Meet Lisa Harber - Testimonial

Lisa Harber, 49, spent over 20 years renting in East Ham before deciding to take her first steps onto the property ladder.

“I was ready for my own space,” she explains. “Sharing your home with other people is fine, but everyone starts to get on your nerves after a while! I’d had enough of sharing a kitchen, living room and bathroom with housemates. I wanted a place that I could call my own.”

Set on staying in the east of the capital, Lisa felt priced out of buying a property on the open market: “I was working in the NHS at the time and had no chance of saving the kind of deposit needed to buy a home in the traditional way. I found out about Shared Ownership via a quick Google search, and knew it was the way to go for me.

“I’d knew about L&Q because I used to walk past the head offices in Stratford on my way to work. When I saw that L&Q was offering homes through Shared Ownership at L&Q at Beam Park, it felt like a sign.”

After completing the eligibility process to buy through the Shared Ownership scheme in April 2022, Lisa booked a viewing for a one-bedroom Shared Ownership apartment at L&Q at Beam Park, which is located on the border of Barking and Dagenham and Rainham.

This East London development is fast emerging as a vibrant neighbourhood with supporting amenities and facilities, including the Beam Park Health Centre, the newly opened Central Park and multi-use outdoor games area, including a five-aside football pitch, basketball court and table tennis tables. A café, gym and multi-faith centre are coming soon.

“When I first viewed L&Q’s Shared Ownership apartments at Beam Park, I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious the rooms were. Everything felt very bright and airy. I knew it was a place I could make my home. I’d viewed other homes in the area, and nothing really compared in terms of actual floorspace.

“I’d had a difficult time before choosing to buy with L&Q. I’d previously tried to purchase a share in a home with another Housing Association but couldn’t get a mortgage. It was really deflating and stressful. When I went to see the L&Q Sales Team at Beam Park, they couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful. They assisted me with my mortgage application, and it went through without any problems! In total, the Shared Ownership process took just 6 months from my first viewing to moving in.”

In October 2022, Lisa moved into a one-bedroom apartment at L&Q at Beam Park, after purchasing a 30% share with just a £6,408 deposit.

Lisa explains how she knew that L&Q at Beam Park was the place where she wanted to step onto the property ladder. “The development feels very peaceful. It’s quiet and calm, with plenty of green space, but still within easy access of all the amenities I need. It’s East London, but without the hustle and bustle.

“It’s been 18-months, but my home still feels new and exciting. Now that the weather is warming up, I love having the balcony doors open in the evening and having friends over for dinner. I feel so settled in, and grateful to have some peace and quiet!”

Working most days in the office as a Medical Secretary Supervisor, Lisa needed a home with access to convenient travel links. “I work in London Bridge, and my commute is really easy. I used to car share with a friend who also lives in Rainham, so that was great. Travel connections here are really ideal, via public transport and road! There’s even a 24-hour bus into Romford.”

When asked about her experience as a first-time buyer, Lisa reflects “it’s so fantastic to have my own space, and somewhere this really feels like mine – buying through Shared Ownership with L&Q made this possible. I know this is where I want to be, and eventually would like to staircase to 100% ownership of my home. I’m very happy here!”

“I know this is where I want to be”: Lisa’s Shared Ownership Journey at L&Q at Beam Park