A young Redcar couple have completed a whirlwind move from living with parents to a dream home of their own in just four months.
In December 2018 Steph and James Barwick took the decision to move out of their private rental property and live temporarily with James’ family in order to save enough money to take their first step onto the property ladder.
As Steph was also launching her own wedding design business, the couple were estimating a wait of around three years before they could save enough cash and establish the business to a point that would allow them a full mortgage.
It was just a few weeks after moving in with family that, while browsing online property sales sites, Steph spotted the opportunity that would dramatically change their plans.
“I’d noticed the shared ownership option being offered by Beyond Housing for new homes which were currently under construction on the Bellway Scholars Park development site in Redcar,” she explained, “I emailed to express an interest and to our delight we’d reserved a plot with a week!”
With their plot secured in mid-December, Steph and James engaged a financial advisor, had their mortgage in place before Christmas and have now picked up the keys to their brand-new home.
Now, having settled into their house and even made a start setting out their garden, Steph reflected on the four months leading up to their move, “It’s been an amazing time for us,” she said, “We’ve got married, started a new business, gained a puppy and moved into our dream home. From the moment we first contacted Beyond Housing we’ve not looked back. The shared ownership purchase process was straightforward, and we now have the lovely home that we thought we’d be waiting years for”.
Vicky Griffiths, Beyond Housing Sales and Marketing Coordinator, added, “It’s been a pleasure helping Steph and James realise their dream of buying their own home. Their story is a great illustration of how shared ownership can be the perfect option for many people wishing to step onto the property ladder”.