Domnita and Behjet pose for a picture in the shared gardens in their apartment block.

First time buyer finds love in Southall thanks to Shared Ownership

Five years after moving from rented accommodation in Crystal Palace into her new build apartment at SNG’s previous Evolution development in Southall, renting now feels like a distant memory to Domnita Ghita (50), who has enjoyed having her own space for the very first time. Back in May 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions meant home viewings had to be done online, Domnita purchased a studio apartment off-plan at Evolution, based on just a video tour and a floorplan whilst the property was still being built. Fast forward five years, and the NHS social prescriber is still in love with where she lives.

Domnita explains: “I initially purchased a 25% share, and I haven’t increased the share since I moved in. As I was slightly older getting onto the property ladder, my plan isn’t to staircase to 100%. Instead, I am planning to stay on a 25% share until I retire in 10 years. I have always wanted to retire to Spain, so Shared Ownership has allowed me to get onto the property ladder until the time is right to relocate.”

Domnita and Behjet walk hand in hand through the communal gardens at SNG's Evolution development.

Although she moved into her home single, Domnita got more than she initially bargained for with her new home. She comments: “A year after moving in to my apartment, I met my now husband outside the building. I had never seen him before, but it turned out he was my neighbour and had been living on another floor in the building the whole time. We have just had a beautiful wedding day at the Grade II listed Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing. We wouldn’t have even met if I hadn’t bought my home at Evolution, it was definitely fate for us to meet here!”

The newlyweds now live together in Domnita’s apartment, after her husband, Behjet, sold his apartment in the same building. The couple love living in Southall, particularly the area’s incredible connectivity. Domnita says: “We’re five minutes’ walk from Southall station and the Elizabeth Line, which is the area’s best asset by far. My commute to St John’s Wood is 45 minutes door to door which is amazing, and my sister lives in Greenford which is the next town along from Southall, so is easy to get to by train or bus. You really don’t need a car, the public transport options are excellent.”

Domnita and Behjet sit on their balcony enjoying a glass of wine together.

She continues: “Although we live in Southall, we spend a lot of our time in Ealing. It’s just five minutes away by train and we enjoy exploring Ealing Broadway. We frequently visit restaurants along the Broadway, and most of our weekends are spent walking through Walpole Park – it’s beautiful. When I first moved in I started to do yoga on my balcony, but I have since taken up aerial acrobatic classes at Ealing’s Gymbox.”

SNG is currently building a new collection of Shared Ownership apartments in Southall. Positioned on Merrick Road, just minutes from Domnita’s property at Evolution, Voyage will offer a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, starting from just a 25% share. Positioned within walking distance to Southall’s Elizabeth Line station and buzzing High Street, residents will be able to enjoy the very best of Southall on their doorstep.

Domnita says: “Southall is going through a huge regeneration at the moment, and I really enjoy seeing all of the new buildings as they appear. The area has improved so much in the five years I’ve lived here, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it changes even further in the years to come.”