We recently interviewed Karen and she told us about the peaceful new 2 bedroom Shared Ownership home she and her husband recently moved in to in Netley near Southampton. Shared Ownership has offered them the chance to find their ideal home, in a very special location, that they can afford and relax in.
Karen and her husband were well versed in the benefits of Shared Ownership, as their previous home was a 1 bedroom apartment in Woolston, also purchased with Shared Ownership! It was now time for them to move to a larger home, and as a keen gardener, the garden was one of the top things on their list of must haves!
Karen, no stranger to a flat pack piece of furniture, has spent the last few weeks making their new home just as they would like it, ready to unwind for Christmas and the New Year ahead.
When Karen was asked about how she found the process, she told us:
‘VIVID were just so helpful with all of the questions we had. I knew I could ask our contact, Zoe any of our questions, and it was so reassuring that she could help. She was so knowledgeable and kept us informed about everything along the process’
Karen told us about the many benefits of being in their new VIVID home, and these include having a garden, having separate rooms to dress as she would like them, and she told us how she was pleasantly surprised as they are really good sizes.
She said: ‘It is the little things, we have security, our safety, I lock up and feel at home. Other things make a difference too, it feels safe for our car, just on the driveway, right there when it’s needed! Oh and having a dining room table in a beautiful kitchen, it’s just lovely!’
In the evenings Karen told us they can sit in separate rooms and theme each room, this was a step on from their last home. She told us how much she enjoys making each room, especially her lounge ‘more homely’
She went on to say ‘I love it, every room can be tailored to how I want it!’
When we spoke about the location, Karen revealed that this area is really important to her, it holds fond family memories that go back years from when her father brought back injured people to the area working for the Royal Navy, when there was still a hospital there. She went on to say that she can walk to the Victoria Country Park, and there is also Grange Park, Abbey Halls and how these nice parks enable her husband John to use his mobility scooter and take in the beautiful surroundings. The security of having their 2 bedroom home with a garden has given them such happiness.
Karen went on to say: 'Netley has been voted one of the best places to live near Southampton. I have found lovely people in the area, it’s quiet, feels like heaven. It’s close to the water and we’re fans of sea fishing.'
Karen told us she loves to be in the garden and listen to the woodland sounds, such as Owls and birds, She said, 'We wake up on a nice day and have a coffee in the garden, it means so much’
Shared Ownership has given Karen and her husband John the ability to have a spacious and happy home, and one where they can enjoy being in their garden and enjoy their lives in a new build home. Not only do they enjoy the garden, now the couple are thinking of adding a furry companion to their home, and the Beagle they’d love to have in the New Year, will be able to enjoy the garden and home with them too! They know pets are always welcome in Shared Ownership homes.
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Karen found the buying experience with VIVID very good. She went on to say:
‘Zoe was brilliant, she made it smooth, she was so helpful. VIVID made it so easy, and with Zoe as our contact, she kept us updated over every little thing. We were so informed and Zoe was so knowledgeable. We got the support we needed and she was so helpful with all of the questions we had. We did have some delays, but we were kept so well informed, and with buying a new build we knew it could happen and we planned around it. Zoe was telling us what was happening all along the journey’
Karen told us a few more things that she felt were positive about their experience and new home. Owning a house that’s brand new is great, we’re not worrying about repairs, as well as the fact it’s safe and secure.
'We have an 18-month granddaughter and to have be able to come to be with us here with more space just means the world. It is a major quality of life improvement for us and for her. She can now be in the garden with us, as she grows up,'
Karen concluded: ‘When you start to live somewhere that makes you feel so much happier I find it means you can deal with life’s problems a bit more easily and make the most of the time with family’
We wish Karen and John a happy time in their new home and thank Karen for her time speaking about her recent experience in buying a share in a new home with VIVID.