When life took an unexpected turn, Paul wasn’t sure if he’d have to give up the security of being a homeowner and return to renting. By using the equity from the sale of his previous home as a deposit on a home at Heritage Green in Alphington, Paul was able open the door to a fresh start that felt affordable and full of promise for him, his daughter, and their cocker spaniel, Reggie. His story shows how rebuilding after a separation doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch, and how Shared Ownership can help turn change into opportunity.
Choosing Shared Ownership
After the separation, finding a home that felt both affordable and permanent was a priority. “I didn’t want to start renting because I’d be frittering away the money from the sale of my previous house on rent that wasn’t going to get me anywhere.”
Paul continues: “I’d said to my son previously that the easiest way for him to get on the property ladder would be to buy a Shared Ownership property. Then my situation happened and I thought “I’m 59, I can’t go back to having a mortgage for 30 years”, the best way for me to get somewhere that’s not old or needs work doing is to put the equity from the sale of my old house into a Shared Ownership property and keep my costs affordable.”
The buying process
While the sale of his previous home was going through, Paul began searching for a new place that would tick all the right boxes. After careful consideration, he decided to reserve an off-plan 2 bedroom semi-detached house at Heritage Green in Alphington, buying a 50% share for £150,000.
“SNG we’re really good - from the moment I applied I got lots of updates on the property. Tamsin Jolly (Sales Consultant at Heritage Green) was really helpful, she kept me in the loop throughout, and she was the one who handed over the keys at the end too.”
Life at Heritage Green
Having previously lived in a three-storey townhouse on the other side of Exeter, Paul was pleasantly surprised by just how much space his new home offered - proving that downsizing didn’t mean compromising on space: “We’ve got two really good-sized bedrooms upstairs, and the garden is larger than I had previously. My favourite room is the kitchen/diner, it’s a lovely open-plan space, and I love having the patio doors open when the sun’s shining.”
Paul’s home also benefits from a private driveway, which is perfect for him as a car and motorbike enthusiast.
“I love the location on the outskirts of Exeter. It’s a nice quiet estate, being close to the A38 is great for getting to work, and it’s a quick bus ride into town too.” Paul continues: “Reggie loves living here as we’ve got lots of good places for dog walks. We can go down the country lanes to Shillingford Abbott, up to Ridge Top Country Park which is just across the footbridge, or along the canal and Exe estuary down near Double Lock and Turf Lock.”
Looking forward
Since moving in, Paul has noticed a real shift in day-to-day life, as he explains: “I feel more relaxed and less anxious about the future. It was a big series of events that led to me moving here but it’s been a good move.”
Paul continued: “I actually gave a couple of friends going through a similar situation the same advice that I took myself – to put their share of their previous property into buying a home with Shared Ownership. And I gave the same advice to my son for buying his first home, so it shows that Shared Ownership can work wherever you are in your homeownership journey.”
Information correct at time of publish - May 2026