON THE REST SO FLEXIBLE

You start with buying a share of your SO Resi home – between 25% and 75% – that suits your income. That means your monthly mortgage payments and deposit are smaller than if you bought your home outright. You also make a monthly SO Resi payment for the share of your home that you don’t own and a service charge to look after the building. You can buy a bigger share of your home in the future, and even own 100%. The bigger the share you own, the lower your SO Resi payment will be. You can sell your share at any time.

SO INVITING

SO Resi is about opening the door to homeownership for as many people as possible. You SO CLEAR need to have a household income of SO Resi aims to build less than £80,000 (£90,000 in London), strong, lasting relationships, so be able to pay the deposit and one-off it’s very important that the costs of costs, afford the monthly payments and shared ownership are made completely secure a repayment mortgage with a clear. Every month you will need to pay recognised lender. In some cases, your mortgage, your SO Resi payment and people who live or work in a local your service charge, plus all the usual costs of area may be given priority at owning a home such as utility bills and repairs. certain developments.

In addition, before you move in, you will need to find a reservation fee (refunded when your purchase is completed), your deposit, solicitor’s fees and disbursements and fees for your independent financial adviser. You may also have to pay Stamp Duty depending on circumstances.

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GUIDE TO SHARED OWNERSHIP You buy a share of your home, with a lower deposit, smaller mortgage and monthly payment on the rest

making home ownership possible

3. Typical monthly payments

1. Five simple steps to home ownership

ONE Register with us and apply

TWO Choose your So Resi home and reserve it

THREE Mortgage is agreed following a credit check

Example based on a £300,000 home

FOUR Exchange contracts and complete

FIVE Pick up the keys to your new So Resi home

£300k

10%

25% = £75k

£ 25% = £75k

If you were to buy a 25% share of a £300,000 home your share would be worth £75,000 and our share £225,000.

If you paid a 10% deposit of £7,500 your mortgage would be on the remaining £67,500.

Your monthly mortgage payments based on 3% interest rate would be £320 for 25 years

Your monthly service charge payment estimate would be £120

Your monthly So Resi payments based on a 2.75% annual charge would be £516

The total of these three monthly costs would be £956

2. So what are the costs?

ONE OFF COSTS Reservation Fee £250 Deposit FROM 5% Solicitor’s Fees £1000+ IFA Fees £400-600 Stamp Duty TBC THANK YOu FOR SHOPPING WITH

making home ownership possible

Monthly Costs Monthly

Monthly

Your Mortgage

Your So Resi payment

Monthly

Monthly

Your Service Charge

Usual costs of home ownership

About your mortgage: We’ll put you in touch with an independent financial adviser (IFA) to help you choose the right mortgage.

The monthly cost will depend on how much you are borrowing and the interest rate. Some mortgages are fixed rate, so the amount you pay won’t change for a defined period of time, others are variable, so you will have to pay more each month if interest rates go up. It’s very important to pay your mortgage each month as your home can be repossessed if you don’t.

You pay your mortgage until the amount you have borrowed and the interest has all been paid, usually in 25 years.

About your SO Resi payment: This monthly payment is for the share of your home that you don’t own, and you must pay it while you live there, or until you own 100% of it. The bigger the share you own, the lower the SO Resi payment is. It doesn’t cover services, repairs or maintenance to your home; SO Resi uses the funds to build new housing. Payments go up each year based on inflation plus a fixed percentage set out in your lease agreement.

So Resi is about opening the door to home ownership for as many people as possible. If you want to get on the property ladder, it’s a good idea to find out whether it could help you.

So Resi by Metropolitan Thames Valley is simplifying shared ownership

Find out more at

The Retail Price Index (RPI) is used to measure inflation, so if the RPI is 3% and the increase set out in your lease is 0.5%, your SO Resi payment for that year will go up by 3.5%.

About your service charge: This covers the costs of looking after communal areas of the building you live in, including buildings insurance, cleaning, repairs, gardening and window cleaning. You need to pay the service charge while you live there, even if you own it 100%. It is likely to go up over time as the costs of insurance, work and materials go up. It only covers shared areas of the building; you are responsible for paying for repairs, maintenance and cleaning inside your home.

About everyday costs: As long as you live in your home you will have to pay household utility bills such as water, gas and electricity, as well as council tax and insurance for your household contents. You also need to pay for repairing and replacing things inside your home, from the boiler to the kitchen appliances. There may also be ground rent to pay.

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yours

yours

WHERE WE ARE SO RESI FORSTER OAKS

NN5

AL7

SG1

SO RESI TIMES SQUARE

MY RESI UPTON SQUARE

UB6

RG2

W13

SO RESI GREENFORD

SO RESI EALING

SO RESI ABORFIELD

LONDON

SL6

GU9 SO RESI MAIDENHEAD

CR0

SO RESI FARNHAM

GU16

RH1

SO RESI HEATHFIELD GARDENS

SO RESI CAMBERLEY

6

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SO RESI REDHILL

CHELMSFORD

N1

SO RESI HACKNEY CORNER

SW4

MAIDSTONE

SO RESI CLAPHAM PARK

CR7 SE19

SO RESI FLORA COURT SO RESI AUCKLAND RISE AND SYLVAN HILL

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HOTSPOT hot

FARNHAM

IT’S POSSIBLE TO HAVE IT ALL IN THE LEAFY SURREY TOWN OF FARNHAM, WITH COUNTRY LIFE AND CULTURAL PURSUITS IN THEIR PLENTY, AND LONDON UNDER AN HOUR AWAY BY TRAIN

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he leafy town of Farnham, Surrey, was recently named as one of the best places to live in the South East by The Times. This accolade won’t come as a surprise to its residents, who love the area for its clean air, green spaces, great schools and beautiful homes. A favourite with commuters seeking a country lifestyle, Farnham is just a few miles from Guildford, and under an hour from London. It’s the mix of great travel links, a well-stocked high street and laid-back living that really puts Farnham on the map as a great place to live.

