First Time Buyer - October/November 2021

the Ultimate Guide to to... GETTING ON THE LADDER, THE PROPERTY MARKET AND HELP TO BUY October/ November 2021 £3.95 firsttimebuyermag.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHARED OWNERSHIP

WIN!

A TWO-NIGHT STAY AT FELLOWS HOUSE CAMBRIDGE WORTH £555 SPOTLIGHT ON LAURUS HOMES

INFLUENCER KELSEY HEINRICHS STYLES A DREAM ROOM ON A BUDGET

BUSTING MORTGAGE MISUNDERSTANDINGS

“When you view a home you will know if it feels the right place for you” Henry Holland

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Designer

9 771758 973014

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EDITOR’S LETTER

E D I T O R I A L – 020 3488 7754

Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk Editorial Assistant DAWN HARKER Junior Editorial Assistant KATIE WRIGHT Creative Director RYAN BEAL Sub Editor KAY HILL Social Media DAWN HARKER, KATIE WRIGHT

Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, ADAM CRAWFORD, CHLOE EYLES, DAWN HARKER, KAY HILL, JONNIE IRWIN, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN-OSGOOD, LESLEY PRICE, MIKE PRIOR, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, KATIE WRIGHT A D V E RT I S I N G – 020 3488 7754

Director of Advertising/Exhibition Sales LYNDA CLARK

Welcome How lovely it is that life is getting back to some sort of normality. It was amazing to celebrate the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards recently and have the opportunity to meet up with so many housing industry colleagues. A very big thank you to everyone for taking the time to vote – it really means so much and if you turn to pages 93-103 you can see all the winners and highly commended entries.

The annual Shared Ownership Week campaign returns from 23 to 29 September, aiming to help homebuyers understand how using the scheme can help you buy an affordable home. Do turn to pages 74-87 where you can find many lovely developments available through the Government scheme, plus an explanation of how the scheme works.

One of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying your first home is getting a mortgage. There are so many myths and misunderstandings surrounding this, that Experian has done some fascinating research and has busted some of the confusions that come with getting your finances in place. Turn to pages 30-31 to find out more.

I hope you enjoy this issue which is packed with information and help on buying your first home – enjoy!

lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk Special Events EILIDH MACLEOD – First Time Buyer Home Show – First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards boom@squarepegmedia.com

Until next time, happy house hunting

@firsttimebuyer

firsttimebuyeronline

Accounts accounts@ultimateguidecompany.com Managing Director SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk Public Relations RACHEL COLGAN

If you work for the NHS we would love to give you a year’s free subscription to the magazine – simply email us from your NHS email at nhs@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk with your name and address and you will receive six free issues

rachel@building-relations.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS 020 3488 7754

EDITOR’S PICKS…

My advice for any buyer who may be getting cold feet is sit down and make a list.

SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754 All advertising copy for December 2021/January 2022 must be received before 8 November 2021.

Send all copy to: lynda@ firsttimebuyermag.co.uk The content of this publication, either in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in First Time Buyer magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. © The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd 2008-2021. The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd t/a First Time Buyer magazine will take no responsibility for any loss/ claim resulting from a transaction with one of our advertisers/media partners.

Affordability is typically the main concern when searching for a home – especially a first home.

David Colley, Developer’s Doctor, page 18

Jonnie Irwin, Jonnie’s World, page 9

Crazy!! The Stamp Duty holiday lit a fire under the housing market.

Adam Crawford, 20 Questions, page 134

We have a mortgage in principle already, and want to move as quick as we can.

I will soon be house hunting for a home around the Cheshire area, which is very exciting.

Charlotte Turner, At home with, page 14

Lucy Hawkins, House Hunter, page 16

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CONTENTS

Cover photo © Mike Prior

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 91 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK

What’s in…

89

For sale The best FTB properties

88

Alison and Jordan are purchasing a two bedroom home together with Henry their beloved pet, at the Waterside Heights development through BE WEST. During lockdown, they both worked from home and decided that now was the time to buy.

