Shepherds Spring residents celebrate new homes

The two organisations visited the new development on Monday 15th February to celebrate the successful delivery of 20 affordable homes to Andover and check how the new residents were getting along.

One resident was Bruno Pereira (37), who moved into his shared ownership home with his wife, Raquel (33), and two year old son, Lucas, in December.

“My wife and I were looking for a bigger home but found it difficult to save for a deposit,” Bruno said. “We chose a shared ownership property because it’s how we were able to secure our previous home. To be able to afford a three-bedroom end of terrace house through shared ownership has made a real difference - Lucas has more space and we have the stability of owning our own place.”

Bruno and his wife own 35% of their property and pay rent on the remaining share. This means they required a smaller deposit and mortgage than usual, and they can increase the share of the property they own – up to the full 100% - if and when needed.

Formerly the Shepherds Spring County Junior School, the site was developed by Abbey Homes and Aster Homes in partnership with Test Valley Borough council. In total there are 50 homes on the site, 20 of which are shared ownership and affordable rent, and are all now occupied.

Gary Toomer, project manager at Aster Homes, said: “There’s high demand for property nationally and particular so in areas that are commutable to London. Shared ownership is often a great solution for people who are struggling to raise a large deposit but aspire to owning a home that suits their needs.

“Aster’s vision is that everyone has a home, and providing a range of options for home ownership and affordable rent moves us a step closer to achieving that vision.”

Test Valley Borough Council’s Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder, Councillor Sandra Hawke, said: “I’m really pleased that Test Valley Borough Council and Aster Homes have been able to work closely together to provide much needed affordable housing in Andover. The houses are attractive and well designed and the first residents are clearly delighted to move into their new homes.”

Aster Homes currently has a variety of shared ownership properties for sale, spreading across the south and south-west of England. A leading provider of high-quality new housing for rent, shared ownership and private sale, the company is part of the Aster Group, a not-for-dividend business that exists to benefit society. The profits the Group generates are reinvested back into the business so it can build as many new homes in local communities as possible, and deliver a range of property maintenance and repair services, as well as care and support for older and vulnerable people.

For more information, contact the sales team via homeownership@asterhomes.co.uk or on 01380 735480, or visit www.asterhomes.co.uk