Friends buy homes next door to each other

Shared ownership is an affordable way to buy a home of your own. NCHA's customers have written about their experiences in a series of case studies, to explain what shared ownership has done for them.

Neighbours Katie and Lisa got on the property ladder thanks to shared ownership.

They moved into their new homes off Daleside Road in Nottingham in December 2023. Katie and Lisa have been friends since secondary school and were both wanting to secure their future by getting on the property ladder.

Lisa and her 21 year old son Cameron have bought 25% of a two-bedroom semi-detached house for £48,750 (full market value £195,000) and pay monthly rent of £335. The development is located just a couple of miles from Nottingham City Centre, with easy access to local shops.

Lisa commented: “Cameron and I were previously renting a council flat which was cheaper, but I was keen to get on the property ladder to secure our future. I had some inheritance that paid the deposit and Cameron is on the mortgage with me and contributes towards the costs.

“We are so grateful that NCHA were able to accommodate us living next door to Katie. We’ve always joked about living closer together but never imagined this! It’s had so many advantages, we each have a spare set of keys and have helped each other out.”

Katie said: “My partner and I were living in a private rental that was expensive and damp. We needed a place of our own but we just couldn’t afford a house on the open market. When I read about these homes in the Nottingham Post, I didn’t think in a million years we would get one of these new homes.

“I am so pleased we invested the time and went along to the information event to find out more about shared ownership and meet the Sales team. They really have made our dreams come true. We wish we had brought shared ownership sooner, as we would have saved so much money. We are so much better off now.

“We love the design and the quality of the house. It has an enclosed garden and parking, I still can’t believe we can afford it. It is our forever home which has been made even more special as I am living next door to my best friend. Like Lisa we currently own 25% but we’d like to own more so will definitely be looking at staircasing in the future.”