HOMEPAGE

9 Words from Jonnie TV presenter and property expert Jonnie Irwin gives his views on the housing market.

11 FTB loves…

A round up of our favourite hot buys.

12 Living Decorating your new home is the perfect way to inject personality into your new place, and when it comes to your children’s rooms you can be especially creative. Maybe you’re looking for an exciting dinosaur theme and need roar-some

12

accessories, or you’re creating the ultimate teen hidey hole? We’ve picked some of the best affordable products so you can create a stylish space without breaking the bank.

14 At home with…

Charlotte Turner Interior designer Charlotte Turner specialises in creating luxury residential homes across the UK. Her timeless, custom interiors are practical but always have the wow factor. Lynda Clark talks to Charlotte about her career, her long-term plans and she gives some excellent advice on how to decorate your first home on a budget.

16 House Hunter We try to find Lucy and Glenn Hawkins a family home in the South East of England.

18 Developer’s doctor David Colley, Regeneration Manager at Ealing Council answers your property question.

FEATURED

20 The View: Henry Holland Henry Holland is one of Britain’s most influential designers, who rose to fame with his cheeky word play T-shirts. He has recently designed his first homeware collection for digital department store Freemans, creating an exclusive range of contemporary textiles, soft furnishings, accessories and statement furniture. He talks to Lynda Clark about how his career began, his exciting new venture and gives some excellent advice for first time buyers.

24 First Time Buyers Focus on the Future Although many buyers have found that their homebuying plans have had to change as a result of the pandemic, the latest research suggests that first time buyers are as keen as ever to get on to the ladder and regard it as a vital life step.

Debbie Clark looks at the statistics.

30 Mortgage Misunderstandings Experian has identified common misunderstandings in the mortgage application process and is helping to make things clearer.

36 We are Laurus Homes Spotlight on Laurus Homes, which is building exciting new developments in the North West

74 Shared ownership, a low deposit way on to the housing ladder The annual Shared Ownership Week campaign returns from 23 to 29 September, helping homebuyers understand how the scheme can help them on to the ladder. The week is backed by major housing associations and we highlight some of the great properties available using the scheme. Plus, interiors influencer Kelsey Heinrichs was challenged to create a living space for just £500 and we show you just how it can be done.

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CONTENTS HENRY HOLLAND, PAGE 20

BE OPEN MINDED ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T DO AS YOUR HOME IS VERY IMPORTANT

20

Henry Holland

112 Finance

REGULARS

Buying your first home is inevitably a nerve-racking experience – but doing your research and planning ahead can put to rest some of the worst of the worries. Kay Hill looks at how to take the stress out of the homebuying process.

The winners and highly commended

114 Market 32 Hotspot We look at Royal Tunbridge Wells as a place to live.

72 Hotspot We look at what living in the Essex town of Brentwood has to offer.

ftbawards.com

105

93

Competition Win a two-night stay at The Fellows House Cambridge worth £555.

108 Buying with friends or family

How has the pandemic changed our priorities when it comes to buying a first home?

Ginetta Vedrickas looks at the situation.

116 Agony Agent

Lesley Price FCILEx of CGM Solicitors discusses some of the matters to consider when looking to share the ownership of a property with friends or family members.

106 First home, first meal

All your property questions answered by our panel of experts.

119 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property process.

124 As a first time buyer should I consider arranging a Will?

Judit Jona, Senior Grill Chef at Tom Kerridge’s Butcher’s Tap and Grill in Marlow, rustles up a delicious Old-Fashioned Dog with American mustard, ketchup and caramelised and crispy fried onions.

Chloe Eyles, an Apprentice Solicitor in the Wills Trust and Probate Department at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, explains why it is important to arrange a Will.

107 Fast food Who doesn’t look forward to the sweet treat at the end of a meal? FTB has tried and tested the best desserts from the UK’s supermarkets to discover which ones are the tastiest.

110 Buying a shared ownership home Censeo Financial explains the steps involved when buying a shared ownership home.

126 Directory Where and how to contact your Help to Buy Agents or providers.

134 20 Questions We ask 20 quick-fire questions to a property expert and in this issue Adam Crawford, Partner and Head of New Build Homes at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, is in the spotlight.