WHO LIVES THERE? With such good commuting credentials, Farnham is home to its fair share of city workers, who have sought the country life while being close to London. The University for the Creative Arts, a renowned art college in Farnham, attracts a young, talented bunch, too. It’s a popular location for families, who like the perfect balance between town and country life. Several new housing developments are being created close to the town centre (also

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HOTSPOT

bringing a cinema, shopping centre and restaurants), which are already proving popular with young professionals. There are also plenty of wide, leafy residential streets with a wide variety of large family homes to be found very close to the town centre.

SHOPPING A walk along the pretty high street will bring you to a range of recognisable and independent names, happy to welcome shoppers now restrictions are easing.

You’ll find everything from a popular guitar shop and antiques store to Oliver Bonas, Fat Face and Hobbs. Lion and Lamb Yard, a cobbled side street, is particularly characterful, and is home to a cafe, supermarket and more independent boutiques. The town has several major supermarkets, including a huge Sainsbury’s.

There’s also an awardwinning farmers’ market, held monthly, as well as an annual food festival, which sees Castle Street filled with sumptuous smells and happy foodies.

EATING OUT A number of good pubs, plus independent and chain restaurants, can be found right in the centre of Farnham, meaning plenty of choice for eating out (or ordering

in). The Giggling Squid for Thai and The Lost Boy for quality burgers, pizza and Mediterranean-inspired dishes are both very popular with locals. High street pubs include the wonky-beamed Nelson Arms and The Queen’s Head – among several others – that are well worth a visit for a meet-up or leisurely lunch. If you’re driving, or doing a long walk, The Spotted Cow or The Bat and Ball have great menus and vast gardens.

OUT AND ABOUT Options for days out and activities are endless. Open countryside, country walks and great cycling routes are easily accessible. Local favourites include Bourne Wood and Alice Holt Forest – home to adventure play areas and off-road cycling routes, and Crooksbury Hill, for stunning views out over the South Downs. Farnham Castle, the Rural Life Centre and Birdworld are all popular with locals.

Farnham Maltings, a centre offering arts and crafts classes, exhibitions and talks, is a great community asset, running everything from sewing and pottery classes to comedy shows from world-class acts.

TRAVEL CONNECTIONS Farnham offers the magic commuting time of less than 60 minutes to London. Trains run directly to London Waterloo in 59 minutes (though you can get there quicker if you’re happy to change trains). Direct services run to Guildford in 23 minutes, or you can reach it slightly faster by car. Road links are equally good: the A3, close at hand, will take you to London, or heading south, you can reach the coast in a little over an hour.

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ON THE MARKET yours

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI EALING

From £106,875* for a 25% share with a full market value of £427,500

SO Resi Ealing is a superb new development offering a collection of high quality one, two and three bedroom apartments. It’s located in the vibrant West Ealing area, with West Ealing railway station just a 10-minute walk away and a wide range of amenities, restaurants, shops and scenic parks nearby. Open communal areas and private balconies add to the development’s appeal. All apartments come with integrated appliances and fully fitted bathrooms. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ealing

Ealing, London W13

Hackney, London E1

SO RESI HACKNEY CORNER

From £670,000

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SO Resi Hackney is a contemporary collection of 16 two and three bedroom apartments nestled between Hoxton and Hackney; an exciting neighbourhood close to Hoxton Square and the green space of Shoreditch Park. Surrounded by hip hotspots for culture, art, fashion and food, the development also benefits from fast and frequent transport connections to the City, central London and Canary Wharf. Apartments benefit from a rooftop terrace, private balconies and a communal concierge service. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ hackney-corner

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI CLAPHAM PARK SO Resi Clapham Park is a modern collection of high specification one and two bedroom apartments set From £109,250* in the village-like neighbourhood for a 25% share of Clapham Park. The new with a full market development is well positioned value of £437,000 with an abundance of amenities, as well as easy access to the sparkling style of Clapham, Brixton and Balham.

Services from Clapham South tube station, just a 15-minute walk away, get you to the heart of central London in around half an hour.

Homes include fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/soresi-clapham-park

Clapham, London SW4

Croydon, London CR7

SO RESI FLORA COURT

From £75,000* for a 25% share with a full market value of £300,000

Flora Court offers one and two bedroom apartments set along a mews which is just a five-minute walk from Thornton Heath station. All properties include high-quality interiors, generous layouts and a balcony or terrace.

Thornton Heath is a popular yet affordable area of south London, with good connections into central London in just 35 minutes.

Nearby Croydon also offers plenty of restaurants, shopping and night life. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/floracourt

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ON THE MARKET yours

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI AUCKLAND RISE AND SYLVAN HILL SO Resi Auckland Rise and Sylvan Hill offers one and two bedroom apartments with wonderful views to the south. In a collection of five new buildings in Upper Norwood, homes are a short stroll from the shops and cafes of Crystal Palace.

The apartments are generously proportioned, offering open and light-flooded spaces, contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances and a private balcony or terrace. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ auckland-rise-and-sylvan-hill

From £85,000* for a 25% share with a full market value of £340,000

Croydon, London SE19

Croydon, London CR0

SO RESI HEATHFIELD GARDENS

From £TBC

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Heathfield Gardens is just a short walk from Croydon town centre. There are great connections around Croydon and to central London and Gatwick airport, with buses, trams, trains and the Overground all within easy reach. The 13 apartments and seven maisonettes, set within an existing residential area, have shared landscaped areas for neighbours to meet. All homes include private outside space, and a selection of Bosch appliances in the kitchen. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ heathfield-gardens

CASE STUDY real

REAL LIFE

FOR HELEN LAMBERT, 30, THE STAGGERING DEPOSIT COSTS MADE IT SEEM THAT HOMEOWNERSHIP WAS OUT OF REACH. HOWEVER, AFTER DISCOVERING SHARED OWNERSHIP, HELEN QUICKLY REALISED THAT SHE COULD BUY HER FIRST HOME. SHE PURCHASED A 25% SHARE WORTH £80,000, WITH A FULL MARKET VALUE OF £320,000, OF A TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT AT SO RESI’S POPULAR WARE DEVELOPMENT IN HERTFORDSHIRE

