How a family found long-term security through shared ownership: Tina and James' story
34 years ago, Tina and her husband Dave welcomed their son James into the world. James was born with developmental problems, learning disabilities, and a rare genetic condition called Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which has meant he’s always needed support to live his life to the full. While he has plenty of support from friends, family, and his local community in Mersea, future-proofing James’ housing was a key concern for the family. We spoke to Tina about how they achieved this through shared ownership.
Searching for a solution
“James doesn't need 24-hour care, especially not while we're still around to help him, but there will come a point where Dave and I won’t be here,” Tina said. James had always lived with his parents, so finding him long-term housing of his own was an important step in helping James become as independent as possible.
“For years, we've been researching and never finding anything that we thought was going to be suitable and safe for James long term,” Tina said. Traditional supported housing didn’t feel secure enough, given the risk of being placed far from Mersea where James has his support network, or being moved later down the line. Buying a property outright wasn’t the answer either, because it would have to be left in a trust, leaving responsibility for their daughter, which they’ve always wanted to avoid.
Discovering the HOLD scheme
Then, by chance, Tina stumbled across something she’d never heard of before: the HOLD (Home Ownership for people with Long-term Disabilities) scheme. This government-backed initiative allows adults with a long-term disability to part-buy a home using shared ownership.
“I never even anticipated somebody like James would be able to go into shared ownership,” Tina said. “It never crossed my mind.” But shared ownership through the HOLD scheme offered the answer to what the family needed. It was a financially sustainable option, it would give stability, and crucially, it meant James could stay in Mersea.
The Mersea community
Having started putting down roots in the area back in the 1980s, the family are part of a tight-knit community in Mersea. "Because we've been here so many years, James knows lots of people and lots of people know him,” Tina said, explaining how the people of Mersea look out for her son. “For example, James really doesn’t understand money. On numerous occasions when I’ve gone into shops, the shopkeeper has said, ‘James didn't take his change last night,’ or ‘we owe this to James.’ So, for that reason alone, it was so important for us to try and keep James in a community he’s safe with.”
Working with CHP
To kickstart the process of buying a shared ownership home that ticked all their boxes, Tina got in touch with CHP. Tina said working with CHP – and in particular, with Karen from the Sales Team – made the process possible. “If I hadn’t had Karen, I don’t think it would have gone nearly as well. She’s an extremely proactive lady,” Tina said.
The journey wasn’t always smooth; Tina first had to apply for power of attorney for James, and slow-moving solicitors proved frustrating at times. But Tina said Karen kept momentum up. “She has a way with words. She can make people move without being rude. I do think sometimes if I hadn't met someone like Karen on this project, it could easily just not have gotten off the ground.”
James’ new home
Tina was keen to move James in while the weather was still warm. Largely thanks to Karen, James unlocked the door to his new home in early September. Perfectly located, the house is just a ten-minute walk from his parents, and close to the doctors, dentist, shops, and the bus stop. This means James can be independent when it comes to everyday errands, and he can easily get to his social activities, like his disability football team training.
James is delighted with his new home, Tina told us. “He wants to invite everybody around. He wants everyone to see his home. He said to me, ‘Mum, this is like a Premier Inn isn't it?’” Tina laughed, explaining, “If we go anywhere, he doesn't want to go to any fancy hotel, he always wants to go to a Premier Inn. It’s always been his big treat."
Thrilled with his new garden, James wasted no time in making big plans. “He says he's going to put a bar in and a Jacuzzi,” Tina laughed. “We've said, let's start with a few flowers first, and we'll see how it goes.”
Looking ahead
James’ new home has given his parents peace of mind about his future. More than just a place to live, James’ house is a safe, secure place where he can develop independence, surrounded by a community that knows and supports him.
“I talk to lots of people with disabilities and their parents, and none of them know that shared ownership schemes like this are possible,” Tina said, keen to spread awareness. “I hope in the future, more people will be able to access it.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about shared ownership, please get in touch with us on 0300 555 0500 or email sales@chp.org.uk.