Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder. This week, we’re in Birmingham visiting Michael Swords, who bought his one-bedroom flat through shared ownership in 2024. Michael has saved countless pennies by opting to part-own through the scheme, which allows buyers to purchase a percentage of the property with a reduced deposit.
![[METRO - Michael Sword, 37 of Birmingham at his shared ownership home in Belgrave Village.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234120325-e758.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
If he rented his apartment in full (rather than paying a share of the mortgage), he’d have to fork out £400 extra per month. Here’s what Michael had to say about his property journey…. I am 37 years old, working as a property lister for Connells Estate Agents in Birmingham. I currently live alone in Belgrave Village with my small dog, Jack.
![[METRO - Michael Sword, 37 of Birmingham at his shared ownership home in Belgrave Village.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234120326-0ca6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
My property is in Belgrave Village, in the B12 area of Birmingham city centre. As a dog owner, the green space and peaceful surroundings was as important to me as a quick commute to the office. I moved in on July 31, 2024. The full value of my one-bedroom apartment is £210,000. I purchased the home via shared ownership and own a 30% share.
![[METRO - Michael Sword, 37 of Birmingham at his shared ownership home in Belgrave Village.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234120292-3ca6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
I reserved off-plan in December 2023 when the property was under construction. A very similar apartment at Belgrave Village has just sold for £230,000. My deposit was only £3,000. The low deposit requirement is what made it possible for me to buy this newly built apartment.
![[METRO - Michael Sword, 37 of Birmingham at his shared ownership home in Belgrave Village.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234120177-c9b6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
