After getting a taste of independence whilst studying at the University of Southampton; Lucy was adamant she and her partner Oliver both aged 22 were not going to move back home with their families when they’d graduated. After looking at their options, they settled on starting their home ownership journey at the popular Nobel Park development in Didcot, Oxfordshire…
‘We were aware of the challenges young people are facing trying to get onto the property ladder these days but renting just didn’t seem a viable option for us after finishing university’ Lucy remarks. ‘I had some personal saving and an inheritance but not enough to help us buy on the open market so when researching home ownership, we’d noticed Shared Ownership but didn’t know much about it so that’s when we started exploring further’.
Lucy and Oliver found the Sovereign Network Group (SNG) website where they discovered homes for Shared Ownership sale at the Nobel Park development. ‘We’d literally driven past Nobel Park the other week and commented on how we’d love to live there!’ Lucy explained. ‘We completed an affordability assessment through an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) on the SNG panel and were pleased to hear we were able to purchase a house!’
The buying process
The couple were able to select a plot and reserve ‘off-plan’ and so chose a two-bedroom semi-detached house with driveway parking and private garden. ‘We viewed the house before exchange and were amazed when we first walked in. We just couldn’t get over the size of the rooms – it totally exceeded our expectations along with the finishes, kitchen, and bathroom style – it was just perfect!’ remarks Lucy.
The couple talked about a delay they experienced in their mortgage application. ‘We felt a little nervous this was going to hold things up on our part but talking to our Sales Consultant Charlotte really helped to get things resolved as she was able to speak to our mortgage advisor, so all parties understood exactly where things were at’. Lucy explained.
An ideal location
‘The best part of buying somewhere new has meant we can put our own stamp on it, it already feels like home and the layout has been perfect for when we have had friends round for an evening. We have two double bedrooms, the second room is our home office, it’s got so much space that we have two desks set up to allow us both to work from home as well as a bed for when we have guests to stay over’.
Nobel Park has a strong emphasis on creating a community feel with open-green spaces for all residents to enjoy. Lucy described the main amenities they take advantage of living at the development... ’Of an evening we love to go for a walk around the site, the neighbours are lovely, there is a real mix of age groups as well. A bus stop has now been built within the development which offers a route to Didcot parkway station – ideal for days when Oliver and I are commuting to Reading and London for work. The route also takes you straight to Didcot town centre where we love to go at the weekends for a look round the shops or for a meal out. The location really is perfect for our everyday life’.
Future plans
‘We were surprised at how big our home is and it totally dispelled any myths for us about new builds being small so our initial thoughts of living here for just a couple of years has quickly changed! We see ourselves being here much longer and so don’t feel we need to be making future plans just for now – we just want to enjoy the independence we so wanted!’.
We asked the couple if they could offer any advice to those who have just started their home buying journey…’ Shared Ownership has made getting on the property ladder possible for us both at the age of 22, don’t hesitate - just got for it! We have never been happier and more settled and are so excited about our future here at Nobel Park!’
Discover the homes for Shared Ownership sale at Nobel Park now!