Geoffrey’s fresh start in Melton Mowbray 

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.

After more than 20 years living in a shared ownership home with his ex‑wife, Geoffrey suddenly found himself needing to make a new start. He chose Melton Mowbray as the place to rebuild his life. When he discovered the new development on Lake Terrace, he was interested but unsure whether buying a shared ownership home alone would be financially possible.

To find out, Geoffrey contacted the NCHA Sales team. He completed the application process and a finance check with Key Mortgages. Shortly afterwards, he received the call he’d been hoping for: he was eligible.

In summer 2025, Geoffrey moved into his brand‑new two‑bedroom semi‑detached home. The property was valued at £210,000, and he purchased a 30% share, £63,000, paid in cash. He now pays £376.14 per month in rent and service charge on the remaining share. Having lived in shared ownership before, he felt reassured throughout the process: “I knew all about shared ownership, so I knew I was in safe hands.”

Settling into Melton Mowbray has been a positive step in his life. Geoffrey joined NCHA at the scheme’s opening event, telling the team how well he was adjusting. He explained, “I’m moving on with life in a positive way. I’m making the house my own, it’s an exciting new venture. A new start.”

The home’s location has been ideal for him. “It’s close to the town centre, I can walk there in 15 to 20 minutes, so I get some exercise,” he said. Now enjoying an active routine, he has joined the local bowls club and volunteers with the Scouts. Living on a pension, affordability and security were essential factors.

He describes his new home with pride: “I’ve got the security of a safe house. It’s got a nice big kitchen diner and a huge garden. I like the layout. It’s fully insulated and I can’t hear anything through the windows.”

For Geoffrey, shared ownership has once again proven to be the right choice. “I would recommend shared ownership, you get satisfaction that it partly belongs to you. If you can afford it, do it! It’s not the big expense of the whole house. It suits me and I will never look back. I will look after it.”

Today, Geoffrey is enjoying a home that gives him stability, independence and a renewed sense of optimism, an important step forward in the next chapter of his life.