Introducing Shared Ownership: Unpacked. The Southern Housing New Homes podcast
We’ve lined up the guests, sound checked the microphones and tried to keep Quacksley out of the way - now we’re excited to announce that our very own podcast is ready to go. Shared Ownership: Unpacked is a six-part podcast series which puts industry experts behind the mic to unpack all things Shared Ownership. Expect expert advice, honest stories, and a few laughs along the way.
Shared Ownership: Unpacked will be available wherever you get your podcasts from Monday 22nd September, to coincide with the Autumn London Home show (where you can find us at Stand 10). To whet your appetite, here’s a roundup of what you can expect from all six episodes which you can listen to on Acast, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer and YouTube.
Episode 1: Shared Ownership 101 (Is Shared Ownership a scam?)
Our opening episode sets the record straight on one of the biggest misconceptions in housing: is Shared Ownership really a scam? Vikki Walker, SHNH Sales and Marketing director breaks down how Shared Ownership works in simple terms: what you’re actually buying, how leaseholds fit in, and the pros and cons you need to know before signing on the dotted line. We tackle the criticisms head-on, from service charges to repairs, and help listeners understand where the myths come from. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone curious about Shared Ownership but unsure if it’s right for them.
Episode 2: "Shared Ownership Isn't for Everyone - Bue For Me It Was Perfect"
Next, we hand the mic to someone who’s been through it all. Roxee shares her personal journey into homeownership, explaining why Shared Ownership worked for her when other options didn’t. From the excitement of picking up the keys to making sure you read all the documents along the way, Roxee’s story offers a real, unfiltered view of what life as a Shared Owner is like. Whether you’re wondering about costs, the buying process, or the realities of monthly bills, this episode offers real details from someone who’s lived it.
Episode 3: "What They Don't Tell You About Buying a Home"
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a minefield of costs, paperwork, and confusing jargon. Anthony Hall, financial advisor at Censeo Financial joins us to break it all down, explaining everything from credit checks to mortgages and solicitor fees. We discuss the hidden costs buyers often forget about, how things like loans might affect your application, and the key questions to ask before signing anything. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to go into the buying process with their eyes open and their finances in order.
Episode 4: Staircasing & Selling - Can You Ever Own 100%?
This episode dives into one of the biggest myths about Shared Ownership: that you’re stuck and can’t move on. Laura Rose, Southern Housing’s Head of Sales Services, breaks down ‘staircasing’ and how it lets you buy more of your home over time, even reaching 100% ownership. We also dig into the realities of selling a Shared Ownership property, what happens if it doesn’t sell straight away, and how open market resales work. It’s all about understanding your options and planning for the future with confidence.
Episode 5: "What's Next for First-Time Buyers?"
With the housing market constantly changing, where does Shared Ownership fit in? John Wade, Market Insights Manager at Southern Housing shares his views on the future for first-time buyers, exploring how high interest rates and rising costs are shaping the market - and what prospective buyers can do to get prepared. We talk about why more people are turning to Shared Ownership, what the next few years could look like, and the practical steps to take if you’re thinking about buying but not quite ready to take the plunge.
Episode 6: "Can I Make It My Own?" - Exploring Lifestyle FAQ's Around Shared Ownership
Finally, we look at what life in a Shared Ownership home is really like. Lisa Strudwick, Sales Support manager at Southern Housing answers the questions buyers will want answered, from “Who handles repairs?” to “Can I make alterations to my property?” We talk about repairs, renovations, and the realities of buying off-plan, including the pros, cons, and what to expect before you move in. If you want to know how much freedom you have to make your home truly yours, this episode has all the answers.