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LETTERS

Mailbox NO CREDIT HISTORY

WRITE TO US! Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions concerning property, or the articles in First Time Buyer magazine.

First Time Buyer Letters, 37 Ivor Place, London NW1 6EA lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

I am starting to look for a mortgage for my first home. I have never had a credit card. Does this mean I have no credit history and will I struggle to find a mortgage?

Justin Green FTB: Lots of information makes up your credit score. So, if you have things like a current account, mobile phone contract and are registered on the electoral roll, you may have a better credit profile than you realise. Mortgage lenders will also be looking at your affordability, and perhaps their own records, when they make a decision. Having very little credit history can lower your score, so getting a credit card a year before you apply could help, along with getting utility bills in your name.

When you apply, use comparison sites to shop around. They won’t impact your score, but you’ll get a good idea of who will give you a mortgage.

It’s a good idea to check your credit report at least two months before you apply too.

This issue’s star letter wins a Runbott Sport water bottle worth £24.99. The Runbott Sport is much more than your average reusable bottle. Made with a ceramic coating, the Runbott will not only maintain the temperature of your favourite drink, it will also maintain the flavour. The special coating inside ensures you enjoy only the original flavours of your drink – no exposed metal inside the bottle means no nasty and unpleasant metallic tastes. The temperature on the outside won’t affect the temperature on the inside – 24 hours cold and 7 hours hot! Made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel, the Runbott is very strong and resistant to knocks or damage and is 100% BPA free.

I have been doing lots of research while searching for my first property. I am a little confused about the difference between conveyancing and surveying.

Could you please outline the details and differences between the two things?

Elise Douglas FTB: This is a question that is often asked by first time buyers

While searching for mortgages I often see the terms variable and fixed rate interest. What is the difference between the two and is one better than the other?

Nicola McClain FTB: A fixed interest rate mortgage means that the rate of interest will not change for a period of time, usually two or five years, and therefore your payments will be fixed for this period. Many people choose this option as they like the security of a payment which does not change and they can therefore budget a little more easily. Often with this type of mortgage there are high penalties if you want to leave early. With a variable rate mortgage, the payments will change if the interest rate changes so there is a little more uncertainty involved, as the interest rate can go up or down, which will then change your monthly mortgage payments.

GROUND RENT

runbott.life

CONVEYANCING AND SURVEYING - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

VARIABLE AND FIXED RATE INTEREST

and both are very important.

Conveyancing involves the legal transfer of homeownership from the seller to you, the buyer. The conveyancing process starts when your offer on a house is accepted and finishes when you receive the keys and it is done by a solicitor or a conveyancer. Surveying relates to the inspection of the property to ensure that it is structurally sound and in good condition so that you don’t have any nasty surprises once you have moved in.

What is ground rent and is it something I will always have to pay while living in the apartment I am purchasing?

Isaac Dorsey FTB: This is a common question among first time buyers.

Apartments can never be sold with an absolute freehold title as by nature they are built on top of each other and therefore occupy the same area of land. As such, it is necessary for the freeholder of the land to attach a ground rent to each apartment to permit it to be there. If you are being

asked to pay ground rent then you are legally obliged to pay this amount in full. Ground rent is a contractual rental payment for the occupation of part of an area of land and anything occupying that space. If you fail to pay the ground rent that is due, then the freeholder who owns the land could reclaim your property as their own for breaching the contractual agreement.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the first time, go to firsttimebuyermag.com

First Time Buyer October/November 2021

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OPINION

Photo © Mike Prior

WORLD

TV presenter and property expert Jonnie Irwin gives his thoughts and views on first time buyers and the housing market

I am one of life’s great procrastinators. It’s not something I’m proud of and it’s taken me a while to fully appreciate how annoying this is for those around me. It manifests itself through most of my social life and occasionally into my work life too. It all started at university. If there was any coursework to be written or revision to be done, the house would suddenly become the cleanest place on earth – which for a student house is pretty rare. I’d find any job to do other than the more cerebral task that was glaring me straight in the face or nagging at me in my subconscious.