A

fter finishing university then had the Help to Buy ISA and returning to bonus paid into my account, her mum’s home which has gone towards in Hoddesdon, moving costs. I did a lot Hertfordshire, of research on buying Helen opted against my first home, renting privately talking to friends and decided that and family, and she wanted to save seeking mortgage for her own home. advice. Buying a With a graduate home on the open job secured, Helen market was out of the opened a Help to Buy question, so I was left ISA in 2015, depositing weighing up using shared the maximum initial amount ownership or Help to Buy. of £1,200, then continuing to They are both great schemes, “I did a lot pay in £200 a month. but shared ownership was the of research on Helen said, “I knew that better option to go for in my buying my first renting wasn’t for me, so I current position – I liked the home, talking to started being more mindful fact that I wouldn’t have to pay friends and family, and seeking of my spending. As I was off an equity loan.” mortgage living at home, my outgoings When Helen found out about were slightly reduced, meaning the launch of SO Resi Ware she advice” that it wasn’t too difficult to put put her name down as soon as the the money aside each month. books opened. It’s now sold out, I paid a £15,000 deposit in July, but there are shared ownership which was more than required, but apartments at nearby SO Resi Times meant I could access better lending Square in Welwyn Garden City. rates and my outgoings are less. I To find out more call 020 8607 0550 or see soresi.co.uk/find-aHOW THE FIGURES STACK UP • Full market value – two bedroom apartment – £320,000 property/so-resi-welwyn-garden• Share (25%) – £80,000 city. Viewings are by appointment, • Deposit – £15,000 members of one household only

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ON THE MARKET yours

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI GREENFORD

From £82,500 SO Resi Greenford is a collection for a 25% share of one, two and three bedroom with a full market apartments just a six-minute walk value of £330,000 to Greenford underground station, giving access to Shepherd’s Bush and Wembley in less than half an hour.

Parking is available to some homes and most properties include an en suite bathroom. The development is close to the A40, giving convenient direct routes into central London and to Heathrow airport. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ greenford

Greenford, London UB6

Stevenage SG1

SO RESI FORSTER OAKS

From £89,950* for a 35% share with a full market value of £257,000

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SO Resi Forster Oaks offers a collection of contemporary, spacious two bedroom apartments nestled in a leafy corner of Hertfordshire, combining the very best elements of town and country. This superb, high-quality development is ideally placed for commuting, with journey times from Stevenage railway station into London King’s Cross from just 23 minutes. Properties include a spacious balcony and plenty of storage, and there is an excellent selection of shops, cafes and generous green spaces nearby. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ forster-oaks

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI TIMES SQUARE SO Resi Times Square is an awardwinning, unique building, echoing the elegant art deco style of 1930’s From £53,750 New York. Comprising a choice for a 25% share of a stylish studio, and one, two with a full market and three bedroom apartments value of £215,000 and duplexes, the development in popular Welwyn Garden offers the best of town and country living.

Homes offer high-quality fixtures and fittings to suit modern lifestyles. The homes are just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, and the area has great travel routes and links, with trains into central London taking just 30 minutes. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/timessquare

Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7

Upton, Northampton NN5

MY RESI UPTON SQUARE

From £285,000

MY Resi Upton Square is a contemporary collection of one, two, three and four bedroom homes nestled in picturesque Northampton, which sits on the river Nene surrounded by beautiful countryside and quaint villages. Castle Street mainline station is a short drive or cycle away, with hourly trains reaching London’s Euston in less than 80 minutes and Birmingham in 65 minutes. The homes all offer spacious interiors, beautiful shared outdoor space and on-site parking. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/myresi-upton-square

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ON THE MARKET yours

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI ARBORFIELD SO Resi Arborfield is part of a vibrant new neighbourhood located in the leafy Berkshire countryside yet moments away from easy transport links and good schools. This contemporary collection of one and two bedroom homes and two and three bedroom houses offers a great lifestyle where families can flourish. Homes include spacious living areas, contemporary kitchens and sleek bathrooms, plus a private garden and allocated parking. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ arborfield-2

From £62,500* for a 25% share with a full market value of £250,000

Arborfield, Berkshire RG2

Maidenhead & Windsor, SL6

SO RESI MAIDENHEAD So Resi Maidenhead offers one and two bedroom apartments with spacious interiors, communal gardens and parking, all perfectly positioned to enjoy everything this vibrant market town has to offer. Homes include integrated appliances, built-in wardrobes in the main bedroom and a balcony or patio. The development is moments from the railway station, offering services to central London in under 35 minutes and to Reading in From £85,000* as little as 12 minutes. Within strolling for a 25% share distance are Maidenhead’s plentiful with a full market shopping, dining and leafy green spaces. value of £340,000 soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/so-resimaidenhead

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CASE STUDY real

REAL LIFE

OLIVER GREGSON, 24, AND HIS PARTNER JESSICA BURTON, 23, DECIDED TO USE SHARED OWNERSHIP TO BUY THEIR FIRST HOME, AND PURCHASED A 30% SHARE IN A TWO BEDROOM HOUSE AT SO RESI’S ALFOLD DEVELOPMENT IN SURREY

D

Oliver adds, “We were aware ue to the removal of of shared ownership, and high loan-to-value viewed it as a great way mortgage products to get on the property recently, the couple, ladder thanks to who were renting in the lower deposit nearby Cranleigh, requirement. It was found themselves also appealing due needing an extra to its flexibility – there 5% deposit to buy are no set times for their home. Oliver us to staircase, so we said “Our mortgage can purchase more lender increased our shares when we are in deposit requirement at a position to be able to.” the last minute, meaning SO Resi Alfold offers a that we had to find an extra contemporary collection of two 5% on top of our existing 10% bedroom apartments, and two deposit. Luckily our parents “We were and three bedroom houses, set were able to help out.” aware of shared on the edge of the picturesque Oliver and Jessica had ownership, and Surrey Hills. The development been saving for a deposit for viewed it as a great is surrounded by mature trees, six months, and realised they way to get on to the with a children’s play area and could afford to buy just before property ladder” communal gardens for residents. lockdown. With extra time on Each house features a landscaped their hands, the couple were garden to the front and a rear able to seriously start looking at garden. All properties also include shared ownership homes and went allocated parking and cycle storage. on a number of viewings once the Alfold has a village store, post property market re-opened. After office and pub. Guildford is 12 miles finding a two bedroom house at SO away, from where London Waterloo Resi Alfold, with a spacious garden, can be reached in 41 minutes. the couple purchased a 30% share with a deposit of £15,000.

