James Lee

James Lee is a consultant living and working in London. James has been living in rented accommodation but is taking his first step onto the property ladder by purchasing a property in Essex through a shared ownership scheme called HOLD (Home ownership for people with long-term disabilities)

"I’d wanted to get on the property ladder for a while – private rent is costly and owning your home provides more security, as well as a more individualised environment that is specific your needs.

Finding information on shared ownership for disabled people was incredibly difficult. There is very limited information and support available. After weeks of online researching I found some information describing a scheme called HOLD, a government backed scheme for people with a long-term disability to share in the ownership of their home with a housing association by buying a property on the open market.

While I’m thankful this scheme has helped me get onto the property ladder, I also wish there was more support and information readily available. I also believe that the lack of accessible cat 2 and cat 3 housing stock deeply exacerbates the problem and needs to be urgently addressed by the government and housing sector."

Our Insight report: A Forecast for Accessible Homes shows that outside of London, only 1% of new homes to be built are set to be wheelchair accessible properties. See our findings here.