Shared ownership Lenham

Shared ownership in Lenham

Looking to get on the property ladder in Kent? Lenham is a beautiful market village in the heart of the county, combining countryside charm with excellent connections. Known for its history, strong community, and proximity to the Kent Downs, Lenham is increasingly popular with first-time buyers and families who want a balance of rural living and modern convenience.

 

Where is Lenham?

Lenham is a historic market village set in the Kent Downs, situated just 9 miles east of Maidstone and 10 miles west of Ashford, Lenham combines rural calm with easy access to larger towns.

The village is well connected by road and rail. Lenham railway station offers direct services to London Victoria in just over an hour and a half, and to Ashford International in under 20 minutes, for high-speed services to London St Pancras. The M20 motorway is also close by, linking Lenham to Maidstone, Ashford, Folkestone and beyond.

If you’re considering shared ownership homes in Maidstone or wider Kent, Lenham offers a more rural yet well-connected alternative that still puts you within easy reach of everything you need.

The history of Lenham

Lenham is known for its medieval architecture, with the 14th-century St Mary’s Church and traditional timber-framed buildings surrounding the square. The Lenham Cross, a hillside memorial carved into the chalk downs, is another striking landmark that reflects the area’s long history and community spirit.

For buyers, the history adds a unique sense of character and charm to the village. Owning a home here means becoming part of a community that has grown over centuries and continues to thrive.

 

What is Lenham famous for?

Lenham is often described as the “Heart of Kent” due to its location and reputation as a lively yet peaceful rural hub. It is particularly famous for:

  • The Lenham Cross - a dramatic war memorial carved into the chalk hills in 1922, visible from miles around.

  • Monthly markets - Lenham holds regular markets in the village square, continuing a tradition dating back to the 13th century.

  • Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the surrounding countryside is part of one of the UK’s most beautiful protected landscapes, offering walking trails, cycle routes and stunning views.

  • Community events - With seasonal fairs, the village prides itself on bringing residents together.

For anyone seeking a balance of heritage, nature, and a strong sense of belonging, Lenham delivers in abundance.

 

Why call Lenham home?

Lenham provides the perfect balance of historic character and modern convenience. Life here means enjoying the countryside without sacrificing the essentials of daily living.

Local highlights include:

  • A choice of pubs, cafés, and independent shops in the market square

  • Supermarkets, healthcare services, and a library within the village

  • Schools such as Lenham Primary and The Lenham School for families

  • Direct rail services for commuters to London and Ashford

  • Access to the Kent Downs for walking, cycling, and outdoor leisure

Whether you’re a young professional, a couple, or a family looking for space to grow, Lenham offers a welcoming community and a slower pace of life while keeping you connected. Its affordability and long-term potential make it a strong option for shared ownership in Kent.

 

The future of shared ownership in Lenham

Shared ownership in Lenham provides an affordable pathway to owning a home in one of Kent’s most desirable rural villages. With rising demand for housing across the county, Lenham represents a smart choice for buyers who want long-term value and quality of life.

Shared ownership, a part-buy part-rent scheme supported by Homes England, allows you to purchase a share in a property while paying subsidised rent on the remainder. This reduces the upfront deposit required, making home ownership more achievable for first-time buyers, young professionals and growing families.

Find out the key things you need to know about shared ownership, shared ownership eligibility, and more within our shared ownership information hub

As new developments come forward, shared ownership in Lenham gives buyers access to high-quality homes that combine traditional village settings with modern design and energy efficiency. By securing a shared ownership property in Lenham now, you’ll not only benefit from an affordable route onto the ladder but also invest in an area with strong community appeal and enduring property value.

Within the scheme, we offer everything from city apartments to family homes, so whether you're looking for shared ownership in Maidstone, Ebbsfleet, Herne Bay, Canterbury or the wider Kent area, get started on the property ladder with your dream home through Moat.

Why choose Moat Homes?

We are a leading housing association, owning and managing over 23,000 homes in the South East. We are experts in the area and surrounding areas of Kent and Canterbury, and have a number of shared ownership homes that are available. 

We are incredibly proud to be:

  • An experienced and compassionate landlord in our communities

  • Dedicated to building strong relationships with the local authorities in the areas we work in

  • One of the Homes England delivery partners, developing around 500 new homes every year

  • Financially strong, allowing us to deliver excellent services to our customers and build new homes

  • An expert in providing shared ownership

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