Shared Ownership Success
Matthew is a young man with Autism who had already been in two different residential homes since leaving his family home in 2006. The homes could not meet Matthew’s needs, and he needed to find a permanent solution to his housing needs so that he could have stability and more control over his life. Matthew had moved back home with his parents, but they all acknowledged that this could not be a long-term solution.
Sharon Clare (Support Broker) met the family in order to help them with Matthew’s care package and immediately thought of shared ownership as a solution to his housing needs. Sharon introduced the family to Helen Browne to explain what might be involved in shared ownership and Matthew decided that he would like to become a shared owner. It would allow Matthew control of his environment and enough space to accommodate a carer. With an Individual Budget Matthew has been able to have support with his daily living needs .
As Matthew met the criteria to become a shared owner, Helen helped him apply for the special Income Support mortgage through the mortgage advisors My Safe Home. As soon as Matthew was recommended for the mortgage of up to £100,000, which would pay for his share of the purchase, he was accepted onto the Shared Ownership scheme.
Matthew and his parents found a lovely flat in Horsham and Helen arranged the purchase of it. Matthew moved in November 2009 and he is now enjoying the independence of being a home owner with the support of his parents and support workers.
