How key workers, and all buyers, can save money on a new-build home: Own New featured in The Times
A new article in The Times has highlighted the challenges many key workers face when trying to get onto the property ladder, and the support available to help make homeownership more achievable. The feature follows NHS nurses Billy Nacion and Kath Papilla, who used a developer key worker scheme to secure a place of their own in southwest London after years of renting.
But crucially, the article also emphasises that support doesn’t end with key worker schemes alone. For anyone looking to buy a new-build home, The Times points to Own New as a major option that can help reduce monthly mortgage costs and make buying more accessible.
A story many buyers relate to
Billy and Kath’s experience reflects what many first-time buyers are facing: rising rents, increasing energy costs and the difficulty of saving for a deposit in high-cost areas. Renting a one-bedroom flat in Wimbledon for £1,450 a month, with winter energy bills of up to £800, made saving feel almost impossible.
They assumed homeownership was out of reach until they learned about a key worker deposit contribution scheme. As Billy explains:
“When we learnt we could have enough for a deposit, with no extra fees, we grabbed the opportunity.”
Within weeks, they found a new-build development close to the hospital they work in. Barratt London contributed £19,250 toward their deposit, helping them secure a home that offered the peace, privacy, and comfort they had been missing.
But what if you’re not a key worker?
This is where The Times brings Own New into the spotlight.
Many readers will resonate with Billy and Kath’s affordability challenges, even if they don’t qualify for key worker incentives. Recognising this, The Times reassures buyers that help is still available:
“Don’t worry if you are not a key worker, an initiative called Own New is open to all buyers of new homes. More than 160 builders are participating in the scheme, which includes more than 1,000 developments.”
Own New’s model is simple: participating builders pass a contribution directly to the mortgage lender, which allows buyers to access reduced-rate mortgages. For many, this means:
- Lower monthly payments
- Access to competitive rates not available on the open market
- A smoother route onto (or up) the property ladder
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a mover or returning to homeownership, Own New provides a flexible, accessible way to reduce borrowing costs.
Helping buyers navigate their options
The article also touches on a key barrier we see every day: lack of awareness.
Craig Carson of Barratt London notes:
“A significant portion of young buyers simply don’t know where to start with getting on the ladder or how to make the most of their money.”
This is exactly why Own New exists, to make the path to owning a home clearer, more affordable, and more achievable for a wider range of buyers.
Alongside key worker incentives, The Times encourages readers to explore all available support and to speak with a specialist mortgage broker who can access the Own New products best suited to their needs.
Support for key workers and support for everyone
Billy and Kath’s story shows how impactful targeted schemes can be for essential workers who keep our communities running.
But the message from The Times is clear: buyers from all walks of life can benefit from the support available through Own New.
With over 160 participating builders and more than 1,000 developments already enrolled, we’re proud to be helping thousands of people move sooner, save more and feel confident about their next step.
To explore the full story, including Billy and Kath’s journey and the breakdown of key worker schemes, you can read the complete article here.
