Retired teacher opens the door on shared ownership

Delighted Retired Teacher Opens the Door on Shared Ownership

Of the 600 homes which the council is delivering in the next five years, 20% will be for shared ownership. In the first such scheme run by City of York Council, 17 homes have already been sold and 40 more applicants are in the process of buying a share.

Shared ownership is a scheme that offers an alternative pathway to homeownership for individuals who might not be able to afford a property outright. Under this scheme, buyers purchase a share of a property, typically ranging from 25% to 75%, and pay rent on the remaining share owned by a housing association or developer. This arrangement allows individuals to enter the property market with a lower deposit and mortgage, making homeownership more accessible.

As their financial situation improves, occupants have the option to gradually increase their ownership stake through a process called “staircasing,” eventually reaching full ownership. Shared ownership aims to provide affordable housing options while offering occupants the security and benefits of homeownership, such as stability and the ability to personalize their living space.

Shared Ownership – affordable security

A retired York teacher who has bought a half share in city centre flat with the council, tells us how the scheme has worked for him by halving his monthly accommodation costs.

“The day they said I could have this place, I felt like I’d won the Lottery! I was paying £750 a month for my old two-bed flat, but now I’m paying £380 a month.”

Malcolm Murphy taught generations of children over 35 years and was a teacher with City of York Council for 25 years. After taking early retirement, a breakdown in his relationship left him struggling through a difficult few years.

He rented a flat in Fulford which left him with very little spare every month, even though the 62-year-old works at Waitrose to supplement his pension.

“Shared ownership means I can stay in the city I love, near my friends. Without it, I’ve have been a dead duck with no chance of owning a place.”

“When I saw the shared ownership advert on facebook, I applied and got an answer in an hour,” he said.

The scheme is eligible to people with a household income of up to £80,000 and a 5% deposit – the full details are at www.york.gov.uk/sharedownership. After working out what mortgage is affordable and getting an offer in principle, apply through the Help to Buy website. Successful applicants can choose to buy a share of a suitable property from the open market or from City of York Council.

Earlier this year, the council was marketing four apartments on Cemetery Road for shared ownership. They caught Malcolm’s eye and he arranged a viewing.

“As soon as I saw it, I fell in love with this flat. It ticks every box. It’s small, but easy to look after, and it means I can stay near my friends while being closer to work and the city centre,” he said.

Malcolm’s bought a 55% share which has significantly lowered his monthly outgoings. His situation has not only improved immediately financially, but also he and his family will benefit from the long term security of homeownership. This is something that would of been near impossible, without the aid of this scheme to  achieve that much needed “foot in the door”.

“I’d recommend the scheme because it means I can save, so that hopefully I can pay off my mortgage one day and leave something for my kids.”

To find out more about the scheme, please visit www.york.gov.uk/sharedownership.

Contact Information

Megan Rule
Senior Communications Manager
City of York Council
01904 555515
megan.rule@york.gov.uk

Our tips for first-time buyers – https://skill-builder.uk/first-time-buyers-guide-top-10-tips

About Dylan Garton

Dylan Garton is a co-founder, video producer and editor for the Skill Builder social media platforms.

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