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The Older Person’s Shared Ownership Scheme can help older people buy a stylish home and have money to spare reports ELLIE O’DONNELL

Retired teacher Janis Benson is a poster girl for how activities can lead to a healthy later life. Recently she bought an apartment from Notting Hill Housing in West Norwood and has since been enjoying the facilities the development has to offer including a restaurant, cafe, lounge, IT suite and landscaped gardens.

Cheviot Gardens is a new shared-ownership development for the over 55s made up of 18 one-and-two-bedroom apartments. Offered through the Older Person’s Shared Ownership Scheme (OPSOS) these homes are designed for downsizers looking to enjoy their later years without having to sink all their money into buying a home. You will find details about the OPSOS scheme here.

Janis, a widower in her seventies, bought a 75 per cent share of her two-bedroom apartment. One of the attractions with the OPSOS is that buyers do not pay rent on the remaining shares of the property.

She said: “Not only did I free up equity in my family home, but by buying a new build my bills are cheaper so my monthly outgoings are less.

“Another bonus was that the property didn’t need refurbishing and a range of brand new appliances were all provided. I was able to treat myself to some lovely new furniture, and I can go out with my grandchildren more, which makes me very happy.”

Having lived in South London all her life, Janice made the decision to move into the development as it was down the road from her daughter and two grandchildren. The move has given her the ability to enjoy her active lifestyle whilst having the comfort of being in close vicinities to family and friends.

She says, “I have lived locally for many years, and as my daughter lived on Cheviot Road we knew about Notting Hill Housing’s development long before the first brick was even laid. We attended the very first open day when it launched last year, and immediately my family and I loved what was on offer. My three children liked the fact that, as it was designed for older people, it meant I would have plenty of support on hand should I need it, but I was appreciative of the fact that I am able to keep my independence, which I cherish.

The self-contained apartments offer:

  • Open-plan living space
  • Modern fitted kitchen units
  • Integrated Zanussi appliances
  • Contemporary white bathroom suites
  • At least one patio or balcony

On site facilities:

  • Restaurant
  • Café
  • Lounge
  • Hair Salon
  • Therapist room
  • IT suite
  • Landscaped communal gardens

In addition, residents can apply for person care packages which include a variety of services such as assistance with general housekeeping like cleaning, laundry and personal care.

Of the 18 apartments available, there are 12 remaining. Prices at Cheviot Gardens start from £275,625 for a 75 per cent share of a one-bedroom apartment (full market value £367,500) and from £341,250 for a 75 per cent share of a two-bedroom apartment (full market value £455,000) through the OPSOS. Similar developments are available to buy through the scheme in other parts of the country. For more information about Cheviot Gardens contact Notting Hill Sales on 0203 815 1234 or visit www.nottinghillhousing.org.uk/cheviotgardens

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