The Rolfe Family
Through the part-buy part-rent scheme we can have the future we wanted. "
In partnership with Thurrock Council Swan Housing Group have developed three Shared Ownership schemes within the borough and helped to get numerous council residents on to the property ladder.
Swan Home Ownership Manager Wendy Hegarty said: “Our schemes have given people in the local community the chance to buy a share of their own home – something which they wouldn’t have been able to do.
“All of our shared ownership residents were either Thurrock Council tenants or on the waiting list for housing. They were all unable to get onto the property ladder and this shared ownership scheme has given them the option to own their own property and gain equity. It is rewarding to see that by working together in partnership we can provide homes that suit the community’s needs.”
The Essex and East London based Housing Association has developed three schemes in Thurrock; Alexandra Way in East Tilbury, Kingfisher Heights in Grays and Thackery Avenue in Tilbury.
All schemes feature brand new one, two and three bedroom modern properties and range from £115,000 - £167,000.
Alan and Karen Rolfe were living in Tilbury with their two children Reegan and Jordan and were looking to buy a property for their family for more than two years in East Tilbury, but couldn’t afford the property prices in the area.
“We were living in a council maisonette at the time and were desperate to buy our own home,” said Karen, 27. “I got talking to someone who had been offered a home through a Housing Association and was put on to Swan. We viewed the shared ownership houses in Alexandra Way and wanted one straight away. It was exactly what we were looking for – and the fact we could buy it at a 50% share and still have the option to buy more in the future made it even better.”
The Rolfes immediately arranged for their mortgage for the three-bedroom property and started the proceedings to buy their first home.
Alan, 31, a docker in Tilbury added: “It was really important to us to find a home in an area where our children could go to the schools they wanted and somewhere that we could feel safe. Swan made the whole process very easy and explained everything for us, they were there to help us every step of the way.
“We would definitely recommend Swan to anyone. Through the part-buy part-rent scheme we can have the future we wanted. This will probably be our home for the rest of our lives.”
The Rolfes moved in to their new home before the New Year and were able to spend their first Christmas together in their house.
“The children were so excited to move in,” continued Karen. “We were desperate to get in before Christmas so it was really great to move in time. This is everything we’ve ever wanted for our family. I would advise anyone looking to buy a home who is finding the house prices too expensive to consider Swan and their Shared Ownership Scheme.
Anyone interested in any of Swan’s part-buy part-rent schemes can call 0800 389 6382 or e-mail homeownership@swan.org.uk.