Whilst many young people feel that homeownership is simply out of their reach, shared ownership is making that dream a reality for people of all ages – including 26-year-old Matteo.
After wanting to buy for a few years but feeling limited by his options, Matteo knew he had to escape the rental market: “I moved from Switzerland to the UK for my studies in 2016 and have now been in Bristol for three years. Given the current state of the rental market, and especially with the limited options in the city, I’ve been working towards getting on the property ladder for a while.
“For me personally, renting was just not worthwhile. You’re not guaranteed to find somewhere that has been well maintained, let alone be able to paint your walls and personalise the space. In some circumstances, you could even say it’s like a black hole; it is just throwing money away.”
Nothing like a new build
Not just looking for any home to call his own, Matteo’s sights were set on something specific: a new-build apartment with a modern specification in a desirable area.
One of the last remaining Bristol harbourside property opportunities, McArthur’s Yard is proving to be one of our most popular developments, combining a historic landscape with luxury living. With its spectacular views and high specification homes, the development is catching the eye of buyers of all ages:
“I’m an aerospace design engineer so naturally, the design and quality of home were both high on the priority list for me.
“I was specifically looking for a new build as they take away a lot of the uncertainty that can come with buying and renovating an older home. Whilst they can be beautiful, renovations can be very costly, so for me, I felt more protected buying something new to the market.”
Completing at the end of March 2025, Matteo now comes home to a two-bedroom, top floor apartment at Guinness Homes development, McArthur’s Yard.
“It’s the perfect property for me. With limited new builds in the area, I knew pretty quickly that McArthur’s Yard was the one. One of the main perks of buying new is all the pre-fitted utilities – as a first time buyer, only having to buy a washing machine was such a perk. I’ve saved a fortune on appliances.
“The apartment is everything I was looking for – I’ve got two balconies which, on the top floor, give amazing views in a private space. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in so much light and are perfect for all my house plants. Given the layout of my home, there is also a small bonus space in the alcove that I’ve been able to convert into a walk-in wardrobe!
“The location is amazing; we’re only 10 minutes away from all the best bars, restaurants and everything the city has to offer. It’s right on the harbour, so I can enjoy views of the SS Great Britain right from my sofa – coming home feels like a vacation.”
Items featured are for illustrative purposes, adhering to the terms of the lease, include fire safe-complaint furnishings and/or are brought inside after use.Getting it right with Guinness Homes
At Guinness Homes, we understand that buying your home is never easy. Whether it’s your first home or your next; saving for your deposit, or liaising with solicitors, it’s not always straightforward. Our goal is to take as much of the pressure off you as possible, with our team of experienced and understanding sales managers and financial advisors supporting you from enquiry to completion.
“Guinness Homes was on hand throughout the whole process which, as a first time buyer, was really reassuring. There were some hiccups at the solicitor’s end, but it was nothing the Guinness team couldn’t manage. “When it came to putting down an offer, shared ownership isn’t something I’d ever heard of before, but it’s made my journey to homeownership so much more attainable.”
We are excited to release a new phase of one, two and three-bedroom homes at McArthur’s Yard, available to purchase with shared ownership. For more information, get in touch with the sales team today on 07974 887888.
McArthur’s Yard
1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments now available to view at McArthur’s Yard at the Harbourside in Bristol, secure your new home with Outright Purchase or Shared Ownership