When a new build becomes a home -
Anita and Edward's Story
Anita and Edward are two of the first tenants to take up residency at Woodside Avenue, a new development of 94 homes, with a mix of properties, for affordable rents and market rents, run in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council and VIVID - Hampshire’s largest provider of affordable homes.
Before the move they had been living for three years’ with Edward’s family, unable to afford to rent or buy anywhere - despite both working full time as care workers.
Fifteen months’ ago, they decided to start the process of bidding for an affordable rental property through the council. It was often challenging, with the couple outbid on more than 60 properties in that time, but the couple always remained optimistic – and patient.
As the old adage says: All good things come to those who wait…
Two weeks after celebrating their third wedding anniversary and never before having lived together on their own despite being together for 14 years the couple finally picked up the keys to their new home.
“When we found out we had been successful it was the most amazing feeling,” said Anita. “We really couldn’t believe it.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how emotional it was when we picked up the keys to the property. Our own home! It’s the first time we have lived on our own together. It’s really nice to be able to have our own space.”
Like so many people living on a minimum wage before being successfully bidding for their flat in Woodside Avenue Anita and Edward were trapped in a vicious cycle, not earning enough to qualify for a mortgage and outpriced in the private rental market.
“We both work but because we are on minimum wage we couldn’t get a mortgage and it’s so difficult to afford to rent privately, especially in this area,” Anita explained. “It got to the point where I didn’t think we would ever be able to have a home of our own.
“When we found out we had been successful it was the most amazing feeling,” said Anita. “We really couldn’t believe it.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how emotional it was when we picked up the keys to the property. Our own home! It’s the first time we have lived on our own together. It’s really nice to be able to have our own space.”
Like so many people living on a minimum wage before being successfully bidding for their flat in Woodside Avenue Anita and Edward were trapped in a vicious cycle, not earning enough to qualify for a mortgage and outpriced in the private rental market.
“We both work but because we are on minimum wage we couldn’t get a mortgage and it’s so difficult to afford to rent privately, especially in this area,” Anita explained. “It got to the point where I didn’t think we would ever be able to have a home of our own.
“When we were finally successful it was unreal. We went from living in a bedroom at Edward’s sister’s house to having our own flat. We even have a little bit of extra money left to occasionally go out. This affordable rent home is perfect for us; it really suits our needs. And means we can carry on living close to our work and family.”
Woodside Development has been designed for modern-living. Each home is built to a high-spec; spacious, light, with plenty of storage and energy efficient features. Located near to shops and featuring a large area of public open space, with accessible paths and seating areas, the site is highly desirable in keeping with the vision of both Eastleigh Borough Council and VIVID.
“We couldn’t wish to live anywhere better. It’s amazing to live in a new build; everything’s brand new,” said Anita. “It’s very spacious as it’s all open plan and the bathroom is nice and big. For the first few nights here it almost felt like we were staying in a nice new hotel!”
She added: “We feel so lucky to have qualified for this flat through the affordable rent scheme. It really is a dream to have our own space; our own home.”