After a separation meant the sale of the family home, mum-of-two Rachel Kabambe had her options limited finding a home in her price range which had enough space for her and her two daughters. With the average price of a three bedroom family home in Enfield valued at £580,999 , it wasn’t going to be an easy task for the newly-single mum.
However, when Rachel’s mum spotted the homes at Notting Hill Genesis’ Bowles Square development in Enfield, and saw that they were available with Shared Ownership, just one mile from where Rachel and daughters Jasmine, 22, and Emilia, 3, were already living, the 44-year-old made an appointment to view straight away.
NHS Service Manager Rachel explains: “I’d been a homeowner for nearly 20 years, but after my husband and I separated 18 months ago and had to sell the family home we owned together, I knew that I couldn’t afford to buy by myself. It was my mum who suggested Shared Ownership, so I started researching the scheme. Not long after, we spotted Notting Hill Genesis’ Bowles Square, and after the initial visit, realised that it ticked all the boxes.”
She continues: “Following the sale of my previous property, I actually had no need for a mortgage to buy my 40% share, and although this isn’t common, the team at Notting Hill Genesis were really helpful as we were in such extenuating circumstances. We moved in on the 8th January, so it was really nice to have a new start for the New Year. The day we moved in, I felt such a weight off my shoulders that we were finally home.”
“Both Jasmine and I work locally, and Emilia goes to nursery in the area too, so we didn’t want to move far. Bowles Square is therefore perfect. The style of the home means that we can have more space; especially with Jasmine being in her twenties, we’re not on top of each other. She has what we call the ‘penthouse suite’ on the top floor, with her own bathroom, which means no arguments and privacy for her. The layout of the home means we can have some family time together, something we haven’t been able to enjoy for some time. It’s nice to have some breathing space after the worries of the last couple of years, especially with it being a new build as we haven’t had to do any decorating!”
Bowles Square, where Rachel bought her home, is now sold out. North Londoners looking for more space without breaking the bank should consider Notting Hill Genesis’ brand new development ASPIRE in Arnos Grove, Enfield, where a collection of three bedroom townhouses are available with Shared Ownership.
Designed with families in mind, the unique layout of the townhouses offers spacious internal accommodation and a contemporary specification, with access to parking and cycle storage. The ground floor is home to a spacious open plan living/dining area, with a fully-fitted kitchen featuring a range of built-in Lamona appliances. On the first floor, the two bedrooms, one of which has a private balcony, are generously proportioned and have access to the family bathroom. Filling the entire top floor is the master bedroom suite, with an en-suite shower room and its own spacious private terrace, perfect for parents to relax and enjoy once the children have gone to bed.
Perfect for families, the area boasts a number of Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ schools, including Bowes Primary School and Aylands School, both of which are within easy reach of ASPIRE. Commuters are well-placed too, with underground services from Arnos Grove station just 0.3 miles away, and New Southgate and Bowes Park stations on the London Overground also close by. A number of local bus routes also operate from outside the development.
Through the Notting Hill Shared Ownership scheme, buyers can purchase between 25% and 75% of the property, paying subsidised rent on the remainder. Residents can increase their ownership share at any time, all the way up to 100%.
Prices for a three bedroom townhouse at ASPIRE start from £186,000 for a 30% share of the full market value of £620,000. For further details, call 0203 815 1234 or visit www.nottinghillhousing.org.uk