London’s largest event for first time buyers went digital this summer, drawing over 800 attendees on Saturday 25th July, 2020. ​The first-ever Online Home Show​, hosted by property portal Share to Buy, gave budding buyers unique access to some of the property industry’s biggest names, showcasing hundreds of Shared Ownership and Help to Buy homes across London and the South East. Highlighting the determination of aspiring homeowners, over 80% of attendees of this virtual event were looking to purchase within the year.

The Share to Buy Online Home Show presented prospective buyers with the unparalleled opportunity to digitally meet with a number of the capital’s leading providers of first time buyer homes, as well as legal and financial experts, including sponsors Peabody, Southern Home Ownership, SO Resi, Catalyst and Red Loft. Guests were able to chat one-on-one with ​industry experts, ​either over instant message or video call, while also having access to ​a plethora of downloadable resources and useful video explainers. In addition, ​attendees could also view a series of educational webinars, covering everything from Shared Ownership and Help to ​Buy to ​understanding legal fees and Stamp Duty.

Hosted by the UK’s leading online portal for Shared Ownership properties, the bi-annual London Home Show, held each spring and autumn, has welcomed over 55,000 visitors since its launch in 2013. After postponing their March 2020 show due to COVID-19, Share to Buy took their free exhibition online for the first time ever.

Demonstrating that demand for home ownership in the capital remains strong, almost 70% of guests were searching for their new home in London, with central boroughs such as Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Lambeth proving the most popular amongst attendees.

Nick Lieb, Head of Operations for Share to Buy comments: “We were thrilled to be able to bring the Share to Buy Online Home Show to hundreds of first time buyers ​who are still determined to step onto the property ladder. As lockdown restrictions ease, we’re seeing growing confidence in the market and a shift in priorities, highlighted by the number of attendees at our first ever virtual event who were looking to purchase a home this year. We were thrilled to offer first time buyers a new and unique opportunity to learn more about their home ownership options and the routes available to them.”

Markus Kendall-Young, Group Head of Sales and Marketing for Catalyst, comments: “It has been fantastic to see how the property industry has embraced technology in recent months, and the Share to Buy Online Home Show took this to new heights. We were able to connect with hundreds of potential buyers, helping them to understand government schemes like Shared Ownership and Help to Buy, whilst showcasing some of our latest developments in London and the Home Counties, from studio apartments in Southall to family homes in Princes Risborough. It was hugely encouraging to see how many first-time buyers remain confident in getting on to the property ladder this year, and we’re proud to help them achieve that goal.”

The London Home Show will take place on Saturday 24th October 2020. To keep up to date with future events, visit: www.sharetobuy.com