With the arrival of the festive season, buyers’ minds are already turning to the year ahead. Recent data has revealed that it took purchasers on the open market an average of 150 days to move house in 2022 – 50 days longer than the same period in 2019*, with delays often being caused by long chains of buyers and lengthy conveyancing processes. As a result, thousands of hopeful homeowners are increasingly left waiting for many months to get the keys for their new property.

Avoiding onward chains and taking away some of the stress of moving, hundreds of Shared Ownership properties across London and the South East are available for hopeful first time buyers to move in immediately – not only reducing delays but also allowing prospective homeowners to take their first step on the property ladder at a more affordable level.

Shared Ownership offers eligible first time buyers a chance to purchase a percentage share of a property and pay rent on the remaining portion. Over time, an individual’s financial position may change so that more shares or even all of the property is able to be purchased.

Leading first time buyer property portal Share to Buy have rounded up five of the top Shared Ownership homes that are ready for buyers to move into in this January.

Leaside Lock, Bromley-by-Bow

Phase one of Guinness Homes’ flagship development, Leaside Lock, has a number of stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments available to move in for January 2023. With a stunning roof terrace, plans for an on-site gym, cycle storage, convenience store and café – all in close proximity. Buyers can appreciate the mesmerising views whilst living on the waterside and take a tranquil stroll by the River Lea, or head to Westfield to enjoy the buzz of one the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in Europe. There’s also direct underpass connection to the Bromley-by-Bow tube station. Leaside Lock is perfectly placed to enjoy the best of London. At Leaside Lock, prices start from £87,500 for a 25% share a one bedroom home (full market value: £350,000).

Harrow & Wealdstone Heights, Harrow

Harrow & Wealdstone Heights, located in the heart of the popular North London neighbourhood, is a brand-new collection of 81 contemporary one and two bedroom Shared Ownership apartments. Harrow & Wealdstone Heights will deliver Origin Housing’s exceptional standard of finish, with every apartment providing access to individual private balconies as well as a communal roof terrace. Eco-credentials include a ground source heat pump and solar panels used to power communal lighting. Perfect for commuters, the development is located just a few minutes walk from Harrow & Wealdstone Station. Residents will benefit from easy connections into central London, with journeys to Euston taking just 12 minutes. By car, the M1, M25, M40 and North Circular routes can be accessed in around 30 minutes. At Harrow & Wealdstone Heights, prices start from £80,625 for a 25% share of a one bedroom home (full market value: £322,500).

Ashvine Park, Canterbury

This beautiful development just outside of Canterbury is perfect for people looking to be close to the capital, whilst living in the countryside and getting plenty of value for money. Ashvine Park by Moat Homes offers a limited collection of art-deco inspired two and three bedroom houses. The on-site facilities are set to include shops and offices, a new school, wildlife corridors, a cricket pitch and much more. With Canterbury city just 12 minutes away and the trendy seaside town of Whitstable just 20 minutes away, this is the perfect location for a first time buyer. Prices start from £105,000 for a 30% share of a two bedroom home (full market value: £350,000).