For many first-time buyers the journey doesn’t fail because of a lack of effort. In fact, it’s often the opposite. People save consistently, manage their finances carefully, and try to follow all the “right” advice; yet still feel like homeownership is just out of reach.
That’s exactly where Andrew found himself.
We first met in 2020, when most lenders were asking for a 10% deposit. He had saved £4,000, which is a really good start. But once he started looking at houses and what lenders actually expect, it became clear that it wouldn’t be enough through the usual route.
Like a lot of people, he realised there was still a gap between what he had and what he needed.
The First Step: A Conversation
Instead of putting things off or guessing what to do next, Andrew decided to speak to someone. He got in touch with Magee Mortgage Solutions and sat down with Marney. He brought everything with him; his savings, what he thought he could afford, and the belief that he was probably still years away from buying.
What he didn’t get was a dismissal or a “come back later.”
Instead, Marney took the time to understand where he was starting from and talked him through the options that were realistically available to him now and in a few years’ time. It was during this conversation that Co-Ownership Housing came into the picture.
The Real Problem Most Buyers Face
Andrew’s situation is very common. House prices in Northern Ireland are around £196,000 on average. That means a normal deposit could be £10,000 to £20,000, and that’s before legal fees and other costs. If you’re already paying rent and bills, that kind of target can feel impossible. So most people wait and keep saving; hoping it gets easier.
The Turning Point: A Different Way to Start
What changed things for Andrew wasn’t earning more or saving more; it was looking at it differently. With Co-Ownership, he didn’t have to buy the whole property straight away. Instead, he could buy a share of it and move in sooner, then increase his ownership over time. The end goal stayed the same but the starting point became realistic.
Making It Happen
Andrew bought a 60% share of a property worth around £137,950. Co-Ownership covered the other 40%. Because his deposit was based only on his share, his £4,000 savings were enough to get started. Something that once felt a long way off suddenly became possible.
He later said: “Marney explained everything in detail from the off… there were no negatives at all. You’re kind of just left to your own devices to live in your home.”
What Changed After That
From that point on, Andrew wasn’t stuck anymore; he was moving forward. He had his own home, he could decorate it how he liked, hHe had more stability and could actually plan ahead. Most importantly, he wasn’t watching the market anymore; he was in it.
The Outcome
This year, after six years in his home, Andrew decided it was time to sell. Over that time, the property had increased in value to £230,000. Because he owned 60% of the home, he benefited directly from that growth. After settling Co-Ownership’s share, Andrew walked away with £63,000. That’s a big shift.
He went from struggling to get started… to having a strong deposit for his next home.
What This Shows
House prices can go up and down, and nothing is guaranteed but Andrew’s story shows something important: Getting started earlier can make a big difference. Instead of trying to catch up later, he gave himself the chance to move with the market.
A Better Question to Ask
Instead of asking, “Am I ready to buy?” Try asking: “What could I do to get started?”
Because for a lot of people, it’s not as far away as it feels.
Where It Begins
Andrew didn’t start with perfect timing or a big deposit. He started with a conversation.
If you’re unsure where you stand, speaking to someone who understands your options could help you see what’s actually possible; maybe sooner than you think.
A quick conversation could be the first step.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debt secured on it. Property values can go down as well as up. Co-Ownership is subject to eligibility criteria.