To find out more about the shared ownership homes HOW THE FIGURES STACK UP • Full market value – two bedroom house – £320,000 available in Surrey with SO Resi, • Share (30%) – £96,000 call 020 8607 0550 or visit • Deposit - £15,000 soresi.co.uk

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HOTSPOT hot

GREENFORD

GREAT TRAVEL LINKS HAVE ALREADY PUT GREENFORD ON THE HOMEBUYING MAP, BUT REGENERATION PLANS, BRINGING NEW HOMES, SHOPS AND AMENITIES, ARE GIVING THIS WEST LONDON TOWN A BRIGHT NEW FUTURE

T

he west London borough of Ealing – otherwise known as the Queen of the Suburbs – is home to Greenford, a small, leafy town undergoing a great deal of positive change. With good travel links, beautiful parks and spacious houses, it’s already a top choice for discerning homebuyers; and with the Grand Union Canal undergoing transformation, its appeal continues to grow.

WHO LIVES HERE? There’s been a great deal of renewal in the area, and new developments and amenities are attracting professionals and young families. Good schools, plenty of parks, wide tree-lined streets and vast houses have made Greenford a hit with families. Large properties with up to seven bedrooms appear frequently in the property listings for this area, with long driveways and gardens a common sight. The redevelopment of the canalside brings a range of contemporary new homes and a feeling of renewal. It’s a

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young part of town – the average age of residents is 34.

SHOPPING The small but well-equipped high street is stocked with a number

HOTSPOT

of independent supermarkets and several well-known shops (including Holland & Barratt and Boots), plus several cafes. You’re not short of big stores here, including Westway Cross retail park, where you’ll find everything from New Look to M&S Foodhall. Wembley and Ealing, both easily reached by tube, are both great options for shopping, with popular malls, busy high streets and everything you’d expect in a London town. Shepherd’s Bush’s vast Westfield shopping centre can also be reached in around 15 minutes by tube.

EATING OUT With such great connectivity in Greenford, there are many brilliant dining options within easy reach.

Staying local, the new development at Greenford Quay will be home to new cafes and eateries from 2022.

More immediately, a cycle or walk along the canal will take you to the Black Horse canalside pub, or two miles further, the Grand Junction Arms in Harlesden is well worth a visit for BBQ and home-cooked meals.

Heading to Ealing, Charlotte’s W5 is a stylish Michelin Guidelisted brasserie perfect for special dinners. In the town centre, Honest Burger, Franco Manca, Five Guys, Pizza Express and Wagamama are among a strong line-up of well-recognised restaurants available. At Ealing Park Tavern – a beautifully refurbished pub in south Ealing – you can enjoy a laid-back

dinner and drinks. Meanwhile, The Grove, opposite Ealing Common, is another lovely choice, with plenty of outdoor seating. For fresh food and tasty snacks, Ealing farmers’ market, held on Saturdays, is a perfect place to start your weekend and stock up on locally sourced ingredients and divine hot meals.

OUT AND ABOUT There’s so much to do in nearby Ealing and Wembley – and beyond – including music venues, arts clubs, comedy clubs, sports facilities, cinemas and theatres. The options truly are endless.

Getting outside, Greenford is ideally located for exploring the very best of west London’s parks and green spaces. There are stunning parks locally and within a short drive or tube ride. Horsenden Hill, a wooded hill and open space offering great views over London, is a favourite with locals. You’ll also find superb city views at Northala Fields.

Pittshanger Park is well worth a visit, along with Gunnersbury Park, which is home to a stunning wildflower meadow and historic stately home.

TRAVEL CONNECTIONS This is a well-connected part of the capital, and you’ll never feel far from the bustle of the centre. From Greenford station, on the Central Line, tube trains run to Oxford Circus in less than 30 minutes. Lively Notting Hill is under a 20-minute tube journey, while Shepherd’s Bush and Ealing are even closer. Mainline trains from Sudbury Hill offer speedy services to Marylebone (15 minutes) and Heathrow airport (40 minutes).

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ON THE MARKET yours

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI REDHILL From £62,500* SO Resi Redhill offers one and for a 25% share two bedroom apartments just a with a full market short journey from central London. value of £250,000 The light and spacious homes are open plan, with fully fitted kitchens, the latest energy-saving features and storage space. Set moments from the superb rail connections of Redhill station, these homes give you the best of both worlds – the fun and convenience of town centre living, balanced with the peace and comfort of a beautifully finished home. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/soresi-redhill

Redhill, Surrey RH1

Farnham, Surrey GU9

SO RESI FARNHAM

Coming soon Autumn 2021

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SO Resi Farnham is an exciting new collection of one and two bedroom apartments in Farnham, Surrey.

Homes include bright and inviting living spaces filled with natural light.

