Lesley-Ann Gunton (35) moved into her new two-bedroom home in January this year and is thrilled to have plenty of space for her and her dog, Georgie. Lesley-Ann was delighted with the process from Persona Homes.
“The process didn’t take long at all really,” she said. “I decided in August last year that I wanted a place of my own but wasn’t in a good financial position to buy. From doing research, I found out about shared ownership and thought it was the best option for me. I originally found a Barratts home offering the scheme but later saw that the Persona Homes one was bigger and less expensive so cancelled my appointment with Barratts.”
Lesley-Ann was living at home with her mum and was keen to stay in the area but have her own home. As well as loving the Persona Homes house, the area is perfect for her.
“My mum’s house is around a 25-minute walk away and my sister and nephews only live 20 minutes away, so I’m pleased we’re all together. When I’m physically back in work it’ll be in Newcastle city centre and I’m on a good bus route so it’s ideal.”
For Lesley-Ann, who works as a lecturer at Northumbria University, one of the best things about having her own home is having a dedicated place to work.
“When I was at my mum’s, I had to work from my bedroom, so I had no real distinction from where I worked to where I slept. In the new place there is a spare room that I’ve set up as my workspace which is much better.”
As well the location and extra space, her new home provides lots of green space for her pet cockapoo. “Georgie loves the garden and there are a lot of playing fields where we go for walks,” she said.
Buying a house in the middle of a pandemic was never going to be as straightforward as normal but, for Lesley-Ann, it didn’t pose too many problems.
“I was originally told that my move in date would be November, but this was delayed due to the pandemic. It wasn’t a huge issue for me as, work-wise, it made sense to move in January.”
After a successful move in, Lesley-Ann and Georgie are settled and loving their new home.
“I’ve read some horror stories about new builds but that’s not the case here. Any snags I’ve found have been resolved quickly and I have a guarantee with the house being new which is ideal as I’m on my own.
“Shared ownership really was the best option for me as mortgage lenders are reluctant to offer a mortgage on one salary. I own 25% of my home and would like to build that up over time. It feels like I’ve been here for ages. It feels like home.”
Get in touch with Persona Homes on: 0800 030 8888 or email: contactus@yourpersonahome.com
