Names:
Richard & Lisa
Ages:
40 to 45
Children:
3
Location:
Leatherhead, Surrey
History:
Renting for over 10 years
In 2020, Richard and Lisa were told by their landlady that she planned to sell the property, meaning they would have to move out.
For more than 10 years, they had been unable to save the large deposit needed to buy their home, but they still dreamed of getting onto the property ladder and becoming owners.
HomeNow: We’d like to get to know you better. Please tell us about your family/home situation that caused you to look for an alternative to traditional home buying/rental.
Richard and Lisa: We never felt in a rush to move and, to be honest, we thought we might be renting forever. Owning our own home was always a dream, but we never imagined it could be this one. In early 2020, during the first lockdown, our landlords told us they were selling. That was the turning point — we started looking at our options and eventually turned to HomeNow for help.
The biggest benefits for us were having five years of complete security and the chance to own the property at the end. What really stood out was the partnership approach: we get to make this house a true family home, knowing we have stability and a future here.
For the first time in more than a decade, we’re genuinely excited about where we live and feel motivated to invest our energy into making it ours.
The biggest benefits for us were having five years of complete security and the chance to own the property at the end. What really stood out was the partnership approach: we get to make this house a true family home, knowing we have stability and a future here.
For the first time in more than a decade, we’re genuinely excited about where we live and feel motivated to invest our energy into making it ours.
HomeNow: Please provide more information on your previous rental properties - were they in good condition?
Richard and Lisa: We have found through experience that the properties we have rented tend to be dated and generally not in a great state of repair. The properties were fit purpose but lacked the character of a family home.
HomeNow: Have you ever felt the properties you rented were your “home”?
Richard and Lisa: We lived in our previous rental home for more than 10 years. The house was dated, and it was often a struggle to get the landlord to carry out repairs or updates. Still, we always said we’d love to own it — not just because it was home, but because we saw the potential to modernise and make it our own.
HomeNow: Have you ever been asked to leave a rented property before you felt ready? If so, what impact did this have on you and your family? Did you feel secure during your tenancy, or were you always aware you might have to move at the end?
Richard and Lisa: When we first moved in, we knew the landlord planned to sell after about five years — in the end, we stayed closer to ten. Still, there was always a worry in the back of our minds about what would happen if we were asked to leave. That moment came at the start of 2020, and the shock and frustration were overwhelming. It forced us to urgently explore our options, and it’s not an experience I’d ever want to go through again.
HomeNow: What were your own biggest challenges to being able to save enough for a house deposit?
Richard and Lisa: Saving while paying expensive rent was very difficult. Made more difficult by the regular rent increases.
HomeNow: What first attracted you to the HomeNow proposition?
Richard and Lisa: In order of importance:
1. Security of a 5-year plan
2. Financial security of 5-year fixed rent
3. Rent no longer dead money
4. Sharing in the house price increase
5. The opportunity to own the property you are living in after 5 years
6. Choosing my own home
1. Security of a 5-year plan
2. Financial security of 5-year fixed rent
3. Rent no longer dead money
4. Sharing in the house price increase
5. The opportunity to own the property you are living in after 5 years
6. Choosing my own home
HomeNow: Given your experience of HomeNow to date, how can we improve the experience of helping you (or others) to rent then buy your own home
Richard and Lisa: So far, the experience has been really positive. HomeNow kept me informed at every stage and managed my expectations well, which made a big difference. Compared to our previous landlord, who was slow to respond and often frustrating to deal with, the process with HomeNow felt clear and supportive. I appreciated being kept up to date with progress and felt I could play a part in moving things forward when needed.