“I’m 62 – Shared Ownership offered me the alternative to renting that I needed”
September 2025
For Karen Belcher, a 62-year-old Senior Customer Liaison Advisor working in the care sector, Shared Ownership offered a much-needed route back to independence following a separation from her partner.
Having previously owned a share in a three-bedroom Shared Ownership house in Reading, Karen was already familiar with the scheme. When the time came to downsize, she was ready to explore her options.
“I’d looked at a few ‘over 60s’ developments, but I’m just not ready for that kind of living. I’m not at the stage where I want to share a laundry room!” she laughs. “I’d also been told by a couple of banks that I couldn’t get a mortgage at my age, so I felt a bit deflated thinking that renting was my only option. Then I found out I was eligible for Shared Ownership, and that changed everything.”
Already aware of the homes available at L&Q at Bankside Gardens after coming across it on social media, Karen decided to visit: “I went for a walk around the development and thought it looked lovely. I booked a sales appointment and when I first viewed the apartments it just felt right. I could really see my life here.”
“Michelle from the L&Q Sales Team was amazing. I had a couple of viewings because I wanted to get a feel for the development at different times of day, and she was always on hand to answer my questions. Nothing was too much trouble,” Karen explains.
Ready to make her move, Karen bought a 25% share of a two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartment at L&Q at Bankside Gardens. “I put down a lump sum using money from the sale of my previous Shared Ownership home. The buying process was generally smooth, and everything moved along at a steady pace.”
Karen reflects on how her new home fits the bill: “A decent work-from-home setup was non-negotiable for me. My apartment is lovely and spacious, so I can have a dedicated work-from-home area. I travel to London for work occasionally and my daughter lives in London too, so having Reading Green Park station a stone’s throw away was a real plus. I can hop on a train to Reading then be in Paddington in no time. The location works perfectly.”
“It’s such a great bonus to have the amenities there if I need them. I’m hoping to use the cinema room with my kids sometime soon. It’s lovely knowing it’s all right on my doorstep.”
“I just feel really safe here, and I love the balcony – when the sun’s out it honestly feels like I’m on holiday! With the lakes surrounding the neighbourhood, it feels very peaceful. It’s a great balance between being connected to town as well as nature.”
Now happily settled, Karen is still putting the finishing touches on her new home: “I’m still picking up a few bits of furniture, but it already feels like mine. My kids love it too.”
Asked about the future, Karen reflects: “Owning a portion of my home gives me the stability and independence I need without the pressure of paying off a full mortgage in retirement. It’s a good investment for me. I’ve got my own space in a lovely neighbourhood and that’s what counts.”