High-specification kitchens with elegant dining areas are great for entertaining, while luxurious master suites and cosy bedrooms are the ideal place to relax and unwind. The development is located near the town centre with easy access to Farnham station and many local amenities. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/soresi-farnham

ON THE MARKET

SO RESI CAMBERLEY On the leafy outskirts of Surrey, SO Resi Camberley is a contemporary collection of new homes available towards the end of 2021. With Coming soon plenty of shopping and dining Autumn 2021 options nearby, plus great commuter connections, this new village is surrounded by woodland and open space. Situated on the former Princess Royal Barracks, SO Resi Camberley forms part of a vibrant and sustainable family community where quality of life and convenience are key. soresi.co.uk/properties/sharedownership-in-camberley

Camberley, Surrey GU16

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FINANCE clear

THE SHARED OWNERSHIP MORTGAGE MARKET IS IT NORMAL? JON LORD, MD AT AWARD-WINNING SHARED OWNERSHIP MORTGAGE BROKER METRO FINANCE, EXPLAINS WHAT THE CURRENT MORTGAGE MARKET IS LIKE FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

E

very month at Metro around 2,400 eager buyers contact us for help with shared ownership mortgages or simply to check what’s affordable.

Common questions right now are, “Is the mortgage market normal?” and “Can I still get a mortgage?” The short answer is yes and yes...

When you work with mortgage lenders for long enough, you tend to adapt a mindset the same as one – not in the sense of shouting “decline” when asked if you’d like a drink... but rather understanding and feeling what it is that works for them, at any given time, dependent on the economic climate. Which in turns, helps avoid the word “decline”.

So, what has changed over the last year, and is it really harder to get a mortgage?

Firstly, and probably most under the spotlight, is the issue of jobs and furlough – we need to understand that lenders are concerned about long term employment. So, while it might appear some lenders accept furlough income, the reality is you will

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need to be back in work at the point you require mortgage completion.

Still on employment, lots of people rely on bonus pay or overtime to obtain the mortgage amount required. In plenty of instances neither of these have been paid for the past three months, hence can’t be used by the lender.

In essence, some people might need to wait until that overtime or bonus builds again, now that lockdown is gradually ending. If you think about lenders as working from “real visible data”, they need to see and rely on that extra income over the last few months.

Have interest rates risen? Not in the usual sense, Bank of England rate hasn’t changed. But mortgage fixed rates fluctuate all the time, in line with lender appetite in the moment. What

FINANCE

we’ve seen during the pandemic is a hike in mortgage rates as lenders try to control volume to maintain service levels. We can in some instances now see these starting to fall again as lenders compete with each other.

Are lenders rejecting more people on credit scoring? This is a grey area that can easily mislead a reader when you see headlines. Imagine the mortgage adviser’s job is to target the right lender for the right applicant; most of the time the adviser should have a good idea whether or not a mortgage will be accepted – get the targeting wrong and more cases will be declined. The adviser’s job has become a little harder because lenders have made so many criteria tweaks. At Metro we haven’t seen a pattern of more declines when compared to pre-lockdown, suggesting it isn’t harder to get through a lender’s scoring system.

Deposit sizes for shared ownership; we are all very much used to 5% of the share being the norm – and it still is! In the middle of the pandemic, we saw the low deposit market shrink dramatically, but that was just a temporary reaction of lenders entering the unknown. Thankfully, its roughly back to around 12-14 different lenders offering 95% lending for shared ownership, which is more than enough.

Shortage of lenders? This is similar to above; mid-pandemic many lenders withdrew from lending or massively increased deposit sizes. I think it’s fair to say the open market was worse affected than shared

ownership. Today we are broadly back to the same number as before, with more looking to enter. Speaking off the cuff, approximately 28 lenders serve shared ownership, from nearly all the high street lenders, through to local building societies.

A final point concerning the “dark art” of mortgage AIPs or DIPs as they are sometimes called – the initial mortgage approval. People often ask, “I’ve got a good credit score, all my credit is paid on time, I’m on the electoral roll, so why have I been declined by the lender?”

For a moment forget the fact you might have a 999 score – mortgage lenders tailor their systems and criteria to their individual risk requirements.

So, for example, if you had three credit cards each with a £1,000 limit and the balances constantly revolved around £800 utlilised each month, some lenders would class this as high credit utlilisation, or in my language, “You’re maxing your cards all the time!” If the lender has a policy built into its scoring system of maximum utilisation of 35% of a card, then irrespective of your score, the AIP will fail.

So it’s not really much of a “dark art” at all, although these things sometimes aren’t perhaps promoted by lenders, so it’s back to the mortgage adviser to understand the lender as much as possible.

Rolling back to that initial question, “Is the mortgage market normal?”

Answer – it’s like a river, constantly flowing and meandering... and rivers are normal! Yet to ride the river you have to understand the twists, turns and rapids. metrofinance.co.uk

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AT HOME WITH insightful

A DAY IN THE LIFE

PROPERTY BLOGGER/SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER JADE VANRIEL

The start of my day…

I start my day with my dog Ritchie as my alarm clock. I pray, say some positive affirmations and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Rich and I usually go for a 30-minute walk before heading back to do a quick workout! I get showered and ready for the day. I love to have a chai latte or hot chocolate before my morning smoothie while planning out my day.

Getting into my job…

I fell into property blogging five years ago when I shared my own first time buyer journey at 23 years old.

I realised there was not a lot of information online that simplified property buying and I wanted to share my own tips. Since then I’ve run events and workshops, shared property content and tours, and I’ve worked with banks and brands to help educate my audience and help them buy homes.

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AT HOME WITH

A typical day…

My job as an online content creator varies from day to day. Most of the time I’m at home filming property and lifestyle videos, planning content projects and researching property buying updates to share with my followers. Other days I’m out filming property tours for my Move With Jade series on YouTube, I love to share properties for varying budgets and break-down different routes like shared ownership. I recently filmed at the SO Resi Forster Oak development which is great for first time buyers.

What I dislike about my job…

I have only been doing content creating full time for just over a year, so it’s still quite new to have blogging as my sole focus. I really love that I have a purpose on social media. As it comes naturally to me, I find it very hard to switch off and tend to work every day if I’m not intentional about my weekends!

