Prices in September 2024 increased 0.7% from the previous month, with an annual change of 3.2% and an average price of £266,094. In Rochester in Kent, the average price is even higher – at £319,121 – leaving many would-be homebuyers worried about getting onto the local property ladder. Shared ownership provides a solution to make home ownership accessible and there's encouraging news for prospective homebuyers:  Hyde New Homes is unveiling The Wharf Collection  at Rochester Riverside.  Available to buy with the scheme, visitors can explore the one and two bedroom apartments in the seventh phase of homes to launch at the well-established community from February 28th.

With shared ownership, buyers need only raise a deposit based on the share of the home they are purchasing, rather than the full value.  They can then purchase further shares at their own pace, with a subsidised rent payable on the remaining share.

Set along the curved banks of the River Medway in the heart of Rochester, these new homes provide a blend of urban convenience and riverside elegance. Set within ten acres of open space by the newly regenerated riverside walk, they deliver a sense of connection with nature, as well as stunning views across the Medway and inland towards Rochester Castle and Cathedral.

The homes' interiors feature contemporary finishes with plenty of natural light. As part of the 'Hyde Difference', they come with a high specification at no additional cost, including integrated kitchen appliances, quality flooring and three months' free Hyperoptic broadband. For added convenience, each home at Rochester Riverside also comes with  parking. 

Now in its seventh phase, Rochester Riverside is a well-established and welcoming community. Homes are set around a landscaped central plaza, which acts as a hub for the local neighbourhood. There is a range of new facilities nearby, including a supermarket, coffee shop, hotel and primary school, meaning residents have all the essentials for daily life on their doorstep.

Rochester is also well connected to London and the rest of Kent. Direct trains can reach St Pancras in as little as 36 minutes from Rochester Station, making the town a popular choice with commuters keen to earn London salaries while avoiding the capital's steep property prices. For weekend downtime, Thorney Bay, Canvey Island Beach and Allhallows Beach are all within a ten-mile radius.

As well as its bustling shops and restaurants, Rochester is well-known for its connection to Charles Dickens. The author lived there for many years and his novels regularly reference local buildings, with plaques along the high street explaining the connections and delighting those attending Rochester's annual Dickens Festival.

Minnie Dando, Head of Marketing & Communications at Hyde New Homes, comments: “Rochester provides a delightful blend of culture, history and community that is wonderfully charming. The newly launching shared ownership homes at Rochester Riverside provide a way for buyers to be part of the local community without the need for eye-watering deposits. Our experienced in-house sales team is available to help guide customers through the process of owning their own home at this lovely development.”

Homes at the Wharf Collection at Rochester Riverside are priced from £96,000 for a 40% share of a one-bedroom apartment, based on a market value of £240,000,A deposit of £9,600 is required to buy this home, against one of £24,000 if one were buying the property outright. Two-bedroom apartments are available from £79,000 for a 25% share, based on a full market value of £316,000 and a deposit of £7,900. Owners are able to buy more shares at any convenient time and own their homes outright and also sell and move on to suit lifestyle.

Further details are available by emailing info@hydenewhomes.co.uk or at www.hydenewhomes.co.uk/rochester-riverside.

For more information, please contact Alice McCutcheon at The Oracle Group on 0208 394 2821 or alicemc@oraclepr.co.uk

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About Hyde New Homes

Gold standard service

Hyde's ambition is to become a truly customer-driven housing provider. For Hyde New Homes, which means communicating clearly with, and listening to, customers throughout the home-buying journey, from the initial viewing to when they move in. We also work hard to ensure they are settled comfortably in their new home, with regular contact in the first few months.

Our expert sales consultants are ready to help, whether someone is looking at shared ownership, outright sale, or a retirement home. Our aim is always to make the purchase experience smooth and enjoyable.

A recent survey of some of our new shared owners and homeowners, by independent research company In-house, shows the success of our approach, with an impressive 96% of customers saying they would recommend Hyde to friends and family. We are delighted that, as a result, we were granted the In-house Gold Award for customer satisfaction for the eleventh year running.

Hyde New Homes was recognised for its exceptional customer service, winning the prestigious accolade of Outstanding Achievement Award 2024 for Net Promoter ® with a score of 72.