Schools, Parks, and Shared Ownership: The Perfect Trio for Families in Kent 

Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England,” is an idyllic place for young families to settle. With excellent schools, beautiful parks, and attractive shared ownership options, Kent offers a perfect setting for families to thrive. In this blog, we’ll explore the key family-friendly features that make Kent an ideal place for young families considering shared ownership. 

Top-Quality Schools 

When considering shared ownership properties, pay attention to school catchment areas to ensure proximity to your preferred schools.  

Kent boasts numerous outstanding primary schools that provide a strong educational foundation. Schools such as St. Michael’s Church of England Primary School and Blean Primary School are renowned for their academic achievements and supportive environments. In fact, there are currently over 64 primary schools across Kent rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Among those that scored the best in the county are in Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford and Tunbridge Wells.  

For older children, Kent offers excellent secondary education options, including top-rated grammar schools like The Judd School and Tonbridge Grammar School. In Kent, currently 1 in 5 secondary schools are rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, making the County an aspiring place to bring up children. 

Many areas in Kent have well-regarded nurseries and pre-schools that focus on early childhood development, ensuring your little ones get a great start. 

Beautiful Parks and Outdoor Spaces 

Green Spaces Galore 

Kent is home to stunning country parks such as Shorne Woods Country Park and Mote Park, offering vast spaces for family picnics, nature trails, and outdoor activities. Kent County Council manages 9 beautiful country parks across the county, of which many offer a variety of outdoor activities and events, all of which can be found on the KCC website.  

Many local parks have well-maintained playgrounds and recreational facilities, providing safe and fun environments for children to play and explore. 

Activities and Events 

 Throughout the year, Kent hosts various family-friendly events, including outdoor cinema nights, nature walks, and seasonal festivals that bring communities together. Sample the beer offering at the Faversham Hop Festival this Summer or try an oyster at the famous Whitstable Rock Oyster Festival later in the year. If music is your thing, you are sure to find your jam at Margate’s Summer Series, with several world class music acts at Dreamlands new concert venue. Leeds Castle also hosts several activities throughout the year designed for everyone!  

From local football clubs to dance classes and arts workshops, there are plenty of activities to keep children engaged and active. The Kent Cricket Ground in Canterbury caters to cricket enthusiasts, whilst Kent’s numerous golf clubs offer both pros and novices a chance to work on their swing. 

Shared Ownership: An Accessible Path to Homeownership 

Why Shared Ownership is Perfect for Families: 

Affordability: Shared ownership offers an affordable way to own a home, with lower deposits and monthly costs compared to buying outright. This allows families to secure a stable and long-term living situation without overstretching their finances. It works by allowing you to purchase anything from 10% of the property, up to 75%, meaning a lower mortgage and deposit is required. You then pay a subsidised rent on the part that you don’t own. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can check yours here. 

Flexibility: Families can start with a share they can afford and gradually increase their ownership percentage over time through staircasing. This option is completely optional, and this flexibility is ideal for young families with growing needs. 

Family-Oriented Communities: Many shared ownership developments in Kent are designed with families in mind, featuring spacious homes, safe neighbourhoods, and close-knit communities. Love Living Homes prides itself on not only providing new homes, but also for creating vibrant, sustainable communities that allow our residents to live, work, and play, creating a space for you to call home. 

Choosing the Right Home 

Proximity to Amenities: When selecting a shared ownership property, consider its proximity to essential amenities such as schools, parks, healthcare facilities, and shopping centres. If you’re considering moving to somewhere unfamiliar, take time to visit the area on different days and at different times, to make sure it’s right for you.  

The Daily Commute: Whether you get there by car, train or bicycle, work out how long your typical daily commute. Keep in mind that the closer to live to your office, or the kids school, the more you’ll save in fuel and fares. 

Future Growth: Look for properties in areas with potential for future development and growth, ensuring that your investment benefits from increased property values over time. 

For young families, Kent offers a unique blend of high-quality education, abundant green spaces, and accessible homeownership through shared ownership schemes. By choosing shared ownership, families can enjoy the benefits of a stable home in a family-friendly environment, surrounded by excellent schools and beautiful parks. 

If you’re a young family considering making Kent your home, explore our shared ownership opportunities at Love Living Homes. We’re dedicated to helping families find their perfect home in this picturesque county.