Taking care of my wellbeing during lockdown…

As I’m usually working from home anyway, being in lockdown was not a culture shock for me; however, I have had my moments. It’s been great having my dog, he forces me to take breaks and go on walks. I’ve also incorporated regular home workouts to keep my fitness up and I’ve been making some of my favourite restaurant-inspired meals – food makes me happy. Regular family video calls and the occasional dance around my flat has helped me laugh too.

After work…

I love to scroll through Pinterest and create mood boards for my future home, or dream of holiday destinations. I find listening to a good book helps me to zone out of work mode and I’m currently listening to Happy Sexy Millionaire – it’s great!

You can find me sharing my daily life and property content on Instagram @ Jadevanrielx and YouTube: Jade Vanriel. Also take a look at other SO Resi blogs at sharedownership.co.uk for the latest interior trends and area guides on first time buyer favourite hotspots. You can also stay tuned on all things SO Resi by following them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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HOTSPOT hot

MAIDENHEAD

WITH THE THAMES RUNNING THROUGH IT, GREAT TRAIN LINKS TO LONDON AND LOVELY COUNTRYSIDE ON TAP, IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY THE MARKET TOWN OF MAIDENHEAD IS A FAVOURITE FOR THOSE LEAVING LONDON

I

n 2020, the Berkshire town of Maidenhead became the second most popular place to relocate to from London, with a huge 27% increase in buyers doing just that. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is consistently named as one of the best places to live in the country, with the most recent accolade placing the locale in the top 10. Known for its pretty town, country feel, ease of travel and notable history, it’s an attractive option for homebuyers.

There are new things happening in the area, too. Long-awaited Crossrail will stop at Maidenhead, revolutionising travel times and options, while redevelopment around Maidenhead’s waterways brings homes and amenities that appeal to young homebuyers.

WHO LIVES HERE? Maidenhead is a commuter town with great links to the capital, so it’s a hit with buyers seeking the tranquillity of a country town close to London. This is a good-sized town, with excellent amenities, surrounded by lovely countryside – a real bestof-both spot. The average age of residents is around 40, so young families and commuting professionals can be found in their plenty. With big tech firms located in Reading and Slough, it’s an ideal location for those

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workers.

Families with school-age children love it here too – Maidenhead’s secondary schools have recently been ranked in the top 10 in the country.

SHOPPING Nicholsons Shopping Centre is home to 60 stores, including big names such as Topshop, WH Smith and Superdrug. On the pedestrianised

HOTSPOT

high street, you’ll find M&S, New Look and Monsoon. There’s a fruit and vegetable market as well as a bi-monthly farmers’ market.

Windsor, Reading and Slough are easily reached by car or train and have many more shopping and dining options.

EATING OUT This is a real foodie part of the country. The village of Bray is famed for Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, known for its theatrical dining experiences, and Alain Roux’s Waterside Inn – a favourite for fine dining. Michelin-starred pubs in the area include the family run Crown in Burchett’s Green and Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers in Marlow.

There’s also Roux at Skindles, a waterside brasserie with a terrace bar.

There are plenty more relaxed dining options, including The Boathouse at Boulters Lock, artisan bakery and cafe Bakedd, and popular restaurant Coppa Club.

OUT AND ABOUT The Thames runs through this market town, so riverside activities are easy to come by. There are great walking and cycling options along the river (with plenty of places to stop for lunch), as well as boat trips, kayaking, paddleboarding (try Paddleboard Maidenhead) and windsurf hire. If canoeing is your thing, the route from Boulter’s Lock to Marlow is particularly pretty. Bray Lake is also a good spot for enjoying water sports.

Parks are in their plenty and include Ray Mill Island, an island park in the Thames complete with cafe,

aviary and lots of wetland life. Open countryside lies just outside the town, with plenty of opportunity for walking and country pursuits.

Heading indoors, there are lots of good options when it comes to entertainment. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts is the place to go for live theatre, comedy and music, as well as art and fitness classes and film screenings. There’s also an Odeon Cinema in the town centre, while The Picturehouse and Chapel Wharf, part of the Waterside development, host a variety of events.

Nightlife is strong in the area, and there are a number of bars that are good for relaxed meet-ups or live music. Surrounding areas, including Bray and Windsor, offer a great deal by way of pretty sights, quaint shops and cafes, meaning you’re never short of new ideas for afternoons or evenings out. It’s also very easy to find local health clubs, a leisure centre, rugby, golf and tennis clubs.

TRAVEL CONNECTIONS Trains from Maidenhead station run regularly and directly to London Paddington in as little as 18 minutes.

Crossrail (now expected to run through Maidenhead in 2022) will provide greater access to east and south London and 12-minute journeys to Reading.

By road, Windsor is a short drive away, while Henley and Marlow can be reached in just over 15 minutes.

There are also convenient road connections via the M4 and M25, while Oxford is around 45 minutes away along the M40. For convenient international travel, Heathrow airport is 20 minutes away.

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RESALES easy

RESALES

WHILE MANY PEOPLE CHOOSE TO STAIRCASE, BUYING MORE SHARES UNTIL EVENTUALLY THEY OWN THE WHOLE HOME, OTHERS CHOOSE TO MOVE ON, EITHER TO A DIFFERENT SHARED OWNERSHIP PROPERTY OR INTO A MARKET SALE HOME. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IT IS STRAIGHTFORWARD TO SELL OR BUY A SO RESI HOME, AND WE HAVE A DEDICATED RESALE TEAM TO HELP YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY THE PROCESS OF SELLING • In the first instance, it is down to your shared ownership housing provider to market the home for you. You can find what is called the “nomination period” in the terms of your original lease, which is the period that the provider has to find you a buyer before you can switch to an estate agent; normally eight to 12 weeks • You will need to commission and pay for a RICS valuation report for the home and send it to us. We will then send you a contract, that everyone on your lease has to sign, and your home will be put on the market at the valuation price • If you don’t have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) you will have to book and pay for one before we can legally market your home • You should tidy your home to make it look its best as we will be taking photos, and people may come to view it • During the nomination period we will market your home to people we know are interested in shared ownership, with the option for them to buy your share, or a larger share if

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they wish. If we sell your home, SO Resi will receive a sales fee of 1.2% of its total value • In the unlikely event that we don’t find a buyer for your share within the nomination period then you are free to put it on the market with an estate agent.

