Shared Ownership

10/03/2026

6 min

National Home Buying Week: Smart Tips for Finding a Home You Love

Home seekers on a house tour

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Finding the right home takes time, but with some planning and the right support, it can be an exciting and empowering experience. Whether you are just beginning your research or ready to make your move, National Home Buying Week is the perfect moment to explore your options and take the next step toward a place you can call your own. It is also a great opportunity to explore alternative routes to homeownership like Shared Ownership, which can make buying more accessible and affordable.

Here are some practical tips to help you start your home buying journey with confidence.

1. Get to know the local area

Before falling in love with a home, spend time exploring the neighbourhood. A home is not just about the property. It is about the lifestyle it supports, so consider what matters to you day to day, such as:

  • Local parks and green spaces
  • Supermarkets and essential shops
  • Cafes, gyms and community facilities
  • Noise levels at different times of day

Top Tip: Visiting at different times is a great way to get a feel for the area.

2. Check transport links and commute times

Transport is one of the biggest influencers on long term satisfaction. Look into:

  • Train and bus connections
  • Travel times to work or key destinations
  • Parking availability
  • Local cycling and walking routes

Top Tip: Remember to test the commute during peak hours to get a realistic view.

3. Look at schools and nurseries

If you have children or plan to in the future, researching local schools is essential. Check:

  • Ofsted ratings
  • Catchment areas
  • Distance from your potential new home
  • After school clubs and wraparound care

Top Tip: Even if you do not have children, good schools nearby can potentially influence property value.

4. Think about future needs, not just today’s

Buying a home is a long-term decision. Try to consider:

  • Space to grow your family
  • The option to work from home
  • Whether you may need accessible features later in life
  • Future resale potential

Top Tip: A home that suits both your present and future needs will give you more flexibility over time.

 

5. Explore Shared Ownership as a way to buy sooner

Many people assume buying a home requires a large deposit and a big mortgage, but it doesn’t need to. Shared Ownership lets you buy a share of a home and pay rent on the remainder. This can reduce the deposit and mortgage required, making it easier to take that first step.

It can be especially helpful for:

  • Buyers with strong affordability but limited deposit
  • Single applicants
  • People leaving relationships or starting over
  • Those needing stability but struggling to buy outright

Shared Ownership can offer a more manageable way to buy, with the option to increase your share over time through staircasing.

Discover homes through Home Reach

If you're exploring Shared Ownership, Home Reach is a great place to start. Home Reach offers a wide range of homes in locations across England, helping buyers find high quality new build properties with a smaller upfront cost.

You can browse available homes, check eligibility and learn more about how Shared Ownership works on the Home Reach website. It is a practical and flexible way to get started on your home buying journey this National Home Buying Week.


Stay connected with us

For more tips, new developments and Shared Ownership insights, follow us on social media:

You can also learn more about National Home Buying Week, here.

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