Key Points
- SO Resi, part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, has launched a new Shared Ownership development called SO Resi Westgrove in Barnet, London.
- The development includes 102 homes—all available via Shared Ownership, designed for first-time buyers and young professionals.
- The Government and Mayor of London have recently announced plans to reduce affordable housing quotas in London from 35% to 20% to stimulate housebuilding.
- Homes feature high-quality fittings, generous living spaces, private balconies, some with allocated parking and views over landscaped gardens.
- SO Resi Westgrove is located between Finchley and Hendon, with good transport links including close proximity to Hendon Central Tube station.
- Kevin Sims, Director of SO Resi by Metropolitan Thames Valley, highlighted strong demand, especially for three-bedroom homes, and emphasized Shared Ownership as an accessible route to homeownership requiring only a 5% deposit.
- The area is well-served by local amenities, outdoor spaces like Windsor Open Space and Hampstead Heath, and several highly rated schools including North London Grammar School.
- Prices start from £87,500 with a 25% shared ownership stake on homes valued at £350,000.​
What is the significance of SO Resi’s new development in Barnet?
SO Resi’s launch of 102 Shared Ownership homes in the London Borough of Barnet is a significant step in addressing affordable housing needs in the capital. Coming shortly after the Government and Mayor of London announced a reduction in affordable housing quotas from 35% to 20%, the SO Resi Westgrove development demonstrates a firm commitment to providing accessible homeownership solutions amid changing policies. This initiative caters especially to first-time buyers and young professionals who face high entry costs in London’s volatile housing market. As Kevin Sims, Director of SO Resi by Metropolitan Thames Valley, explains,
- Key Points
- What is the significance of SO Resi’s new development in Barnet?
- Where is SO Resi Westgrove located and what amenities does it offer?
- How does SO Resi Westgrove cater to first-time buyers and young professionals?
- What is the broader housing context in Barnet and London?
- How does the launch align with London’s housing affordability challenges?
“Shared Ownership is increasingly being viewed as the answer for first-time buyers as it bridges the gap between renting and buying, allowing buyers the chance to take their first step towards homeownership in an accessible way.”
The ability to secure a home with just a 5% deposit makes this option highly attractive for those looking to settle in a vibrant part of North London.​
Where is SO Resi Westgrove located and what amenities does it offer?
SO Resi Westgrove is strategically located on Tenterden Grove, nestled between the leafy suburbs of Finchley and Hendon within the London Borough of Barnet. The development benefits from being situated amongst tree-lined streets and landscaped grounds, creating a tranquil residential environment. Residents enjoy convenient access to several bus routes and are just over a mile from Hendon Central Tube station, providing direct links into central London within 20 minutes.
Nearby amenities include a selection of local shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational spaces such as Windsor Open Space and Hampstead Heath. The development is also close to a number of well-regarded schools, including North London Grammar School. For motorists, major thoroughfares like the A1 and A41 offer connectivity to the M25, making travel around and beyond London easier.​
How does SO Resi Westgrove cater to first-time buyers and young professionals?
The homes at SO Resi Westgrove are designed with the needs of first-time buyers and young professionals in mind, addressing key barriers such as affordability and location. The Shared Ownership model allows buyers to purchase a share of the home, reducing the initial financial burden commonly associated with property buying in London. Kevin Sims points out that all three-bedroom homes have already been reserved, reflecting high demand.
Homes come equipped with spacious interiors, high-quality fitted kitchens, modern bathrooms, and private balconies—some overlooking landscaped gardens—with allocated parking for some units. The pricing starts at £87,500 for a 25% share of a home valued at £350,000, making what may have previously been out of reach now attainable for many.​
What is the broader housing context in Barnet and London?
The launch of SO Resi Westgrove fits into a broader local and London-wide context to address the growing demand for affordable housing. At the end of October 2025, the Government and Mayor of London revised affordable housing quotas downward—from 35% to 20%—to stimulate housebuilding in the capital. Despite this change, housing providers like SO Resi emphasize strong commitments to maintaining affordable options.
Barnet Council is also engaged in complementary housing initiatives, such as the upcoming build-to-rent project at Bunns Lane, Mill Hill, which will deliver 130 homes with 50% designated affordable, backed by institutional investment from Aviva Capital Partners aimed at creating sustainable communities. This reflects the multi-faceted approach to increasing housing supply within the borough, combining both ownership and rental models.​
How does the launch align with London’s housing affordability challenges?
London continues to face acute challenges in housing affordability, with many first-time buyers priced out of the market. Shared Ownership offers a practical and increasingly popular route for many to enter homeownership gradually. SO Resi Westgrove’s launch amid the Government’s recalibration of affordable housing targets underscores this approach as a realistic solution. The relatively low deposit requirements and the quality of housing options targeted precisely at young professionals and families illustrate how providers are adapting to meet demand under evolving policy landscapes while supporting social mobility and economic stability in London’s boroughs.
