With recent reports that nearly 37% of first time buyers[1] are now relying on help from the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ to secure their first home, Holly Broomfield (32) knew that as one third of a triplet, this would not be a feasible option for her parents.
Holly had been living in Billericay with her parents, brother, and sister but as she saw more and more of her friends starting to get on the property ladder, she knew it was something she wanted to do herself.
Holly explains, “I really wanted to stay in the area, close to friends and family, as the location is perfect with my job in London as an Operations Manager, as the commute is really easy. I had always wanted to own my own property so had opened a Lifetime ISA as a way of saving up to £4,000 a year for a property or pension with the Government adding 25% each year, up to £1,000.
“I knew a bit about Shared Ownership and when I saw Sempra Homes launch their Monarch Place development in January 2022, I was really interested in seeing if it was an option.
“I knew about Sempra as I followed them on Instagram so got in touch to express my interest and arranged a visit. The team were really helpful and talked me through exactly what I needed to do. Before visiting I needed to have a mortgage agreed in principle, which I did through my mortgage advisor, and then I was able to view the development and express an interest in the properties I liked.
“I was really impressed with the quality of the development and the spacious feel of the apartments so was thrilled when I was told that I was successful in reserving a one bedroom, first floor apartment.”
Holly purchased a one bedroom Shared Ownership apartment at Monarch Place, Billericay. The development features 30 one and two bedroom apartments.
She continues, “I found the whole buying process really straight forward and Sempra Homes kept in touch with me on a regular basis, providing me with updates and advice on what to chase from my solicitors – it really was a whole education in buying a home. They were really happy to answer any questions I had and help me understand what was required when.
“Having been in my home for two years, I really love it. Everything has been thought through really well and is of high quality with lovely wood effect flooring and a dove grey kitchen with integrated appliances included. I also love my south facing double balcony which adds so much light and I am able to sit out there and enjoy the summer evenings. I also have a really nice 20 walk through the park to the station which is a great way to start and end my day.
“I would highly recommend anyone considering Shared Ownership as a way to get on the property ladder. Paying part rent and part mortgage is really straight forward and I am already planning to buy additional shares in the next few years.”
Sempra Homes will be launching a new development, Ghyllgrove in Basildon later this year. Featuring 34 brand new homes, it will offer a mixture of two, three and four bedroom homes with 10 available to purchase via Shared Ownership and the remaining 24 homes available through Private Sale.
Built to a high specification each home will be fitted with integrated energy efficient appliances to the kitchen, and flooring provided throughout the whole house, with carpets to the stairs, landing and bedrooms and quality laminate flooring to the downstairs areas. Each home will have its own private garden and allocated parking spaces.
To register your interest please visit www.semprahomes.co.uk
