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For many first-time buyers, saving for a deposit while renting can make homeownership feel out of reach. However, for homeowners Noemi and Jay, Shared Ownership at Square Roots Kingston provided an affordable route onto the property ladder and helped them secure their dream home in Kingston upon Thames.
After being given just two months' notice to find alternative accommodation when their landlord decided to increase the rent and re-let their property, Noemi and Jay found themselves facing an uncertain future.
"We were always wondering whether we could afford to stay in the area," explained Noemi. “It was very stressful. We'd been looking for over a year. We properly priced ourselves out and many of the homes didn't offer the quality we wanted.”
Discovering Shared Ownership in Kingston
Like many London renters, the couple initially believed that buying a home in Kingston would be beyond their budget. However, after researching their options, they discovered Shared Ownership and quickly realised it could help make homeownership a reality.
Through the scheme, buyers purchase a share of their home and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share, resulting in a smaller deposit and mortgage compared to buying outright.
Noemi and Jay purchased a 25% share in a two-bedroom apartment at Square Roots Kingston. With a full market value of £532,000, their share was secured with a deposit of just £6,650.
"£6,650 was enough to get us on the property ladder," said Noemi. "The good thing about Shared Ownership is that the deposit isn't as high as buying on the open market."
Why They Chose Square Roots Kingston
Located in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, Square Roots Kingston offers high-quality Shared Ownership homes within easy reach of central London, excellent schools, local amenities and green open spaces.
The development immediately stood out to Noemi and Jay after they began searching for a home that met both their lifestyle and budget requirements. They also knew about an earlier Square Roots Kingston development in Kingston through friends who had bought there.
"We saw how well their home had been built and how happy they were living there," said Noemi. "That gave us confidence, so when Square Roots Kingston became available, we knew it was the right choice."
Today, the couple enjoy all the benefits of owning a modern new-build home in a location they already knew and loved.
Finding Stability Through Homeownership
Having faced uncertainty in the rental market, owning their own home has given Noemi and Jay a sense of security and stability for the future.
"We finally have some stability," said Noemi. “It's made a huge difference to our family.”
Their experience highlights how Shared Ownership can help buyers who may feel priced out of their local area secure a high-quality home with a lower upfront cost.
At Square Roots Kingston, we're helping more first-time buyers take their first step onto the property ladder through Shared Ownership.
Our collection of contemporary apartments offers an affordable way to buy a home in one of South West London's most desirable locations, with excellent transport connections, outstanding local amenities and a thriving riverside community.
Read the full article
Want to learn more about Noemi and Jay's journey? Read the original feature in The Metro and discover how shared ownership helped her find a place of her own in Kingston
