Shared Ownership helps Sally lay down new roots for the family at Bluebell Gardens

Bluebell Gardens has proved to be the perfect place for mum of two Sally to find a fresh start for the family, and its Shared Ownership that has offered her a helping hand.

For Sally, the part-buy and part-rent scheme of Shared Ownership offered her the chance to affordably enjoy the perks of being a homeowner on a single income after her marriage ended, as she explains:

“Even with the sale of my previous home, I wouldn’t be able to purchase a new home for us outright, but I did have enough money to put down a deposit on a Shared Ownership property. This was a fantastic opportunity to buy some equity in a new property and have the perks of being a homeowner, which provides security for me and my children.

“Shared Ownership offers me the option to hopefully increase my share in my new home over time, and the chance to buy it fully in the future.” 

With its Herne Bay location, Sally saw Bluebell Gardens as the ideal place to move to, with it being close to work, the seaside and the rest of her family.

Even with a location in mind and choosing Shared Ownership as the route to securing a new home for the family, Sally still had to find the right home. She describes why her visit to Bluebell Gardens won her over on our two-bedroom ‘Maple’ house design:

“I had originally considered resale Shared Ownership homes, but the shorter leases and older layouts weren’t as appealing as Orbit Homes and the 990-year lease they offer. I did view other new build developments nearby, but the workmanship, open-plan layout and finish were just not as good as Orbit Homes. For me and my family, the peace of mind that comes with a new build home was a big factor.

“Orbit Homes were also much more helpful and supportive of the chain of sale that I was waiting on for my old home. I did have delays with that, but the Orbit Homes sales team were so supportive with chasing this, ensuring it went through smoothly and reassured me throughout. I never felt pressured and they went above and beyond to help me secure my family’s new home here.

It's not surprising to hear that the green surrounding and open plan home layout are a hit for Sally, her daughters and 13-year-old dog Harry, as she adds: “I absolutely love the open plan layout of our home, older resale properties didn’t have this, and the beautiful green space outside our home is perfect for us and Harry.”

Sally’s experience with Orbit Homes, particularly sales consultant Geraldine, was nothing short of outstanding. “Geraldine went above and beyond. She kept in constant contact and always had time for me. The whole experience has been so much easier than I expected and Orbit Homes could not have done any more to support us.”

For Sally, the top benefits of Shared Ownership are clear: long-term security, property investment, and the option to buy more shares over time. And she recommends the scheme to others:

“If you have the chance to get on the property ladder with Shared Ownership – take it.”

Now settled in her new home, Sally says her children are thriving and her family and friends love the new space. “It’s a fresh start during a really tough time, and I’m just so happy.”

Brian Nearney, Regional Managing Director at Orbit Homes, added: “We’re delighted to have helped Sally find a new home for the family at Bluebell Gardens and everyone from the team wishes them well.”

Bluebell Gardens is a fully affordable development from Orbit Homes in partnership with Stonebond, where just a few homes remain for purchase exclusively through Shared Ownership, including one of the same ‘Maple’ style as Sally’s new home. 

Located in the popular coastal town of Herne Bay, Bluebell Gardens offers the beauty of living on the seaside alongside easy access to shops, schools, and community facilities. The area also benefits from excellent transport, with Herne Bay train station within walking distance and connecting locals directly to London Victoria and St Pancras International, as well as wider Kent and Canterbury.

Orbit Homes is also offering more new homes for Shared Ownership in Herne Bay along the very same road as Bluebell Gardens, at Rosewood. Also in partnership with Stonebond, Rosewood features a stylish collection of 2-bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4-bedroom houses.