“Every time we come home and look at our house, we’re reminded of how lucky we are.”
Last year, Matt and his partner bought their first shared ownership home in Stockport after renting throughout their twenties. Despite having some uncomfortable experiences with landlords down the years the area held a special place in their heart, so getting on the ladder through shared ownership and having a place to call home meant that bit extra.
Matt, who works as a local councillor for the borough says: “We were at the behest of a buy-to-let landlord whose mortgage was long paid off on the home but did not want to invest a penny to address draught issues and improve fittings, etc. We had been renting in short term tenancy agreements throughout our 20’s”
The pair soon noticed Booth St, a development consisting of 12 shared ownership and 19 modern and affordable social rent homes, emerging within the local area and were keen to explore the properties available on the estate.
“We do not have a car and the location of the estate in relation to Stockport Railway Station and Town Centre is perfect. Having an affordable three-bedroom home that is five minutes’ walk from a railway station where you can get trains every 3-5 minutes is a rare sight in Britain unfortunately.” Says Matt.
Despite the initial apprehension around purchasing a new build property, the couple felt reassured throughout the process; Viaducts sales team only a phone call away. “House buying can be a very stressful process. The Sales team guided us through it and were knowledgeable about the process even though we knew they were juggling a lot of unknowns to do with when the completion date would be due to COVID setbacks with supplies and labour. They were grand.”
Matt continues: “I advise anyone who is young and wants to purchase a home to seek the Shared Ownership scheme. Having a secure home without having to ‘do’ anything to do it is the best feeling in the world.”
Building relationships with neighbours can often vary and take time, especially when brand new communities’ surface through new build developments. However, this can be fast tracked with many households going through the same process as yourself.
“It has been a beautiful sight watching so many young families get settled in, quite literally community being made in front of your eyes. Couldn’t ask for better neighbours. We feel very blessed, every time we come home and look at the front of the house, we are reminded about how lucky we are.”
