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After a move back to her Northern roots, Olivia found the perfect stepping stone to homeownership at Platform in Stockport.
When Olivia’s long-term relationship ended, she knew it was time for a fresh start. Trading the seafront for her hometown Essex, she decided to return to Stockport to be closer to her family.
While planning her move, a Facebook advertisement for Platform caught her eye. The development, which features 73 modern one and two-bedroom apartments, offered exactly what she was looking for through the Rent to Buy scheme.
Finding “The One”
The journey to her new front door started with a bit of persistence. Because of the high demand for the development, Olivia stayed proactive to secure a spot.
“I found it through Facebook and got in contact with Plumlife,” Olivia explains. “I kept ringing because they were so busy – they said they had loads of requests. Then suddenly a slot became free. I actually came for two viewings; the first was just to get a feel for the place. I viewed a few other properties too, but they didn’t feel right. When I came back to view Platform again, I fell in love with it.”
How Rent to Buy worked for Olivia
Olivia chose a one-bedroom ‘Viaduct’ apartment. The Rent to Buy scheme is designed to help people transition from renting to owning by offering homes at a reduced rate, usually 20% lower than average local market rents. This discount allows residents to save for a deposit to buy in the future.
For Olivia, the application process was straightforward. “It was quite easy,” she says. “They asked for a few details and bank statements, and it took about a week to get everything finalised.”
A space to call her own
Moving in was a milestone moment for Olivia, providing her with the independence and creative freedom she craved.
“When I moved in, I was so happy. I felt like ‘I’m going to have my own dream home.’ I could finally get all the furniture I wanted – which is mostly pink! Moving in felt amazing. Having my own space, decorating how I wanted, and just enjoying my own company was really nice.”
The location of Platform has also proven to be a major perk. “It’s very spacious. I love having a balcony and being able to see the view. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk to town, which is brilliant.”
Support every step of the way
Olivia is full of praise for the Plumlife team, who helped make her transition from the South Coast to Stockport as smooth as possible.
“I love the Plumlife team,” she says. “They’ve been really helpful. The whole team supported me through the moving-in process, kept me updated with emails and were just really friendly.”
When asked what she would say to others considering the scheme, Olivia’s advice is simple: “Go for it. It’s a great option for anyone – couples, single people, or anyone going through a change in circumstances. It’s a lovely way to get into renting and eventually onto the property ladder.”
Ready to start your journey? To explore the homes we have available for Rent to Buy, click here.
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