As you might expect, I’ve thought about this a great deal – that’s kind of the issue, isn’t it? Finally, it dawned on me that if you put off making a decision for long enough, eventually the “non decision” represents the worst possible outcome.

After going online and looking at how to beat this pathetic impasse I often find myself in, my wife suggested the idea of making a list. Now the list is something my wife has long been a fan of. She’s a ninja list maker and perennial achiever of all things! There’s an old phrase that goes something like “give a job to a busy person”. Well with three kids in nappies she’s certainly busy, but the stuff she can get done daily just blows my mind.

There’s something in the writing of a task that simplifies it and makes it more approachable, so when you get to put a line through it, well the feeling is more than relief. I’ve even been known to add things to a list that I know I’ve already completed just to make me feel like I’m really achieving!

As you’re probably guessing, I’ve become quite evangelical about a list and how it helps me structure decision-making. Annoyingly so, a bit like an ex-smoker talking about how bad cigarettes are. I can see procrastination in people a mile off now that I’ve highlighted my own shortcomings and have recently been plagued by someone’s issues orbiting my life. Unfortunately, this someone was a pair of buyers of a property I was selling.

Now, I get it – buying any house is a huge decision, but without a road map to help one make important decisions, buyers can get hamstrung and caught up in their own inertia. The archaic and hugely creaky system of buying a house in England and Wales is already painfully slow, so it often surprises me when buyers are happy to just let the process take its course and then add their own bad/non decisions to it.

I’m not blessed with patience at the best of times and if I get a whiff that I’ve got a messer or a buyer who isn’t making a decision when they should, then I get nervous. In property, transaction momentum is everything and I’ve got too much experience of deals slowing down and then not happening. There is a natural timeline of a successful deal and if something goes on too long, it probably won’t happen.

My buyers had promised the earth, keen to make the most out of the Stamp Duty holiday, had received all the searches and replies back but just weren’t pulling the trigger. Classic buyer vertigo they needed a shove. As a seller, there’s little you can do other than offer them an ultimatum – but then you must go through with it. If they had done their research, they should’ve been confident that the property was correctly priced, which the valuation report backed up, but I suspected they wanted to know that someone else wanted my flat as much as they did, as they clearly weren’t confident with how they had arrived at the precipice of doing the deal. The issue in any property purchase is that you must pay more than anyone else to secure it. That’s just the way it is. If you’re not happy with how you’ve arrived at your decision or you’ve not researched your market, then you’ll end up kicking the can down the road and someone else will make the decision for you.

My advice for any buyer who may be getting cold feet is to sit down and make a list. Pros on one side, cons the other and have a shortlist of alternatives with their pros and cons.

I always encourage caution, but not at the cost of a fully informed decision. The latter is priceless.

And what happened to my deal? I got another offer from a different buyer which prompted the previous buyers to pull their finger out. Silly pair…

First Time Buyer October/November 2021

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FTB LOVES

What’s hot in the shops? Always on the lookout for exciting and innovative new ideas and accessories that will help create the perfect space, here are our favourites this issue

Boo-tiful Bunting

Halloween is just around the corner, and the party decorations from Homesense are perfect for all your spooktacular parties. Make sure your guests enjoy only treats and no tricks, with everything from bunting to bowls. Your house is sure to win the best dressed competition.

Halloween decorations decorations, from £3.99, Homesense homesense.com

y Living a d y r e v E Anyday, ensive, and that’s Buying a new home is exp always on the lookout ’re We out. without kitting it gine our excitement for affordable items, so ima its brand new when John Lewis launched high-quality products sh, styli ANYDAY range. The offering buyers quality come at affordable prices, er, ANYDAY isn’t just at every life stage. Even bett ing from kitchen homeware, it includes everyth so you’re sure to ls, ntia gadgets to nursery esse r new home. you for d nee you find everything is ANYDAY, from £1, John Lew johnlewis.com

Thanks for Brunch

We love breakfast here at FTB, so having interiors inspired by our favourite morning meal was a must!