You don’t have to put it up for sale at the RICS valuation price, but if you sell for less you will have to pay us the percentage share of the RICS value, not of any reduced sale price. You will need to pay the estate agent’s fee, plus a £300 administration fee to SO Resi • When you sell via an estate agent you can either sell it as a shared ownership home, or use a process

RESALES

called “simultaneous staircasing” where your solicitor uses the buyer’s money to staircase your ownership to 100% at the point of sale.

RESALES – BUYING A SECONDHAND SHARED OWNERSHIP HOME If you are interested in shared ownership, then buying a resale has some advantages that you might want to consider: • You see the exact home you will be buying. Many shared ownership properties are sold off-plan – that is, you buy before the home is actually built. You see brochures and perhaps a show home, but you have to guess at things like the view from the window or how quiet the neighbourhood is. With a resale you see the exact home you will buy • You move into an established neighbourhood. All the building work will be long finished and you will be moving into a completed development where there is already an existing community • You won’t have to wait for your home to be built – the property is ready and waiting • You frequently get more for your money – there is a price premium

when you buy a brand new home, because everything is sparkling and new, including the carpets, kitchens and bathrooms. When you buy a resale you may find that you need to do some decorating, appliances are dated or there is a little wear and tear, but the lower price means you could buy a larger home or a larger percentage of the property than if you were buying new • The rent may be lower. When you buy a resale, you pay the same rent as the previous owner, which is based on the original property value plus increases in the Retail Price Index over the years, whereas rental on a new property is based on the current value which has risen more sharply.

There is one important difference to bear in mind. With a new SO Resi shared ownership home, you have a financial interview which determines what percentage share you can buy, from as little as 25%. With a resale you only have two options – to buy the percentage share that already belongs to the seller, or to buy a larger share. If you were only intending to buy a small initial share, this may limit the choice of available resale properties.

The normal rules surrounding buying a shared ownership home still apply if you buy a resale – your annual household income must be less than £80,000 (£90,000 in London), you must be unable to buy a suitable home on the open market, you should have a good credit history and not be in arrears or have bad debts or CCJs, and you must have a 5-10% deposit of the share that you are purchasing.

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RESALES easy

RESALE HOMES

SO RESI PEVENSEY COURT This modern maisonette has two large bedrooms, open-plan kitchen/reception area and ample storage space. Externally, it offers excellent communal grounds and allocated off-street parking space.

This home is located 2.5 miles to the south of Reading town centre and benefits from easy access to the A33 and M4 motorways. There is a great choice of schools nearby. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ pevensey-court

From £112,500* for a 50% share with a full market value of £225,000

Spencers Wood, Reading RG7

SO RESI BEATTY RISE

From £102,500* for a 50% share with a full market value of £205,000

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Reading RG2

This modern two bedroom apartment in Reading is located close to good schools, shops and gym facilities. It is a great home for first time buyers.

The apartment offers two large double bedrooms, newly fitted kitchen, living area and modern bathroom. Externally, the property offers one allocated parking space.

The location is well served by local transport links and Reading town centre is easily accessible. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ beatty-rise-2

RESALES

SO RESI SKELTON COURT Within easy walking distance of Reading town centre, this spacious, ground floor two From £127,500 bedroom apartment features for a 50% share an open-plan lounge and with a full market kitchen. Both bedrooms have value of £255,000 built-in wardrobes and the master bedroom has an en suite shower room, while there is a further family bathroom. The home has a private entrance hall with a storage cupboard, and also benefits from off-road allocated parking, access to a communal garden, and a secure outdoor bike store. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ skelton-court-2

Reading RG30

Bracknell, Berkshire RG42

SO RESI CHANCEL MANSIONS

From £97,500* for a 50% share with a full market value of £195,000

This spacious second floor apartment in Bracknell comprises two large bedrooms, reception area and separate fitted kitchen, bathroom, and hallway with ample storage space. Externally, the property offers great communal grounds with safe bike storage and unallocated residents’ parking spaces. There are many local amenities and the railway station is in nearby Bracknell. soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/ chancel-mansions-2

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RESALES hot

READING

THRIVING READING HAS LONG BEEN A FAVOURITE WITH BIG TECH AND ITS FORWARD-THINKING EMPLOYEES, AND WITH CONTINUED GROWTH IN THE TOWN, ITS HOMEBUYER APPEAL IS ON THE RISE

H

ome to a bustling centre, university, historic abbey and 200,000-plus population, Reading is a city in every way but name. The Berkshire town is one of the largest settlements in the UK not to have city status. Thirty minutes west of London and with easy access to Heathrow airport, the town has long been a favourite with big tech firms, which love its connectivity.

Big tech continues to flourish here, with Reading forming a major part of the Silicon – or M4 – Corridor, the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley.

With companies in the area including Microsoft, Oracle, Huawei and Cisco Systems, the town has been named one of the best cities in the world for tech (despite officially being a town). With so much growth and innovation, this is an exciting place to put down roots.

WHO LIVES HERE? Luckily for residents, Reading recently ranked highly in a poll for friendliness – making its inhabitants among the most affable in the UK. The population is young, too – with the average age in the 30s – perhaps a result of the university and large number of big firms with young professional workers. There are plenty of homes for commuters and students in and close to the town centre, while outlying areas such as

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Earley and Woodley are popular with young families and those looking for a quieter pace of life, along with great options for family friendly pursuits.

