SHARED OWNERSHIP AND AFFORDABLE HYBRID LIVING

With the arrival of the pandemic came a fundamental change to the way we work. Previously reserved for the lucky few, national lockdowns meant that remote working soon became the norm. Driven by new ways of working, the “race for space” saw many moving out of cities and trading easy commutes for extra space and greenery. But now, three years on, there’s been another shift, this time to hybrid working – a mix of working from home and office. And with it comes a new kind of housing need; affordable hybrid living for the part-time commuter – or, put simply, a home that offers the best of both worlds

So, what exactly does this home look like and where is it? As you might expect, it’s a fine balancing act between location and the home itself. Commuting just a couple of days per week or month, the hybrid worker is happy with a slightly longer commute into the city; although being well connected to public transport remains a priority.

Even though it’s a little further out, the location still needs the charm of a vibrant community with amenities, shopping, and restaurants nearby. In terms of the home itself, the space must meet the demands of hybrid working. Room to work from home is non-negotiable, but just like new working patterns, there’s flexibility around what this looks like. Whereas the fully remote worker might require a full-time dedicated office, the hybrid worker can easily set up shop in a spare bedroom.

Given that these homes need to deliver on both fronts (space and location), you might assume that they’d come with a hefty price tag. With Abri Homes and shared ownership, this needn’t be the case. Take for example, a new two bedroom home in Ashbury Park*, in the village of Hawley. Located perfectly for both work and leisure, day-to-day essentials are within walking distance and the towns of Farnborough and Camberley just a short drive away. Perhaps most importantly for the hybrid worker, the train from nearby Farnborough is direct to London with journey times from just 36 minutes. Through shared ownership, a 40% share of a two bedroom apartment can be purchased for just £124,000 instead of the full market price of £310,000.

Slightly further south, part-time commuters looking for a little more space can find everything they need with a new home at The Meadows – a collection of two and three bedroom homes nestled in the village of Tongham. Again, with direct trains to London from nearby Aldershot and Farnham, buyers can delight in the best of both worlds. And keeping true to the village feel, a small shopping parade and a selection of quaint pubs are just a short distance away. A 30% share of a three bedroom semi-detached home can be purchased for just £135,000, instead of the full market price of £450,000. As with any home purchased through shared ownership, buyers will only need a mortgage for their share of the property, while an affordable rent will be paid on the rest. Deposits start from 5% of the share being purchased.

So, whether you’re preparing for more regular trips to the office or if you’re simply looking for a home that has the perfect balance of spacious living with easy access to a vibrant city, rest assured that Abri Homes can offer an affordable solution.

To find out more about our wide range of homes across the South and South West of England visit abrihomes.co.uk

*A local connection may be required for these homes.