Developer’s doctor

Stuart Hensby, Associate Director Sales and Marketing at Abri, is passionate about helping customers on their homeownership journey. With over 16 years’ experience in the property industry, Stuart leads Abri’s sales and marketing across different tenures including shared ownership, resales and open market sales. Stuart champions an innovative way of marketing affordable homes, with his substantial experience in commercial markets, he advocates for an exciting and fresh approach that puts the customer at the heart of the process

Stuart Hensby, Associate Director Sales and Marketing, Abri

QI am a first time buyer and I would

really like to take a step on the property ladder. But can I still afford to buy with the cost of living crisis?

AWith most people feeling the pinch in one way or another, it’s understandable that those with their sights on homeownership are taking a moment to pause. Fortunately, there are still affordable ways to get on the ladder. Although the popular Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme is coming to an end, shared ownership, one of the market’s leading products, can still make homeownership a reality.

Shared ownership is when you buy an initial percentage of your home, usually between 10% and 75%, and pay a lowcost rent on the rest. You can then buy further shares of the property (known as staircasing) which will decrease the amount of rent you pay. For example, a 35% share of a two bedroom mid-terraced house at Abri Homes’ Violet Cross development in Dorset can be purchased for just £95,375, instead of the full market value of £272,500.

Shared ownership may be a good option if, due to the recent rise in inflation and the impact this has had on affordability criteria, you’ve found yourself priced out of the open market. Homes purchased with shared ownership are more affordable, as you’ll only need a mortgage for your share of the property. And with the option to staircase in increments as low as just 1%, you can move towards owning 100% of your home at a rate that works for you, all while paying towards your mortgage. Deposits start from 5% of the share you’re purchasing, meaning you may be able to step on to the ladder a lot sooner than you thought.

There could be a benefit to acting quickly, too. Interest rates are rising – and while we don’t have a crystal ball, there’s a possibility they could continue to do so, meaning it could be a good idea to lock in a mortgage rate sooner than later. The recent Stamp Duty cuts also mean that there are big savings to be had, particularly for first time buyers who could save thousands.

As one of the south’s largest housing providers, Abri has a range of high-quality new homes that are available through shared ownership. Most of Abri’s shared ownership homes have a higher EPC rating, helping to reduce your energy usage and lower your bills as energy prices soar. Good for the environment and your bank balance!

Green credentials could also save you money on your mortgage. A growing number of lenders now offer “green mortgages” for homes with an EPC rating of A or B. These mortgages can come with better interest rates, which have the potential to reduce the overall amount of money you pay back over the course of your borrowing.

At Abri, we believe home isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. It’s feeling safe, secure, and happy. And because of that, buying a home will undoubtedly be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life – both financially and emotionally. That’s why we’ll make the process as easy as possible.

To find out more about our wide range of homes across the South and South West of England, and for top tips and resources including a mortgage affordability calculator, visit abrihomes.co.uk

Discover Shackleton Heights, a new collection of two, three and four bedroom three and four bedroom houses and apartments in Lockleaze, available with shared ownership and on the open market. Bristol city centre is just a hop and a skip away, famous for its street art and hot air balloon festival. Unwind at Harbourside on the weekends, or take advantage of the city’s vibrant nightlife, the choice is yours.

Each home at Shackleton Heights bene ts from brand new appliances and neutral nishes throughout. So, you’ll be ready to start creating your new home as soon as you get the keys.

And with eco-friendly features such as wild ower gardens, electric vehicle charging points And with eco-friendly features such as wild ower gardens, electric vehicle charging points and low-carbon air source heat pump heating systems, these homes have been built with and low-carbon air source heat pump heating systems, these homes have been built with modern life in mind.

Prices are coming soon, with the next homes due to be released this winter . Register your Prices are coming soon, with the next homes due to be released this winter . Register your interest now for information and to visit our show home.

FROM £TBC

Shackleton Heights Lockleaze, Bristol

abrihomes.co.uk