Natalie’s journey to home ownership with her much-loved dog, Lupin

Natalie was first introduced to NCHA when she moved into a two-bedroom mid-terrace home in Littleover, Derbyshire, with her former partner and her child. The family rented the property for three years.

When the relationship ended in November 2024, Natalie moved back in with her mum in Wolverhampton while she figured out her next steps.

"I knew living with my mum could only ever be a temporary solution," she says. "I was officially classed as homeless, but there were so many people ahead of me on the council housing waiting list, and finding a suitable private rental that would allow Lupin was proving difficult."

Determined to create a stable future for herself, Natalie focused on saving money and searching for a new home. It was during this time that she discovered shared ownership.

"I'd never heard of shared ownership before, but the more I researched it, the more it felt like the right option for me. I came across a development from NCHA in Derby, as well as another site from a developer I wasn't familiar with. Seeing the NCHA name definitely gave me confidence."

Natalie visited the new homes being built in Sinfin, Derby, and quickly registered her interest in purchasing a 25% share of a three-bedroom end-terrace property.

"Keely from the sales team was incredibly helpful. She guided me through every stage of the process so I always knew what I needed to do and when. She even contacted me when a three-bedroom semi became available and I ended up switching to that one. It was a bigger home and the plot number was my lucky number, so it felt like it was meant to be.

"I'm also a huge history enthusiast, so I loved the fact that a Second World War pillbox had been preserved on the site. That was another thing that drew me in."

After some minor delays, Natalie finally received the keys to her new home in August 2025. Over the past year, she has enjoyed turning it into a space that truly feels like her own.

"I stayed here from the very first night, even before any of my furniture had arrived, because I was so happy to have my own place again.

"I've been waiting for the plaster to settle before decorating, but I've been picking up furniture bit by bit and I think I've become an expert at building flat-pack furniture. I've also been able to add my own personality through artwork, cushions and curtains. Everything feels exactly how I want it."

The extra space has also allowed Natalie to create a dedicated home office for her role as a Customer Support Manager, while Lupin has settled into his new surroundings just as happily.

"While I'm working, Lupin is usually stretched out in the garden enjoying the sunshine. Then once I've finished for the day, we head out for walks around the local area. We've already found plenty of favourite spots."

Looking ahead, Natalie is considering increasing the share she owns in her home as her income grows, but she's content to take things one step at a time.

For now, she's simply enjoying the stability, independence and sense of belonging that come with having a place to call her own.

"I'm in no rush. I'm just happy being settled here with Lupin."

Fact file on scheme: 75 new homes for Derby