Shared Ownership:Your First Step to Owning a Home in London

For many young professionals and growing families, the idea of owning a home in London’s dynamic heart can often feel out of reach. Headlines about steep deposits, high mortgage repayments, and ever-rising rents paint a difficult picture, leaving many feelings trapped in the rental cycle. Yet behind these challenges lies a practical solution — one that is already helping a new generation of Londoners put down roots and take their first steps towards ownership.

That solution is Shared Ownership. It isn’t a temporary fix but a proven way for first-time buyers to access the property ladder. By allowing purchasers to buy an initial share of a home and pay subsidised rent on the rest, the scheme transforms the prospect of homeownership into a genuine possibility. Instead of paying into someone else’s mortgage each month, buyers can start building equity of their own.

One of the best examples of this opportunity is found at Hendon, where Square Roots has delivered a modern collection of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, all ready to move into. Hendon balances urban convenience with natural surroundings, offering easy access to central London via Hendon Thameslink and Colindale Underground, alongside reliable bus routes and strong road links. At the same time, residents can enjoy the calm of the nearby Welsh Harp reservoir. Each home features a private balcony or terrace, with parking available for larger apartments (with electric charging points) and cycle storage provided throughout. The scheme also sits within Barnet’s ongoing regeneration area, bringing long-term growth and vibrancy to the neighbourhood.

On Saturday 20th September, Square Roots will launch a brand-new block, unveiling a fresh collection of homes, with a brand-new, beautifully designed duplex show home. The event offers prospective buyers the chance to step inside, explore the development, and experience the quality and attention to detail that define every Square Roots home.
Square Roots is dedicated to reshaping the way affordable housing is perceived. Their schemes are positioned in vibrant, well-connected areas that offer a strong sense of community — far removed from outdated assumptions of affordability being confined to remote or poorly linked suburbs.

Consider, for example, the award-winning Square Roots Lewisham development. This riverside quarter has been carefully designed to offer more than just apartments, with landscaped gardens, children’s play areas, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, creating a genuine sense of community. Homes include modern one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, all with private outdoor space. The development’s quality has been recognised at both the First Time Buyer Awards and WhatHouse Awards. Lewisham station, just seven minutes away on foot, provides fast links to Canary Wharf and the City, while residents also enjoy ample cycle storage and the reassurance of a 990-year lease.
To make the move even more attractive, Square Roots Lewisham is currently offering an exclusive incentive. Buyers completing on a two or three-bedroom apartment by the end of September 2025 will receive a £3,500 voucher after completion. For those purchasing a one-bedroom apartment, a £2,500 voucher will be available on the same basis. This added benefit provides extra support at a key stage of the buying journey, making Lewisham an especially compelling option for those looking to combine lifestyle, convenience,            and value. *

Looking forward, Square Roots is preparing to bring more opportunities to buyers across London. This autumn will see the launch of 125 new Shared Ownership apartments in Kingston, on Hawks Road. Offering one, two, and three-bedroom homes, the development is just a 14-minute walk from Kingston’s lively town centre and rail station, with Norbiton station only 11 minutes away and direct trains to Waterloo in under half an hour. Each apartment will feature a private balcony and cycle storage, with Fairfield Park and

Richmond Park close by. Square Roots is also set to launch a new development in Crayford, further expanding the reach of Shared Ownership across the capital.

The biggest barrier to buying on the open market is often the deposit. Saving for such a substantial upfront cost can feel impossible. Shared Ownership removes much of that difficulty by allowing buyers to purchase a share of between 25% and 75% of a property, with deposits starting from just five per cent of the value of that share. This means a far smaller initial outlay and a more manageable mortgage. Over time, buyers can increase their share through a process known as staircasing, until they reach full ownership if they choose. The scheme is available to those who do not currently own a property and have a household income of less than £90,000 in London.

For those who have felt that owning a home in London was beyond their reach, Shared Ownership offers a clear and attainable alternative. With established schemes in Hendon and Lewisham, and new launches on the horizon in Kingston and Crayford, Square Roots is creating opportunities for Londoners to step confidently onto the property ladder. These homes represent more than just a purchase — they provide stability, security, and the chance to become part of thriving communities across the capital.

Important Note: Terms and eligibility criteria apply to Shared Ownership. For more details and to explore available developments, please visit: squareroots.co.uk. Stay connected by following @squarerootshomes on social media.

*Voucher to be paid after completion for any 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment purchase that completes no later than the end of September 2025.