When 31‑year‑old Victoria Broomham, a Pharmacy Technician at Maidstone Hospital, found herself navigating life as a solo buyer after a relationship change, she was determined not to lose her place on the property ladder. Having previously owned a two‑bedroom mid‑terrace house in Maidstone, staying local mattered. Maidstone was where she worked, where her support network lived, and where she felt at home.
But buying again on a single income meant she needed a realistic, affordable route into homeownership that worked for her.
Finding the right option close to home
After speaking with her mortgage advisor, Victoria learned more about Shared Ownership through Heylo’s Home Reach scheme. She discovered that new Shared Ownership homes were available at The Poppies, a development close to where she already lived.
“My number one priority as a solo buyer was to keep myself on the property ladder” Victoria explains. “After learning about Home Reach, a scheme which was offered on homes so close to me, it felt like everything had fallen into place. It was incredibly important for me to have a property that I could call my own, whilst staying in the familiar surroundings of Maidstone. Without Home Reach, I would have had to enter the renting game which would have been a long, uphill battle to get out of.”
A home that made sense financially and emotionally
Victoria sold her previous property for £272,000, using part of her equity to secure a £15,000 deposit for her new Shared Ownership home. She purchased a 48% share of a one‑bedroom apartment, valued at £200,000, through the Home Reach scheme.
She chose a two‑year fixed mortgage at 5.09% and now pays around £652 each month across her rent and mortgage, with approximately £140 on energy bills. She says “I see the shares in my property as an investment and aim to buy more in the future. I am very grateful that I’ve managed to keep most aspects of my lifestyle still living in Maidstone through Shared Ownership, having an easy commute to work and having my own home.”
A smooth and supported buying experience
Victoria moved into her new apartment in May 2025. The buying process, supported by the on‑site team, helped her navigate a complex chain and secure her home with confidence. “I would like to extend my thanks to the brilliant on-site team at The Poppies, after a challenging chain they helped me to keep this apartment and supported me as a solo buyer!”
Her new home offers more than just a place to live — it supports her day‑to‑day life too. “The proximity to Maidstone Hospital is another bonus for buying at The Poppies as my commute to work is now only a 40-minute walk or five-minute drive. Many people at The Poppies work locally either at the hospital or at surrounding businesses which gives the development a thriving community feel.”
Looking ahead: a gradual path to full ownership
Victoria is already planning her next steps. With Shared Ownership’s flexibility, she has the option to buy more shares over time through gradual homeownership.
Why Shared Ownership worked for Victoria
- It helped her stay on the property ladder after a major life change
- She remained close to her workplace and community
- Her monthly costs stayed affordable and predictable
- She has the option to buy more over time
- The process was supported by a helpful on‑site team