SHOPPING Reading town centre offers a wide-ranging and varied shopping experience. The Oracle shopping mall, which sits on the riverside, is

RESALES

great for big-name shops including H&M, Apple Store and Pandora, with a selection of pit-stops for coffee and lunch. A second shopping centre, Broad Street Mall, is just a few minutes away – this is the site of a new street food market along with new homes and a hotel.

Reading farmers’ market runs twice a month and is well known for its offering of fine produce, food and drink from local makers.

EATING OUT A large and diverse population is reflected in the great choice of options when it comes to food.

For laid-back lunch options, choose from some good cafes including Picnic Cafe and Shed. For dinner out, London Street Brasserie, run by locally known entrepreneur Paul Clerehugh, is a local favourite, while Tutu’s Ethiopian Table is somewhat of a Reading institution, with authentic stews and pancakes featuring on the menu.

Fine dining comes naturally at Michelinstarred L’Ortolan, serving French cuisine in Shinfield.

Joining the many eateries in the centre of town, Union Market, housed in the Broad Street shopping mall, is an exciting addition. Specialising in street food, it will include a brewery and 350 seats, ensuring a lively atmosphere.

OUT AND ABOUT From theatres and cinemas to comedy clubs and live music venues, nights out in Reading are well catered for. Catch shows at the new Reading Rep or the Hexagon, or pick from several cinemas for a movie night.

Enjoy live music at several bars in the town centre, while of course the famous Reading Music Festival attracts top music acts and fans from across the world.

There are plenty of options for family days out, including visiting the ruins of the historic abbey, Highclere Castle, or seeing the replica Bayeux Tapestry at Reading Museum.

Heading outdoors, exploring the Thames Path is a favourite with walkers and cyclists, with View Island a great spot for exploring the local wildlife. Riverside parks Kings Meadows and Christchurch Meadows are good for picnics and days out, while the beautiful Berkshire countryside is mere moments away.

TRAVEL CONNECTIONS Forty miles west of London and located just off the M4, Reading acts as a gateway to the South, the West and the North. You can reach Heathrow airport in around 30 minutes, making international travel easy. Commuting into London takes just half an hour, while the muchheralded Crossrail (aka the Elizabeth Line), will soon connect Reading to Essex and south east London, as well as providing fast journey times to central London. For travel inside of Reading and Berkshire, the area is served by an excellent bus network, which connects the various outlying areas with the centre of the town.

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RESALES real

REAL LIFE

AS A SOCIAL WORKER ON A MODEST SALARY, VUYO MAGWAZA, 47, THOUGHT HOMEOWNERSHIP WAS OUT OF REACH UNTIL SHE DISCOVERED SHARED OWNERSHIP AND FOUND THAT SHE COULD AFFORD A 50% SHARE OF A RESALE PROPERTY WITH SO RESI. AFTER BUYING A TWO BEDROOM MAISONETTE NEAR WOKING, SHE SAVED FOR FIVE MORE YEARS TO BUY ADDITIONAL SHARES IN HER PROPERTY AND NOW OWNS 100% OF HER HOME

V

uyo had been living because the decision of when to in a one bedroom buy further shares, and how key worker flat, but much, was down to me.” she wanted to adopt Vuyo’s mortgage a child so needed repayments are more space and the £930 a month and security of owning she has rented her her own home. second bedroom She paid £87,500 to a student to help for a 50% share offset the cost. (full market value Although shared £175,000), putting ownership is down a 5% deposit associated with new with a mortgage for properties, around a third the balance. In addition, are resales according to the she paid rent to SO Resi on Council of Mortgage Lenders. the share it owned. Through Vuyo said, “I was already “I was worried that determined saving, Vuyo living in Woking and staying it might be difficult bought a further 35% of in the area was convenient; buying extra shares in her home four years later, I didn’t have to change my my home, but it was increasing to 85%, then the lifestyle or move away from very straightforward” following year she bought the my friends. The location is final 15% share and became great, it’s a half-hour walk to the the sole owner. town centre and the road and rail “I was worried that it links are excellent. I’ve never been might be difficult buying extra happier. I have my own home, more shares in my home, but it was very space and I’m well on the way to straightforward. I felt in control building the life I’ve always wanted.”

HOW THE FIGURES STACK UP • Full market value – two bedroom maisonette – £175,000 • Initial share (50%) – £87,500 • Deposit – £4,375 • Current mortgage repayment – £930 a month

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So Resi offers shared ownership on resale and new homes across London and the South East. For more information please visit: soresi.co.uk or call 020 8607 0550

REVIEWS good

TRUST PILOT REVIEWS

Emma |||| Andrea is amazing!

Andrea has been nothing short of AMAZING! From being extremely personable and taking an interest into likes and dislikes prior to viewing to being very patient while looking around the flats. Nothing was too much for Andrea and the help that she has given since with dealing with other areas of the property has also been great. Would not hesitate to use again, nor be in contact with Andrea should I need anything. Thank you!!

Jessica Mills |||| Great experience The SO Resi team has been friendly and a pleasure to deal with. From viewing the property through to completion, we have had a good experience. Throughout the process there was good communication and although there were delays in the development, we were able to arrange completion and get the keys at the earliest opportunity. Thanking everyone involved, especially Zoe and Karen for their help in the purchase of our new home.

Mr Leslie Norman |||| Attentive, courteous and competent attention We received very attentive, courteous and competent service from start to finish and we are grateful.

Chelsea Glover |||| Thank You! We recently exchanged on a property in Arborfield and could not fault the team at So Resi. Katie, Jacqui, Sunita & Roc have all made the process go so smoothly, they’ve been amazing with answering any queries we may have and just in general been extremely helpful and wonderful. Thank you for making the process so much easier for us, we appreciate and are very grateful for everything you have done along with your time and effort. Thanks again

Charlie Bellars |||| Buying a shared ownership property We’ve had a wonderful experience purchasing our property through Stephanie.

From the first phone call right the way through the process she has been extremely helpful and upbeat. Everything we’ve asked has never been too much trouble for her and more than willing to answer anything whether big or small. We are very thankful for all the support she has given us.

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