Because of Shared Ownership, I was able to buy a home for me and my boys

Like many People, Louisa believed homeownership was out of her reach for years. As a single mum of two young boys, she faced the uncertainty of private renting, the rising cost of living and the emotional weight of rebuilding life after a difficult separation. But discovering Shared Ownership at Thistleton Park changed everything. 

A life-changing decision 

After separating from her partner of 20 years, Louisa found herself facing a future she had never imagined. Having owned a home for more than a decade, the thought of starting over on her own felt daunting. But alongside the uncertainty came something else: the chance to build a life that was truly her own.

Like others starting again after a major life change, she quickly discovered the financial reality of finding a new home. Renting seemed like the obvious option at first, but the costs soon felt out of reach. 

"I looked into renting first, but the monthly rent payments for the kind of home we needed were just extortionate," she explained.

Then she discovered Shared Ownership. Using her share of the equity from the family home, Louisa was able to put down a deposit and take the next step forward.

What could have been an overwhelming ending became the start of a new chapter - one built on independence, stability and the confidence that she could create a home of her own again.

Location, location, location  

As Louisa began looking ahead to the next chapter, finding the right home became about much more than bricks and mortar. She wanted somewhere that would keep the things that mattered most within reach - a place where her children could stay close to their school and nursery, where family and friends were nearby, and where everyday routines could continue to feel familiar. 

When she discovered Thistleton Park, it immediately felt right. 

"For us, it was the perfect location. Stanah, where we love going for walks, is literally a stone's throw away, and we're close to immediate family and friends. That was a big thing for us." 

Just as importantly, Shared Ownership changed what felt possible. Instead of having to compromise on location or settle for the uncertainty of renting, it gave Louisa a way to put down roots again and create a stable home for her family. 

Finding room to heal 

For Louisa, the move was about much more than finding a new home. After several incredibly difficult years, what mattered most was creating a sense of stability for herself and her boys. 

The family had experienced the devastating loss of Louisa's daughter to cancer. Her eldest son lost his sister, while her youngest never had the chance to meet her. 

Alongside that grief came the challenge of starting over and leaving behind the family home they had lived in for 10 years. 

"For me and the children, having stability was most important. As difficult as it was leaving our family home, we needed the change." 

Finding a new home gave them the opportunity to start a new chapter together. After so much change and uncertainty, it brought security that gave them the chance to rebuild their family.  

A home to be proud of 

After everything she'd been through, becoming a homeowner again felt like much more than a milestone. It was a chance to look forward. 

One of the moments that made it all feel real was watching her boys settle into their new home and make it their own. 

"Seeing them so excited and settled, and watching them choose how they wanted to decorate their rooms, was just the best feeling in the world.  

I love that everything is new too. It's much easier to maintain than the house we had before, and we've got a big garden for the boys to play in and lovely walks right on our doorstep. After everything we've been through, it's those simple things that mean the most." 

After years of change and uncertainty, those everyday moments have become the foundation of Louisa's new chapter - one filled with happiness, security and a place the family can truly call home. 

A future to look forward to 

With life settling into a new rhythm, Louisa and her boys are making the most of the moments that matter. 

"We are excited for the holidays we have planned - long time coming! Summers and BBQs in the garden too. We love our Friday night pizza nights together. For us, the simple things in life are the best, but they mean the most." 

For Louisa, homeownership has been about so much more than owning her home. It has given her family stability, security and the chance to look forward again. From family traditions and future holidays to the everyday moments spent together, it's created the foundation for a new chapter. 

Her story is a reminder that having a place to call home can be life-changing. Sometimes, it's not just about the home itself - it's about the opportunities it creates, the memories made within it and the possibility of a second chance.