"Taking that step completely changed my life” - Sue's story

Sue Hester bought her home through shared ownership with Harmoni Homes after the unexpected loss of her husband in 2020.

64-year-old Sue said: “Unfortunately I couldn’t afford to stay in the home I shared with my husband after he passed away. I wasn’t in a position with my age to take out a mortgage for the property again and I was also due to retire. It was a difficult time.”

After Sue’s eldest daughter saw an advert for homes for sale at the Cae Sant Barrwg development in Bedwas, Caerphilly, she encouraged her mum to check her eligibility for shared ownership.

Sue said: “I’ve always lived in Caerphilly but I didn’t think I would be able to afford a brand new home close by. Taking that step completely changed my life.”

Supported by Derene in the Harmoni Homes team, Sue moved into her new three-bedroom home in June 2020.

Sue continued: “I own my share so I don’t pay a mortgage anymore; I just pay a small amount of rent each month on the other share.

“There was a time when I didn’t know where I was going to end up, but now I love my home and I’ve made it my own with the kids.”

Cae Sant Barrwg is being developed by Llanmoor Homes. You can find out more about shared ownership and how it works on our shared ownership information page.