After years of moving around West London, Angelika, 33, decided it was time to find a home to call her own. However, with London’s notoriously high property prices, finding a place that ticks all the boxes can easily feel out of reach. “I am a first time buyer, so naturally this was a big step for me, especially since I bought by myself. But I felt it was the right time to invest in my own property.”
However unable to save enough for a deposit while renting, Angelika turned to shared ownership as an alternative route to get on the property ladder.
“That’s why the shared ownership scheme was the right choice for me. It allowed me to enter the property market without needing the full amount for a typical deposit.”
Shared ownership allows buyers to purchase a share of a property, typically between 25% and 75% of the property’s total value. Buyers will pay a mortgage on their share of the home, rent on the remaining shares and pay a monthly service charge.
Ticking all the boxes
As any homeowner will know, location is one of the most important factors to consider when buying, and for Angelika, this was no exception. “I was looking for a location that would offer me a better work-life balance. My job in Kensington requires me to be in the office almost every day, so I needed somewhere with an easy commute, whilst remaining close to my family and friends,” she explained.
Designed with first time buyers in mind, The One Hundred is one of Guinness Homes’ most popular developments in the city, bringing contemporary shared ownership living to Northwest London – a place where Angelika already felt at home.
“Returning to a place where I already have a strong connection made a lot of sense, especially when the development had everything I was looking for. I didn’t find another property that offered the same combination of space, view and atmosphere.
“The location is fantastic, with multiple commuting options making it easy to get to work in under 30 minutes. Additionally, the convenience of having shops, a community hub, and even a gym just 30 seconds away from the building makes it ideal.”
Not only did Angelika fall for the development’s considered and convenient amenities, but it was the luxurious feeling she gets to enjoy, every time she comes home.
“A few things were non-negotiable: plenty of natural light, outdoor space, and a peaceful environment. My flat is a one-bedroom property with a spacious living room and a large terrace, which is perfect for outdoor relaxation. Large windows overlooking the canal flood the space with natural light, and the open plan kitchen and living area make the space feel even larger and more modern.
“But without a doubt, my favourite part is the terrace. It’s my little sanctuary where I can unwind after a long day. Despite being so close to central London, my home provides me with the sense of tranquillity that I was looking for.”
Finding shared ownership with Guinness Homes
Although shared ownership is helping thousands of people across the country take the first step on the property ladder, it is largely still misunderstood, with many even unaware of it being an option to them, especially in London.
“Given the high prices in London, without shared ownership, I would likely have been limited to properties outside of the city, which just wasn’t ideal. The scheme gives me the flexibility to gradually increase my share in the property over time, making it the perfect, sustainable, long-term investment.
“Once I fully understood how shared ownership works, the process was straight forward. I purchased my flat in November and I had moved in by January. My mortgage advisors, the housing association and the solicitors were all incredibly helpful throughout and made the whole process a lot smoother and easier than I had expected.
“I’m beyond happy with my decision. I have found a home that perfectly fits into my life.”
With over half of properties now sold, The One Hundred is offering studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments in Brent, with prices starting at £85,000 for a 25% share of a studio apartment.
Properties are available to move in straight away, subject to a £99 reservation fee, with 5% deposit options on offer. If you want to know more about shared ownership at The One Hundred, get in touch with the sales team today at 020 3819 0000, or enquire online.
The One Hundred is a contemporary collection of stylish 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments available to buy through Shared Ownership.