Building a future through progressive home ownership
Safe, modern homes helping families put down roots and build their futures.
For years, renting felt like a temporary solution. We had a roof over our heads, but it never truly felt like ours. Every decision about the space, every change we wanted to make, was out of reach. The idea of owning a home seemed distant — especially after missing out on a house in Wellington years ago. Rising prices and the fear of overpaying made home ownership feel impossible, so we kept renting.
Everything changed when we learned about ŌCHT’s Secure Home Progressive Home Ownership programme. At first, the concept was unfamiliar, but a conversation with Christian from Westpac made it clear this could actually work financially. For the first time in years, it felt like there was a real pathway to home ownership without the pressures of the open market.
The process was smoother than we expected. Ane, ŌCHT’s Housing Support Advisor, was always there to answer questions, and with advice from our family and lawyer, we felt reassured at every step. There was paperwork, of course, but it was clear and manageable, and the mortgage process felt achievable with the right guidance.
Now, living in our own home feels like a weight has lifted. It’s modern, warm, and safe — a place we can truly call ours. The sense of relief is immediate. For the first time, we feel in control of our environment and our future.
It’s the little things that make it real: watching our son play in the backyard, enjoying the clean, sunny rooms, and knowing our power bills are lower. Renting never gave us this level of security or stability. Now, we feel more hopeful about what’s ahead and more confident about what we can provide for our family.
We’re also beginning to feel more connected to our neighbourhood. Meeting people, settling into routines, and being part of a community has been a welcome change. Home ownership has opened doors we didn’t have before — the chance to save, host friends and family, and create a sense of permanence.
To anyone considering progressive home ownership: take the chance. Even if the traditional routes haven’t worked, there are other options. Ask questions, do your research, and keep an open mind. Sometimes a different path can lead exactly where you want to go.
Owning a home has reminded us that families like ours — hardworking, resilient, and sometimes knocked back by life — deserve safe, warm homes too. We feel lucky and grateful for the support, the opportunity, and the courage to take the leap. At last, we are home.
Thinking about your own housing journey?
If you’re searching for stability, security, and a way to build a future for your family, ŌCHT’s Secure Home Progressive Home Ownership programme might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Learn more at ocht.org.nz/secure-home and see if this could be your next step home.
ŌCHT respects the privacy of everyone in our community, so names have been removed from this story.
