Shared Ownership is allowing more people to find the home of their dreams (Picture: Peabody/Christopher Andreou)

As so many people struggle to get onto the property ladder, let alone climb it, there’s one option enabling so many people to achieve their dreams: Shared Ownership.

It’s no secret that these days, perceived (and real) affordability issues remain the number one barrier to home ownership across all audiences.

However, Peabody, which has operated for over 160 years, not only has a breadth of experience delivering in exceptional homes, but presents a way for many to buy their first property through Shared Ownership.

Put simply, Shared Ownership gives first-time and other buyers the opportunity to purchase a share in a leasehold property. They take out a mortgage on the share they buy and pay discounted rent on the balance, usually to a housing association. In some cases, this means saving up for a deposit of just 5% of your share of the home.

It’s the most affordable way to get or stay on the housing ladder if you don’t earn enough or don’t have sufficient savings to buy on the open market, as monthly mortgage and rent combined work out cheaper than a mortgage alone would.

From there, you can make it your own, able to decorate it however you like while also being able to share in the profits if you sell your home down the line, benefiting from any increase in value.

Peabody’s developments open the doors for people to buy homes more easily (Picture: Peabody Homes)

There’s a selection of developments in London and the Home Counties (Picture: Peabody Homes)

So it goes without saying, affordable home buying journeys have been opened up to those who would never be able to enter the market thanks to the high cost of living and property in 2025, where the average cost of a home in the UK is £269,000 (this figure rises to £564,000 in London).

Shared Ownership means you can also own a high-quality, new build home affordably without compromising on location or quality. Plus, Shared Ownership schemes promote flexibility, where you can initially buy as much of the property as you can afford, and then ‘Staircasing’ to buy more shares in the future, eventually owning 100% of your home.

Not just the outside, the interiors are stylish and sleek (Picture: Peabody Homes)

The housing association has a large number of developments across London, from The Auria in Chelsea, to City Angel in Islington, so whatever your circumstances, there is a range of locations to help people step onto, and climb, the ladder while living in some of the most desirable locations in the country.

Going beyond the capital, there is more choice beyond London, as developments pop up in the South East and Home Counties, and every brand new home Peabody sells helps to provide more homes for people who need them most. The organisation prides itself on social purpose, but creating a home that a resident loves matters more.

The organisation is one of the oldest and largest not-for-profit housing associations in the UK, and following a merger with Catalyst Housing in April 2022, The Peabody Group is responsible for over 108,000 homes and 220,000 residents across London and the Home Counties. And counting!

Who is eligible for Shared Ownership?

You must be aged 18 or older.
Your annual household income if buying in London must be less than £90,000 (£80,000 outside of London).
You will normally be a first-time buyer or be in the process of selling your home. You must not own any other property at the time you buy your new home.
You should not be able to afford to buy a home on the open market.
You must be able to show you are not in rent or mortgage arrears and demonstrate a good credit history.

*Eligibility may vary depending on property size and whether there are any criteria imposed by the local authority.

Rather than just plots of land, they aim to provide more than simply a place to live – it’s more about providing somewhere someone is proud to call their own. Whether it’s your first purchase or your forever home, it’s where people find their place with quality, thoughtful properties.

Homes are part of vibrant, sustainable communities, and as more and more people are forced to move further afield to make their home ownership dreams a reality, buying through Shared Ownership is enabling more to stay in London, a vibrant city with endless possibilities on the doorstep.

'It feels liberating to know that I have full independence'

Buying a first home, getting married and preparing for the arrival of a baby are all busy life events and Raphael, 35, and Jacinta La Rue, 33, would know, after experiencing all these milestones simultaneously!

With a moving date of August 10, and their nuptials already confirmed for August 12, it was a busy summer for the newlyweds who have bought a home through Shared Ownership at The Switch by Peabody New Homes in Wimbledon.

Raphael originally started his property search with the intention to take the traditional mortgage route, but due to an extremely long chain, his first attempt fell through and his mortgage broker advised he should look into Shared Ownership. At the time, Jacinta, originally from Australia, was waiting for her visa to come through and as soon as she received this, they restarted their search with a new direction. Looking at homes available to buy through Shared Ownership meant they could afford to buy in a premium London location.

Raphael and Jacinta moved into The Switch in Wimbledon (Picture: Peabody/Christopher Andreou)

Jacinta, a nanny in Chiswick, and Raphael, a Health and Safety Manager for the NHS, purchased a 25% share of a two-bedroom apartment, with a £42,600 deposit.

Determined to avoid renting, Raphael was keen to go straight from living at home with his parents to taking a step onto the property ladder, saying: ‘It goes against my principles to rent. I was taught by my parents to aim to buy a home. I’ve always been a good saver and my father encouraged me to stay at our family home in Enfield, on the condition that I focused on saving for a property of my own. So, I’ve been saving 70% of my monthly salary for five years.’

Jacinta, who was living in a rented shared home in Acton, west London, before moving into their new apartment, says: ‘It’s a huge relief to own a home now and I’m not missing sharing my kitchen with three other people one bit. My parents were here for our wedding, so had the chance to visit our apartment and explore the area. They were so excited for us and really loved everything about it.’

Located in south west London, The Switch is equidistant between Earlsfield, Tooting and Wimbledon and is set around new retail and leisure space. With numerous dining out options, Tooting Bec Food Market, four theatres, the world-famous All England Tennis Club and several parks within walking distance, including Wimbledon Park, its vibrant position was a big draw for the couple.

Speaking of the area, Raphael says the family wanted to stay in London and buying through Shared Ownership was the best way to make this happen.

From the travel connections to the charming Wimbledon Village, teamed with being a short 25 minutes from nearby Earlsfield where he can easily commute to Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals, where he’s based, Raphael says he’s fallen in love with the area.

Discussing the process of buying through Shared Ownership, Raphael says: ‘Everyone at Peabody New Homes was so helpful and very efficient, guiding us through each stage of the process. Although I love my family, it feels liberating to know that I have full independence, despite the fact I’m having to pay my own bills now!’