Discover how shared ownership helped Sally and Dave secure their dream home at Spring Acres in Sittingbourne. Learn about the benefits of shared ownership and explore available homes today!
Sally and Dave Church are no strangers to taking on challenges. From planning a wedding to training for the London Marathon, this dynamic couple has achieved incredible milestones in just eight months. One of their accomplishments was finding their dream home at Spring Acres by Hyde New Homes through shared ownership. Their story is a testament to how shared ownership can make homeownership achievable.
What is shared ownership?
Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme designed to help people get onto the property ladder. It allows you to purchase a share of a home and pay rent on the remaining portion. Over time, you can increase your share through a process called “staircasing.” This flexible and affordable option is ideal for first-time buyers or those looking to upsize, like Sally and Dave.
Sally and Dave’s shared ownership journey
Sally and Dave had been living in Sally’s two-bedroom apartment in Sittingbourne, but as their needs evolved, they realised it was time for a change. Sally had purchased the apartment 14 years ago through shared ownership, also with Hyde New Homes, but the couple needed more space without leaving their local area.
“I’m born and bred in Sittingbourne, so we wanted to stay here and remain close to family and friends. We wanted more space for several reasons. I work from home full-time now and we’re keen cyclists, so a garage and a dedicated office room were priorities as well as a garden.”
– Sally Church
That was the situation when Sally stumbled upon Spring Acres on Facebook. Intrigued by the development offering modern, spacious homes, they attended the launch weekend and immediately knew it was the perfect place for their next chapter.
“We were planning to be sensible and save up for a year after the wedding before we started to look. However, I came across Spring Acres on Facebook four months before the event and not one to wait around, attended the launch weekend, decided we had to live here and put my apartment on the market immediately!”
– Sally Church
Finally, the couple secured a beautiful three-bedroom house at Spring Acres, complete with a garden and a garage—ticking all their boxes. They put down a £50,000 deposit for a 45% share, and plan to increase their share over the next three years, making their dream home fully theirs.
“My experience has been a very positive one, which is why we chose to buy with shared ownership again. It meant we could afford the space we were craving, in a space of our own, and somewhere we could stay long-term and grow into.”
– Sally Church
Selling a shared ownership home
Having purchased her previous home through shared ownership with Hyde New Homes, Sally decided to sell her two-bedroom apartment to fund the move. She listed it immediately and successfully sold it for £320,000, receiving £80,000 for her 25% share.
Sally’s experience highlights the growing demand for shared ownership. Her apartment sold in October 2023 on the first day it was on the market
“The fact that it was snapped up so quickly, to a first-time buyer, shows that the demand is there and there’s a huge need for shared ownership. People want to own a home, and shared ownership is a brilliant and achievable option.”
– Sally Church
One key advantage of buying a shared ownership home with Hyde is the flexibility to sell at any time, no matter how many shares you own. Plus, Hyde’s dedicated resales team will guide you through the process, making it smooth and stress-free.
Learn about selling your share ownership home
The ease of buying with Hyde New Homes
Sally and Dave found the buying process with Hyde New Homes smooth and straightforward . Hyde’s sales advisor at Spring Acres, Ann, guided them through the process.
“Ann in the sales office at Spring Acres is also from Sittingbourne and we have some mutual friends, so we had a lovely rapport. Dave had given her our wish list and as soon as we walked back in once we’d sold my apartment, she told us she had the place for us, gave us the keys, and told us to go and take a look. She had remembered all the specifics of what we wanted and was absolutely spot-on with her recommendation!”
– Sally Church
Hyde New Homes is committed to providing exceptional customer service, guiding buyers through every step of their homebuying journey. Our dedication has been recognised with the 2024 Gold Award and Outstanding Achievement Award for Customer Satisfaction, proving our commitment to quality, value, and support.
Let us help you find your dream home and make your homebuying experience a seamless and satisfying one.
Hyde homes: Light, spacious, and perfect for modern living
In February 2024, Sally and Dave moved in with their cat, George, ready to enjoy their new space and continue making the most of the surrounding countryside.
Sally and Dave’s new home at Spring Acres has everything they were looking for. The three-bedroom house boasts large windows that flood the rooms with natural light, a modern kitchen with luxurious appliances, and a garden for outdoor relaxation.
“Probably my absolute favourite feature about the home itself is the huge windows. Natural light streams into every room, so they all feel so light and spacious. Dave absolutely loves cooking in our new kitchen and is really enjoying the new appliances.”
– Sally Church
All homes at Spring Acres also come with high-specification features as standard, including contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances and quality flooring throughout.
Life at Spring Acres: A perfect fit for active lifestyles
Spring Acres is more than just a housing development; it’s a community designed for those who love the outdoors. Nestled in a country park setting, it offers easy access to Sittingbourne’s vibrant town centre while being surrounded by stunning countryside.
For Sally and Dave, who are avid runners and cyclists, the location is ideal.
“We’re members of the local triathlon club, which meets regularly for runs and cycles. We can step out of our house, and there’s a huge choice of paths to take. There’s so much beautiful countryside to enjoy.”
– Sally Church
The development also features wide pathways, excellent schools, play areas, and cherry tree orchards, creating a peaceful and picturesque environment. Plus, the vibrant town centre of Sittingbourne boasts a wide range of places to shop, eat, and relax, ensuring that everything you need is right on your doorstep.
With excellent road links via the A2, M2, and M20, commuting from Spring Acres is a breeze. For those who need to travel into London, both Sittingbourne and Teynham stations offer convenient train services, making it easy to enjoy the best of both town and country living.
Explore Spring Acres: Your dream home awaits
If Sally and Dave’s story has inspired you, it’s time to explore Spring Acres for yourself. This stunning development offers a range of homes perfect for families, couples, and individuals looking to upsize or downsize.
Current Availability: Two bedroom apartments start from £65,000 for a 25% share (full market value: £260,000)
Ready to take the first step toward homeownership? Click the button below to learn more about Spring Acres and the shared ownership scheme. Start your journey today!