Soft, fluffy, airy – no we’re not talking about an actual croissant, but this plush croissant cushion is a perfect way to add some whimsical charm to your home. It looks good enough to eat, but is also soft and cuddly. It pairs perfectly with the gorgeous porcelain orange juice carton vase, perfect for a fresh bouquet of flowers while you eat your morning treats.

Croissant cushion, £16, Red Candy redcandy.co.uk Orange juice vase, £26, Five and Dime fiveanddime-interiors.com

Gotta get Theroux This

Homelessness is a complex issue with no easy solution; but did you know that socks are the number one requested item at homeless shelters? At Stand4 Socks, with every pair of socks purchased, a thick antibacterial sock is donated to a person in need. However, the socks aren’t just another boring plain black pair – fun designs such as David Attenborough and Louis Theroux mean you can be sure your toes are taken out in style.

Famous Toes Socks, from £14.99, Stand4 Socks stand4socks.com

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Homepage LIVING

s d i K l o o K Kouture Campervan bunk bed by Julian Bowen, £575, Cuckooland

Decorating your home is the perfect way to inject personality into your new place, and when it comes to your children’s rooms you can be especially creative. Maybe you’re looking for an exciting dinosaur theme and need roar-some accessories, or you’re creating the ultimate teen hidey hole?

Whatever the age of your offspring, we’ve picked some of the best affordable products so you can create a stylish space, without breaking the bank

Animal Antics wall art, from £15, Abstract House

Elements Hannes duvet set, from £18; brushed cotton silver Oxford pillowcase, £6; Jute marl runner, £79; set of three water hyacinth baskets, £25; Arthur recycled navy curtain, £24; Harvey throw, £44; Stockholm cushion, £14; industrial poster pack, £15; elements poster pack, £15; white pom-pom string lights, £5, Dunelm

Harry the Crocodile cushion, £12.95, Rex London

Kids Aurora velvet bean bag, £49.95, Cuckooland

Dinosaur kids stool, £34.99, Sue Ryder Rio the Rocking Llama, £105, The Rocking Horse Toy Shop

Felt pompom llama hook, £19.95, Yoyo and Flo

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Homepage LIVING

Oliver lift-top desk, £179; cabinet storage, £35; small locker storage, £115; Thomas office chair, £99; Jute marl rug, £79; Edited Life hooks, £22; industrial poster pack, £15; metal mesh pen holder, £4; dustbin style bin, £10; Idris desk lamp, £40, Dunelm

Princess four-poster bed, £99 5,

Cuckooland

Wild Wonders tepee, £49.95, Rex London Lion and zebra table light, £24.99, Lights4fun Set of two Elvis the Elephant bookends, £12.95, Rex London

Kids rainbow rug, £37.90, Beaumonde

Chalkboard and drawers, £95, Cox & Cox

Lines at the Zoo wallpaper, £18, I Love Wallpaper

Dinosaur flag, £13.99, Home of the Mall

CONTACTS » Abstract House abstracthouse.com » Beaumonde beaumonde.co.uk » Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk » Cuckooland cuckooland.com » Dunelm dunelm.com » Home of the Mall homeofthemall.com » I Love Wallpaper ilovewallpaper.co.uk » Lights4Fun lights4fun.co.uk » Rex London rexlondon.com » Sue Ryder sueryder.org » The Rocking Horse Toy Shop therockinghorsetoyshop.co.uk » Yoyo and Flo yoyoandflo.com First Time Buyer October/November 2021

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Homepage LIVING

At home with:

Charlotte Turner

High-end interior designer Charlotte Turner has a relentless passion for turning houses into homes. She creates timeless, custom interiors that can be enjoyed practically, while also achieving the wow factor. Most of Charlotte’s clients remain confidential, but she specialises in creating luxury residential homes across the UK, priding herself on her designs that result in long-standing client relationships. She talks to Lynda Clark about her career, her long-term plans and gives some advice on how to decorate a home on a budget Photos: Mike Prior FTB: Have you taken that first step on the property ladder?

