Discover how shared ownership in Whitstable helped Gregg and Lizzy secure their dream four-bedroom family home at Whitstable Heights.
Find out how the scheme made moving up the property ladder possible – and why the seaside community was the perfect choice for their growing family.
For Gregg and Lizzy, moving into their dream home with their young children at Whitstable Heights was nothing short of perfect.
After nearly two years of searching across five local developments and carefully weighing up renovation projects, they finally found a shared ownership home that ticked every box.
Both this property and their previous one were bought through the scheme, which has steadily helped them climb the property ladder. As a result, they’ve been able to move forward sooner than expected.
Their new four-bedroom detached house now provides more space, a family-friendly layout, and an ideal location for a busy, growing household.
Shared Ownership: Making the Move Possible
Shared ownership truly made all the difference for Gregg, Head of Partnerships for a company, and Lizzy, a dedicated teaching assistant.
Like many families seeking more space but restricted by full market prices, their options had been limited. However, the shared ownership scheme enabled them to secure a home that fits their needs, while offering stability and the chance to increase their share over time.
This move wasn’t just about more space – it was also about creating a long-term family home and opening up excellent educational opportunities for their children.
Returning to Roots and Embracing the Outdoors
The move carries deep personal meaning for Gregg, who grew up in Whitstable.
“It’s where I grew up as a child, so it feels like coming back home. I really enjoy taking the kids to the coast and showing them where I used to play as a kid. It really means a lot,” he shares.
Moreover, the development’s proximity to nature reserves and beaches perfectly matches their love of the outdoors.
Lizzy comments: “As a family, we’ve always been in touch with nature. We love walking, and the children love the beach, and now we’re a few minutes’ drive to the wonderful seaside of Whitstable. Because of that, the area really caters for a lifestyle that we love. Plus, there is also a children’s park straight opposite the house and it’s given our eldest a lot more independence. She often goes across to the park with the daughter of one of our neighbours.”
Space, Views, and Community
Living in a larger home has completely transformed family life. “We were in a two-bedroom terrace, and now we’ve moved into a much bigger, brighter, and more spacious home. We struck gold with the view – we can see the sea, the Isle of Sheppey, windmills, and the show home opposite doesn’t encroach on that,” Gregg enthuses. “From the kids’ bedrooms, the other side of the house, the view is of the ongoing construction, and George loves watching the process. He’s obsessed with the construction vehicles.”
Since moving in at the start of August, the family has quickly settled into the community. “Despite moving in August, Olivia has already made friends,” Gregg explains. “Lizzy was part of the Whitstable Heights residents’ group early on and we formed a WhatsApp group. It was nice to get to know our neighbours even before moving in.”
Their sense of belonging has grown rapidly. Their neighbours’ daughter has become a close friend to Olivia, and the children share playdates and sleepovers on the family’s trampoline.
“We’ve been so lucky to establish strong relationships with our neighbours. We share childcare duties, and it’s great to see the children bonding. In fact, we were at their house on Saturday for one of their birthdays and we were saying that it feels like we’ve made some strong friendships already, even though it’s only been a month,” Gregg says.
Life at Whitstable Heights
Nowadays, weekends are filled with beach walks, woodland adventures, and trips to the high street.
“
“The surrounding area is so brilliant, with its beaches and woodlands. We’re very outdoorsy,” Gregg says. “We’ll throw on our coats and wellies in the winter and still head to the beach. Because of that, we make the most of it all year round.”
After an extensive search, the couple bought a 30% share of their home with an £80,000 deposit.
“We sometimes have to pinch ourselves that we’ve achieved this,” Lizzy remarks. “Two years ago, we never thought we’d be able to say we live in a four-bedroom detached house. Clearly, shared ownership has allowed us to create a wonderful life for our children.”
Looking Ahead
Gregg and Lizzy plan to staircase their investment and eventually own their home outright. “It’s our long-term home, so there’s an investment to be made in the remaining percentage,” Gregg notes. “We plan to see our children off to secondary school, maybe even university, from here. Overall, it’s been a huge step up, and we couldn’t be happier.”
At Whitstable Heights, the family has found more than a house. They’ve discovered a true home – one that supports their present and strengthens their future.
What is Shared Ownership?
Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme that helps people get onto the property ladder.
You buy a share of a home and pay rent on the rest.
Over time, you can increase your share through a process called “staircasing.”
Shared Ownership in Kent: Start Your Journey with Hyde New Homes
If you’re ready to find a home that truly feels like yours, now is the perfect time to begin.
Join a thriving community and take the first step toward owning your dream home.
Explore our available homes with Hyde New Homes today – and discover the best of life in Kent.
