Rural communities are in desperate need of affordable housing. Across England and Wales rural house prices are rising twice as fast as in cities. This means those living in the rural areas often can’t afford to buy their homes outright. So for many Hastoe residents our shared ownership properties offer a cost-effective way for them to take their first steps onto the housing ladder, whilst helping them stay in their local community.
In Rural Housing Week, we've been speaking shared owner Claire. When she found a Hastoe shared-ownership house over 17 years ago, it was instantly appealing because it meant that she and her son could live in an affordable, high-quality home and remain living close to her friends and family. She says:
It’s so clichéd but at the time there was absolutely no way I could afford to buy a house outright. I was a single parent of a toddler, working part time because I couldn’t afford full time childcare. It was the most perfect opportunity for me to get a step on the ownership ladder but with lower costs and splitting it between rent and mortgage.”
After looking at a number of properties, with different housing associations, Claire purchased a 30% share of a two bed Hastoe home. She explains:
“It was the first property I every bought and I was so lucky with Hastoe because I was able to feel a true sense of ownership. Even through it was only a 30% share it really was mine and my son’s home. We had a really lovely two double bedroom, property with a decent sized garden, kitchen diner and living room. It was a really high-quality house, built to a good standard and was the perfect home for me and my son at the time.”
By early 2020, Claire decided she was ready to move on from her Hastoe home, so got in touch with our sales team. She says:
When I bought this house I was a single parent with a toddler. Now I’m married and my circumstances have changed. I also realised that I’m now in the situation where I can afford to purchase a home without going through the shared ownership scheme. It highlighted to me that perhaps it was time for someone else who’s in a similar position now as mine back then, to have this house.”
For Claire the scheme gave her more than just a house, it gave her a lovely home to raise her son:
It's a wonderful scheme that I hope will continue to make a positive difference, for people like me for a long time to come.”
If you think you’re ready to take your first step on the housing ladder, we can help.
Find out more about shared ownership