CT: At the moment I am renting, but I will soon be house hunting for a home around the Cheshire area, which is very exciting. I was living in a two bedroom apartment in Altrincham, but I needed more space for my office. I am now renting a four bedroom house, which is lovely and actually costs the same in rent as the apartment did! I can also have my little dog, Hennessey, live here with me – life just wouldn’t be the same without my pet.

FTB: How did you start in the world of interiors?

CT: I was an avid viewer of Changing Rooms on the BBC when I was younger and was constantly re-decorating my bedroom.

My poor mum had to live with lime green walls and once I painted it with navy blue spots! Eventually I did my degree in interior design, but a lot of what we did was for commercial properties and I have always been interested in working in residential homes. Actually, my lecturer told me there was no money to be made in residential,

which of course is quite wrong! I needed to get some work experience and a friend had contacts in an interiors company in Alderley Edge and they offered me a position. I started right at the bottom and worked on things like organising 50 shades of white samples and getting them in order. It was very good grounding though, and eventually

“I DECIDED THAT I HAD LEARNT EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO AND DECIDED TO START OUT ON MY OWN. IT WAS A BIG DECISION, BUT LOOKING BACK I THINK IT WAS COMPLETELY THE RIGHT ONE”

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Homepage LIVING I was offered my own project in Chigwell.

I had to learn quickly and at that time a lot of the girls were on maternity leave so I was pretty much on my own. I learnt how to deal with suppliers and all about deadlines, which are very important. It was a great job and I was lucky enough to travel as well and went to Paris for the furniture exhibition and to Milan – it was very exciting.

FTB: What happened next?

CT: I decided that I had learnt everything I needed to and decided to start out on my own. It was a big decision, but looking back I think it was completely the right one. I have been running my own business now for four years and it’s going extremely well – it’s called Statement Interiors.

FTB: Tell us about some of the work you have been doing CT: Most of my clients are very confidential.

I have recently been working on the new interior for the fabulous and very wellknown restaurant in Manchester called Rosso. It’s in a Grade II listed building and is really stunning. I must admit I was a little nervous to start, but they really loved my design scheme and it was great fun to work on. Everywhere you look is perfect for taking photographs and I call it the “Kodak moment”, so I had to make every angle work. The ladies’ loos are sensational and all the girls want to take selfies there as it’s so opulent and special. I got inspiration from the paintings in the Sistine Chapel in Rome and painted little cupids on the ceiling. It was during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, so I decided to paint all the cupids in different races – it really does look so unusual. The restaurant has received rave reviews, with a renowned food critic stating, “It’s out-Mayfairing Mayfair” – I am very proud.

FTB: What are your plans for the future?

CT: I am hoping to go over to Los Angeles next year and build up my brand recognition and do some networking. I know a few people there, which will help as they can introduce me to some key people and hopefully it will lead on to exciting things.

FTB: What advice do you have for first time buyers to create a beautiful interior to their home?

CT: I love neutral colours and think you can’t go wrong if you stick to a palette of creams, taupe and off-whites and then add a splash of colour. You can achieve this with some bright scatter cushions or abstract art on the walls. I have recently been experimenting and buying a blank canvas from somewhere like Hobbycraft and then just literally splashing colourful paint on to it – it’s so easy and looks amazing and it

“I LOVE NEUTRAL COLOURS AND THINK YOU CAN’T GO WRONG IF YOU STICK TO A PALETTE OF CREAMS, TAUPE AND OFF-WHITES AND THEN ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR” costs very little too! I also love adding some texture to the room by using faux fur for glamour, leather, timber, marble or suede – it breaks up the space and is also very tactile.

Another trick is to use coffee table books in lots of colours as they look very effective piled up and you can pick some up really cheaply in charity shops or car boot sales.

If you want, you can buy a book stand and display an open book at a colourful page and then you can change the page every day so you get a different look all the time. Glass vases, or jars with fake oranges, lemons or limes in them, work very well in the kitchen to give a focal point to the room. