Homeowner at 26, thanks to Shared Ownership

"Shared Ownership has given me the independence I was looking for".

Austin Winton, purchased a 25 per cent share of a two-bedroom apartment at NHG Homes’ The Perfume Factory in North Acton for £500,000 with Shared Ownership – a scheme which offers first-time buyers a more accessible route onto the property ladder.

“I would recommend Shared Ownership to anyone looking to buy… It’s helped me get my foot on the property ladder"

Like many Londoners, Austin (26), an analyst at a media agency, had been looking to get on the property ladder but found the challenge of saving the amount needed for a house deposit in the capital impossible.  He was previously renting in Clapham before he decided to move back in to his family home in Ealing to help reduce his monthly outgoings and save money. 

While living back in west London and speaking with friends in the area, he started looking at North Acton as a potential location to buy a home and was made aware of new development The Perfume Factory, which piqued his interest as a place he could put down roots.

After speaking to the NHG Homes sales team about the homes, local area and benefits of buying with Shared Ownership, Austin’s decision was made and he moved into a two-bedroom apartment in January 2024.

“When I was in Clapham, I was stuck in the trap of paying sky-high rents every month and not being able to put any money aside to buy, so I decided to move back in with my dad to build up some savings."

“He’s where I get a lot of my advice from about buying in London and the financial decisions that go with this.  After speaking with him about The Perfume Factory and Shared Ownership as a way to buy, he agreed it was a wise investment decision and gifted me the amount needed for a deposit, allowing me to make that first step onto the property ladder.  I wouldn’t have been able to do this without him.”

Using Shared Ownership, first-time buyers can get onto the property ladder in popular, sought after parts of London with deposits as low as four figures.  For parents looking to help their children start their home owning journeys, this scheme provides a more accessible and manageable route to doing so with the amount needed for a deposit being significantly less than what’s required on the open market. 

Location, location, location

Situated two minutes from North Acton station with access to the Central Line and less than a 15 minute walk away from the Elizabeth Line at Acton Main Line station, residents at The Perfume Factory are well connected into the heart of the capital, making it the ideal base for commuters travelling into the city or Londoners wanting to make the most of London on weekends.

“The transport links here are pretty amazing.  I work in Blackfriars and can be in the office less than 45 minutes from leaving my front door.  It’s great being able to live slightly further out of London without having to compromise on convenience.”

For destinations further afield, Heathrow Airport is also just 40 minutes away via the Elizabeth line, meaning business travellers and holiday goers alike can take trips with ease.

A thriving hub

For those looking to stay closer to home, the area surrounding The Perfume Factory and wider west London offers a vibrant community filled with many shops, restaurants and other amenities.

“What I was really pleasantly surprised by was how much of a young area it is.  The place is buzzing and lively and there’s a real energy with something always going on somewhere.  Although I could be in central London in under twenty minutes, it’s great to not have to go into the city because there’s enough for me to do here.  It means I can have a really nice work life balance and make the most of the evenings and weekends close to home.

Here to stay

Since moving in to his apartment, Austin has enjoyed making the space his own and doesn’t see himself moving anywhere else in the near future.

“The quality of the property is great, as I expected it to be buying with NHG Homes.  It’s so light and bright with big windows and it’s amazing to have my own private outdoor area.  Plus the space is really good for hosting – I love getting my friends together to see the flat and introduce them to my new area.” 

Homes at The Perfume Factory have been designed to make the most of natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies featuring in each. 

Sleek interiors includes white satinwood flush doors with chrome ironmongery, smooth-finished ceilings and oak Nordic beige wood strip effect-floors in the living room, kitchen and hallway.  Each home has underfloor heating with digital programmable room controls; fitted modular kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances including a fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer dryer; and a TV with digital, Freeview, SkyQ and broadband-enabled points. 

The open-plan layout of the apartments provide the ideal space for hosting friends, enjoying nights in or productive working from home.  

“I would recommend Shared Ownership to anyone looking to buy – it’s virtually impossible to get somewhere in London without it unless you have the huge deposit needed!  It’s helped me get my foot on the property ladder and given me the independence I was looking for.”

One-bedroom apartments are available to buy at The Perfume Factory with Shared Ownership, starting from £108,750 for a 25% share and a minimum 5% deposit of £5,438.  Average monthly costs for a one-bedroom start from £1,462.

For further information on Shared Ownership and homes available with NHG Homes, visit nhghomes.com or speak to the sales team on 02037333571