Shared Ownership allows first time buyer to do something positive
"Buying a Shared Ownership home is something I would definitely recommend"
Joseph has been sharing a London flat with friends for years and, when the tenancy came to an end, he wanted to do something positive.
Feature 17 is a stylish development in Walthamstow provided by London Borough of Waltham Forest offering an excellent collection of modern 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments through Shared Ownership. The homes at Feature 17 offered everything you're looking for in a contemporary home.
With a job as a copywriter for a flourishing tech company and regular savings tucked away, Joseph was in a good position to start his search.
After a thorough look through the Share to Buy website, Joseph came across Feature 17 and thought he had a big enough deposit for a one bedroom apartment but with the support from family he was able to purchase a two bedroom apartment.
"Red Loft were the agents for Feature 17 and they couldn't have been more helpful"
Moiz & Nikki helped reassure Joseph that being self-employed needn't be an issue, took him through the process and were there to hand over the keys on completion day.
"Nikki from Red Loft was always kind, patient and polite."
- When Joseph found a potential new place to live he needed someone to help with process, especially as he was self-employed.
- Red Loft were always on hand to answer Joseph's questions, they helped him find a specialist mortgage broker and solicitor.
- Within 3 months, Joseph has his own lovely two bedroom apartment, located in an up and coming area with great transport links.
"Red Loft couldn't have been more helpful, they are such a nice team. Moiz & Nikki were particularly great, answering lots of questions. Every I emailed a query, I got a quick response, answering everything. Everyone in the building knows Moiz and he is the person to go to for any queries."
What is Shared Ownership?
Launched by the Government in 2006, it is a part-buy, part-rent property scheme. If you cannot afford the full mortgage for a property, through Shared Ownership, you can buy a share (between 25 - 75% of its value) whilst you pay a subsidised rent on the share you don't buy to the housing association/local authority.
Shared Ownership eligibility* -
- You must be at least 18 years' old with a clean credit history
- Your annual household income must be less than £90,000 in London, or £80,000 outside of London
- You're a first-time buyer, a previous homeowner that cannot afford to buy one now, or an existing shared homeowner
- You must not be in mortgage or rent arrears, demonstrate a good credit history and be in a position to afford the regular payments