100% Ownership - Why buying with Shared Ownership was 100% worth it.

For Leon and Samantha, staircasing to 100% has given them security and peace of mind and a “brighter future for their family”. Their home no longer just ‘feels like theirs’ it actually is – win! It'll be a foundation for memories to be made and a place where they can look ahead to the future with confidence.

From the moment they moved into their Shared Ownership flat, they knew they had found somewhere special. "When we first moved into our home, that's when it really felt like home."

Over the years, their flat has become the backdrop for everyday moments that matter most. Whether it's relaxing together as a family or welcoming friends and relatives to visit, it's a place they are proud of. They love a good brag about their bathroom. "It's a large bathroom with a great design. We're always proud to show it to family and friends."

Like many Shared Ownership residents, Leon and Samantha were able to find a home that was more affordable for them than buying outright. But as the years passed and their circumstances evolved, they began thinking more about what they wanted for the future. "We're getting older and wanted a brighter future for our family."

While staircasing to 100% ownership won't be the right choice for everyone, it was the right next step for Leon and Samantha. Having already built a life they loved there, they didn't want to move on, they wanted to own 100% of their home.

Before starting the process, they had questions about timescales and whether everything would progress smoothly. "We wanted to know if it would be a quick and swift process and whether staircasing to 100% would be completed within the timeframe."

Throughout the journey, they felt supported by Southern Housing's staircasing team, who provided guidance and reassurance at every stage. "We were reassured by Southern Housing that everything would be okay."

The couple were particularly grateful for the service they received throughout the process. "Isaac and the staff at Southern Housing were outstanding, providing a quality and professional service. They responded to our questions, answered everything we needed to know and kept us updated throughout the staircasing process. We would highly recommend their services."

And if time machines existed, they also have one piece of advice they would give themselves if they were starting their home-buying journey again. "Purchase the maximum shares at the start."

They only purchased 30% at the start and Leon thinks it would have been better for them to have owned a few more from the get-go. Today, owning 100% of their home gives them something that is just as important as the home itself: peace of mind. "It means reassurance and security for the future."

The decision has also changed how they think about the years ahead. "We can now plan for a brighter future long-term."

Looking back, Leon and Samantha would encourage anyone considering their options to seek advice and explore what's possible. "Go for it and get advice on the process."

Their story highlights something many Shared Ownership customers discover: a home can be the foundation for life's bigger moments. Whether that's building a family, creating lasting memories or planning confidently for the future, Shared Ownership can provide a route to home ownership that grows with you as your circumstances change.

For Leon and Samantha, staircasing to 100% ownership was the right next chapter in their journey. And now, with the security of 100% ownership, they're looking forward to doing what they've always enjoyed most: "Continuing to enjoy life in our home."

Could staircasing be the right next step for you? Or are you interested in how Shared Ownership could work for you and maybe one day you'll get to where Leon and Samantha are now? Check out your options.