Joe purchased his two-bedroom ground-floor property in Archway/Upper Holloway under the Shared ownership HOLD scheme.
Shared ownership schemes have been established as a low cost home ownership option for people of modest incomes for many years. HOLD is a similar government-backed shared ownership scheme specifically for people with a long term disability to share in the ownership of their home with a housing association. HOLD is available (subject to lender approval) to people aged 18 or over, with long-term disabilities (this covers physical and learning disabilities, cognitive and sensory impairments and enduring mental health issues).
Joe is now the proud owner of 25 per cent of his ground-floor two-bedroom apartment, together with front and back gardens. Joe, together with the help of his parents Jill and Ian, has been looking for a home since spring 2019, and finally completed at the Belmont development on the 5 June 2020.
Previously having lived in Barnet in supported accommodation, the difference for Joe is "incomparable. Renting in the private sector with its insecurity was really not an option."
"The reservation process was easy, though a bit nail-biting because we weren't sure we would be accepted."
Joe is now the proud owner of 25 per cent of his ground-floor two-bedroom apartment, together with front and back gardens. Joe, together with the help of his parents Jill and Ian, has been looking for a home since spring 2019, and finally completed at the Belmont development on the 5 June 2020.
Previously having lived in Barnet in supported accommodation, the difference for Joe is "incomparable. Renting in the private sector with its insecurity was really not an option."
Joe and his family did not know all that much about the shared ownership scheme beforehand, and when viewing, the family had "not viewed other shared ownership flats, though we kept our eye open on ones available in the area. Most were not suitable. We viewed a number of flats to buy outright that were not shared ownership ones."
Even when asked about the shared ownership journey, Joe and his family were incredibly anxious, as they were unsure Joe would be accepted under this scheme. As Joe loves to paint, having the outside space was important, and being close to his family for support was essential.
Joe's parents said: "Having a place of his own, the security and a very peaceful home, in a great area" was the important thing.