Londoners share how they really got on the property ladder

For Chantelle and her husband John, shared ownerhsip changed everything (Picture: Metro)

Despite making huge efforts to save a deposit, Chantelle Beams didn’t think she would ever have enough put aside to buy her own home.

She grew up in Canning Town in east London, moved away for university then, like many young adults, moved back. After getting married, Chantelle, 37, and her husband John, 26, rented a flat in nearby East Ham.

‘All the while we were making financial sacrifices, putting money away rather than treating ourselves to luxuries such as takeaways and holidays,’ says Chantelle, formerly a personal trainer and now an event organiser.

‘Over the years ...