Karen finds the perfect space to start afresh with the help of Shared Ownership
Karen wasn’t previously aware of Shared Ownership, but it’s now helped her secure a new home and fresh start for the family at Orbit Homes’ Liberty Park.
The mum of two quickly realised that Shared Ownership, a part-buy and part-rent scheme, was an affordable option for those unable to buy a new home outright and set her sights on Liberty Park in Rackheath, having lived most of her life in Norfolk.
“I knew I couldn't afford to buy a new home outright and did not want to rent. I wasn't aware of Shared Ownership initiatives until I researched on the government website and found different options for affordable housing.
“The ability to buy a certain percentage of a property and pay rent on the remainder made it an affordable option to secure a quality, new home in a good location that was accessible for my girls' school and my work.”
Having only ever lived in older houses, Karen had never considered a new build home before but she soon saw the benefits of choosing a home that would be completely fresh and require no renovations, adding: “I never thought I would buy a new build property as I have always like the character of older houses. However, I knew that as a co-parent with limited resources I would need a property that wouldn't need money pouring into it.”
Once she’d researched some local options, it was like love at first sight for Karen at Liberty Park, where she picked out a stylish three-bedroom ‘Tawny’ house design from Orbit Homes.
“Seeing the airy, spacious and well-equipped Tawny house made me realise that this was the house for a new start with my family.”
With two teenage daughters, an ‘energetic’ Border Collie and three cats, Orbit Homes’ sector-leading design which maximises space was a hit with the whole family, as Karen explains: “My daughters and I love the spacious nature of the house, especially the kitchen, and we love the cosy living room we’ve created together. We are also lucky to have a large garden which is great for a big and energetic dog, plus the underfloor heating is a real treat!”
Liberty Park’s well-served location in Rackheath is also very convenient for Karen, who is delighted with the area that the family now call home.
“The neighbours are so welcoming and the area is calm and quiet. There’s lots of places to go for walks and the local amenities, including a range of supermarkets and a pub, chemist and post office, are only a 5-minute drive away.”
Karen also feels that her decision to buy with Orbit Homes was ‘cemented’ by the service she received from the team throughout.
“Pearl, the Sales Consultant for Liberty Park, was supportive and warm and made the process of buying our new home as smooth and stress-free as possible. The homebuying experience was made straightforward, and I felt informed throughout. Even when I exchanged, I got a demonstration of all the features in the houses, making moving into our home so much smoother.”
Karen ‘wholeheartedly’ recommends Shared Ownership to those looking for a new home, as she shares a few tips for homebuyers: “I would wholeheartedly recommend Shared Ownership because it supports you to buy a top of the range property which you may not be able to afford outright.
“But it is important to do lots of research before you make any firm decisions, including whether the provider offers variations in the percentage you can buy.
“It’s also important to check the small print to help you budget accurately for your purchase. You also need to enquire as to when the property may be ready.”
Liberty Park is now sold out, but to view all the new homes Orbit Homes offers in Norfolk visit: https://www.orbithomes.org.uk/new-homes-in-norfolk/