‘I need assistance with most aspects of daily life but have the same ambitions as anyone else’: Inspiring Edinburgh man aims for independence by buying first home adapted to his disability

Like many 27-year-olds living in the Capital, Calum Grevers lives at home with his parents as he longs for independence and owning his own home.

Calum Grevers like many 27-year-olds in the Capital lives with his parents and he longs for independence and to own his own home

As a first time buyer, the Scottish Government’s Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) Scheme is accessible to him, but because he has muscular dystrophy, he needs some extra help.

The computer science graduate who has lived in Edinburgh his whole life lives with the progressive, muscle-wasting condition which means that, other than some dexterity in his thumbs, Calum cannot move from the neck down and requires a power-assisted wheelchair to move around and a ventilator at night to aid his breathing.

These issues have necessitated him to live with his parents up until now, but in recent months Calum has been dreaming of having his independence away from home.

He said: “I'm limited to the ground floor and I don't have my own space other than my bedroom. Moving to my own place, adapted to my needs, would give me independence and self-confidence.”

Calum took the first step to home ownership by contacting Housing Options Scotland, a charity which works with disabled people to explore their accommodation choices and find their own homes.

One of their brokers, Susan Mendelovich, explained his options to him and he decided that the OMSE scheme was the best route to take. However, Calum quickly identified a shortfall.

He said: “I need a wheelchair accessible home with a bathroom that can be converted into a wet-room, a second bedroom for my assistant to sleep in when providing overnight support and be close to the friends and family I rely on.

“Smart home tech, would enable me to answer the door, switch on the lights, shut the blinds and control my laptop by voice, giving me greater independence. However since disability benefit is my only source of income, I’m not eligible for a mortgage large enough to buy a suitable home, even with the help of the OMSE scheme.”

Calum has looked into the adaptations and technology required to help him to live independently and needs £30,000 to achieve his dream and while he recognises that it is an ambitious target, the money raised will go beyond his home and he hopes to empower other people with disabilities.

He said: “If I reach my funding goal, I’ll create a blog and YouTube series that explores my moving out journey and the ‘smart home’ tech that enables me to lead an independent life.

"This would be both a way of giving something back to my supporters and showing the world just how able disabled people can be.”

The Scottish Government’s Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) Scheme, is open to first-time buyers, those aged 60 or over, disabled people and social renters.

Through the OMSE scheme those eligible be able to buy a home without having to fund its entire cost and will get help from the Scottish Government.

Buyers will pay for the biggest share which is usually between 60 per cent and 90 per cent of the home's cost while the government will hold the remaining share under a shared equity agreement.

Those wishing to donate to help Calum achieve his goal can do so on his GoFundMe page.

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