Rent to Home initiative supports another first-time buyer

Our innovative Rent to Home initiative has helped another tenant achieve the dream of homeownership.

After nearly three years renting a flat above our Great Shelford store, 27-year-old school administrator, Liberty Cornell, is now preparing to move into her first home.

The initiative – the only one of its kind in the UK – allows tenants to reclaim 70% of their rent as a deposit when they leave, alongside access to a mortgage from The Cambridge.

Liberty applied for the scheme with her friend, Jo Grindley, while both were living at home with their parents to save money after university. “We just thought we’d give it a try – I assumed someone else would get it. It was such a surprise when we found out we’d been chosen,” she said.

Although working full time, Liberty never believed homeownership in her twenties was realistic. “I had some savings from going straight into work after university, but not enough to think seriously about buying. Rent to Home has transformed what felt like a distant goal into reality – owning my own home,” she explained.

Reflecting on the milestone, Liberty said:

"To be honest, it’s been terrifying as well as exciting. Buying a house always felt out of reach, so actually holding the keys to a home I own, is still a bit overwhelming. At the same time, I’m really grateful we’ve had this chance — it’s such a big step, but a positive one. I’m looking forward to making it feel like mine, even if it just starts with painting some walls, and knowing that this is something I can build on for the future."

Peter Burrows, Chief Executive of The Cambridge, said:

“We’re delighted to see Liberty move into her first home and proud that Rent to Home has supported her on that journey. We know that saving for a deposit can be a major barrier for renters, and we’ve seen first-hand how our one-a-kind initiative can transform lives."

"As we celebrate 175 years of helping people to have a home, as a community-driven organisation we are committed to making the first step onto the housing ladder more accessible to more local people.”

Liberty and Jo are the latest to benefit, joining three previous tenants who have collectively reclaimed more than £81,000  to support their move onto the property ladder.  
 
Currently, ten tenants across six Cambridge-rented properties are on track to benefit from the scheme, with the Society projecting that over £218,000 in rent could be returned in the coming years to fund first-time buyers’ deposits.

 For more information about Rent to Home, visit here.