For our whanau, homeownership always felt like a distant dream – something that would only happen if we won lotto. It seemed like a pipe dream until an incredible opportunity came our way with the Housing Foundation.
Just before the Covid lockdown, we took a leap of faith and moved into a beautiful, warm, dry and affordable home. The journey didn’t end there; in 2023, we transitioned into shared ownership. It felt surreal to see our dreams taking shape.
Anyone who tells you that the road to homeownership is easy and stress-free isn’t being completely honest. It’s a challenging path with its fair share of hurdles. However, having a supportive team made a world of difference.
Having people to tautoko (support) us, who were there to korero (talk) when we had questions and needed reassurance, was invaluable. It’s so much better to navigate this journey with guidance rather than going it alone. We were fortunate to work with a Housing Support Manager who got to know us and built a relationship based on trust. Their honesty and commitment to our best interests made the process less daunting.
The hard mahi has paid off, and the reward of being a homeowner is more fulfilling than we ever imagined. For a family living on a single income and being older than the average first-time homebuyers, achieving homeownership was a significant milestone.
Our message to others is clear: it can be done. The goal of homeownership is within reach if you’re willing to take that leap of faith. If offered the opportunity, seize it. You won’t regret it. We are forever grateful for this chance and excited about the future in our new home.
Jade and Jason Thorne