The UK’s largest event for first time buyers returned to London for the thirteenth time on Saturday 21st September. With little sign of buyer’s slowing down over Brexit, organisers Share to Buy logged record numbers of attendees, welcoming over 4,400 guests throughout the day.
Held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster twice a year, the show is a one stop shop for those looking to find out more about alternative home ownership schemes – offering budding buyers the unparalleled opportunity to meet some of the country’s largest housing providers face to face. Coinciding with Shared Ownership Week, the free exhibition showcased the best of affordable homes available across London and the home counties – including thousands of Shared Ownership and Help to Buy properties. Hosted by Share to Buy, the UK’s leading online portal for Shared Ownership properties, the bi-annual event has welcomed almost 55,000 visitors since its launch in 2013.
Nick Lieb, Head of Operations for Share to Buy, comments: “Despite widespread Brexit uncertainty, the high turnout on Saturday demonstrated that London buyers are clearly undeterred, and demand remains exceptionally strong for high-quality affordable homes. In a time where buying on the open market feels increasingly out of reach for many, we are proud to be the largest event in the country geared directly towards first time buyers, supporting thousands onto the property ladder through alternative home ownership schemes.”
Hosting 54 exhibitors, guests were able to speak with staff from London’s leading housing providers. Sponsors of the event included L&Q Group, Southern Home Ownership, Notting Hill Genesis, SO Resi by Metropolitan Thames Valley, Clarion Housing, Peabody, Red Loft, Countryside Properties and Crest Nicholson. Brand new to the show this September, Catalyst, FABRICA, JLL and Savills also joined the prestigious list of headline sponsors. Each exhibitor had their own stand, making it easy for hopeful buyers to speak to sales teams and get their questions answered.
Sherene Taylor, Marketing Manager at Southern Housing Group, comments: “As usual, the London Home Show was a huge success. A truly valuable offering for housing associations, the show gives us the opportunity to get out there and spread the word about alternative home ownership schemes, speaking to prospective customers and helping them fully understand the fundamentals of Shared Ownership.”
Deidre Kronk, Marketing and Property Events Manager at L&Q, also comments: “The London Home Show once again proved to be a valuable opportunity to meet thousands of first time buyers face-to-face, and we were delighted to register hundreds of potential purchasers for our Shared Ownership schemes. It was encouraging to see thousands of attendees turning out, showing no slowdown of demand for new homes and alternative home ownership schemes.”
Throughout the day, there were also five live Q&A sessions where industry experts answered questions from the audience – covering everything from perfecting your credit score to understanding eligibility criteria. Independent mortgage advisors and conveyancing solicitors were also on hand to offer financial and legal advice to anyone looking to buy their own home.
The next London Home Show will return on Saturday 21st March 2020. To find out more, visit: www.sharetobuy.com/homeshow
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