Over 55s customer: "It's given me peace of mind and a chance to have a home again."
Discover how a new home through Co-Ownership "dramatically improved" one customer's day-to-day life.
After my divorce, I moved in with my elderly mum. I was grateful to have somewhere to go, but I had been looking for a place of my own for years. I was very anxious about whether I would ever be able to own a property again. It felt like it might just never happen.
I had known about Co-Ownership for a long time - my brother and his wife bought their first home through it years ago - but I hadn't heard of Co Own for Over 55s before. Then a new local development came onto the market, and I realised the homes were only available through Co-Ownership. I looked into it, found I met the criteria for the Over 55s option, and that was that.
I didn't look anywhere else. Nowhere else had suited my needs over all those years of searching. I wanted the right location, an apartment but not in a big block, a small garden, space for parking, and a corner site. This development ticked every box. There are only two apartments in my block, the bus stop is a two minute walk away, and I'm still close to my mum. It felt like it was made for me.
The process was so much easier than I expected. The staff in the office were so easy to deal with. They even came out one day to meet me at the house, and they were lovely. Everything was really clear and easy to fill in. I can't say enough about the staff, especially Sinead and Grant. The process is easy because they make it that way. Nothing is a problem for them.
I was also surprised to find that I could take an 85% share with no mortgage - just rent and rates. I wish I had known from the start how straightforward it all was.
Moving into my new home has dramatically improved my day-to-day life. I love the lovely green area in front with the newly planted trees, we're already talking about putting lights on them at Christmas. Everyone here is new and we're all starting fresh together, chatting and getting to know one another. Nice neighbours make such a difference.
More than anything, it has given me security. I know I will never be homeless. I can easily afford the rent, and I have peace of mind at last. After a hard time, I finally have a home again.
If you're thinking about Co Own for Over 55s but aren't sure, I'd say: give it a couple of hours and investigate - you'll know if it's for you. But go for it. Definitely.
