Rebecca and Alistair

An example of how Dwell has the flexibility to provide a range of services. This is an example of our shared homeownership scheme.
Rebecca and Alistair lived in a rented Dwell home in Berhampore for three years before moving with their two children into their own home as part of Dwell’s shared homeownership scheme.

This scheme was a first for Wellington. In a nutshell, the homeowner purchases between 70 and 85 percent of property using their own deposit and a mortgage while Dwell owns the remaining share. Over time, the homeowner will gradually step up to full ownership.

Before renting with Dwell Rebecca and Alistair were renting an old-style house in Vogeltown. Sadly, their daughter had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, which required Alistair to take leave from work. Dwell were able to offer them a warmer, cheaper home.

“Dwell as a landlord were great. They were really sensitive to what we needed when we moved in.”

Their daughter sadly passed away aged five. It was a very difficult time for the Osbornes after their daughter’s death and they are grateful for the support and sensitivity shown by Dwell. Alistair returned to work and, with Rebecca pregnant again, they began to consider buying their own home as they were keen to put down roots with their family. They wished to stay in Wellington to be close to their support networks but buying in Wellington city proved to be unaffordable.

A conversation with their Dwell Housing Officer led to their first discovery of the upcoming shared home ownership scheme in Brooklyn and they quickly put in an expression of interest, followed by an application which was successful.

Since moving into their home they have settled well into the neighbourhood and community. Rebecca attends a music group with their youngest child, they make use of the community hall adjacent to their property and their children play with their neighbours' children - whose families are Dwell’s tenants.

The Osbornes give back to Dwell and their community in many ways. “We love where we live. The area is very community and family orientated. Our friends also live close by in Vogeltown and Brooklyn and we are able to see them often”.

Dwell was able to help the Osbornes during a time when they needed it. With this support the Osbornes were able to rebuild their lives and move into their own home for so many other families home ownership is unobtainable.