Help 'generation rent' step on to the property ladder

This month we are featuring the work of Step-Ladder, a new organisation that has been set up to help people get on to the property ladder through an innovative solution called co-buying.

We all know how difficult it is to buy a home for the first time. According to the Office of National Statistics there is currently a record number of young people (20 - 34) living at home with their parents: 3.3 million. And over the last five year the average first time buyer house price has increased by 14.8%, with the average income only increasing 4.2% in the same period.

Step-Ladder is providing 'Generation Rent' with a new option to explore. They have created a free platform for members to find a partner and buy property together. Members search, match and communicate with others with similar property investment objectives, via the Step-Ladder network. It’s like a dating website for those interested in property ownership – whether to live in, purely as investment, or a hybrid option – a private “shared ownership” model. It is entirely up to the member.

Purdey Collier, Founder of Step-Ladder said, 'We want to work with people affected by the housing crisis - their problems include not being able to start families because they can't afford to move and low self-esteem from being stuck living in overcrowded or multi-generational homes'.

'Step-Ladder can’t solve the long-term issues of supply and affordability, but we can provide an option to get members on the ladder now. We open up property investment opportunities to thousands of people who currently cannot get on the ladder on their own. Together our members can make their property ownership dreams a reality.'

Step-Ladder’s beta site has been completed and is now live and they are looking to attract more people to the site and get conversations started around property co-buying.

Whilst people have been co-buying property for years with friends and family, the concept of doing so with a perfect stranger is relatively new. No one knows it's an option, so no one considers it.

Marketing support needed:
Step-Ladder has a marketing strategy in place, but they would love to have the support of experienced marketing advisors that they can bounce ideas off of, who can help them to make sure they are pursuing the right avenues.

They would particularly like mentoring support from social media and digital marketing experts.

If you are interested in working with Step-Ladder please email Anna Mullenneaux, Chief Match Maker at Pimp My Cause. And you can browse more Marketing for Good content in our Clubhouse.