Effective Date: 11 July 2025
Last Updated: 3 November 2025
Welcome
At Own Homes, we believe that everyone should be able to access and enjoy our website and app, no exceptions.
When we say “Own Homes,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” we mean Own Homes.
We’re committed to creating a digital experience that’s inclusive, easy to navigate, and designed with accessibility in mind for every visitor, regardless of their ability or device.
This is a pre-launch Accessibility Statement (“Statement”), created in anticipation of the full launch and applies to our website (www.ownhomes.com) and any related digital services or apps operated by Own Homes.
1. About Own Homes
Own Homes is a socially responsible landlord helping to turn rent into homeownership.
We operate in the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom. Own Homes is a part of Own Group Limited and the registered address is 8 St. George’s Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1AH. Registration number: 022350V.
We help those who can afford a mortgage but struggle to save for a deposit to become a homeowner by providing a clear, structured way to RentSaveOwn.
We’re not a mortgage lender or financial adviser. We provide information, guidance, and connections to trusted housebuilders and lenders.
This Platform and all its content belong to Own Homes Limited. It’s designed to give you information, not to form any contract or guarantee of participation.
2. Our commitment
We’re working to make our website and services accessible to everyone, including people with:
- Visual or hearing impairments
- Mobility or dexterity challenges
- Neurodiverse conditions
- Temporary accessibility needs (like injury or environment-related limitations)
We aim to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards, as established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of technology, ability, or context, can access the information and services we provide.
3. Current accessibility status
As we prepare for full launch:
- The site is partially compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
- Some interactive elements are still undergoing development and testing.
- Full accessibility testing will be completed before launch, including screen reader and keyboard navigation reviews.
Accessibility is not a one-time project; it’s something we’ll continue improving as the site evolves.
4. Known limitations
We’re currently improving a few areas:
- Some images still need alt text or improved descriptions.
- A few form labels and error messages aren’t yet fully compatible with screen readers.
- Keyboard navigation testing is ongoing for all interactive features.
We’re conducting both automated and manual audits to fix these before launch and will continue testing after release.
5. How to give feedback or request support
We welcome feedback because it helps us improve.
If you find any part of our website or app hard to use, or if you need information in a different format (such as large print, audio, or braille), please contact us by:
Email: hello@ownhomes.com
Post: Own Homes, 8 St. George’s Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1AH
We aim to acknowledge your message within five working days and resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
6. Your rights and accessibility regulations
In the UK, accessibility is protected under the Equality Act 2010. In the Isle of Man, it’s covered by the Equality Act 2006.
If you’re not satisfied with how we respond to your concern, you can contact:
- UK users: Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) – www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
- Isle of Man users: Equality and Human Rights Commission – www.iomequality.com
7. Technical information
Our website uses:
- HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
We aim to support:
- All major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
- Assistive technologies (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and screen magnifiers)
We regularly test compatibility across browsers and assistive tools to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.
8. Statement preparation and review
This asccessibility statement was prepared on 11 July 2025. It will be reviewed:
- Ahead of full launch
- After any major website update
- Following accessibility audits or user feedback
We’re committed to continuous improvement, not just compliance
9. Contact Own Homes
For questions about accessibility or this statement please contact Own Homes by:
Email: hello@ownhomes.com
Post: 8 St. George’s Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1AH
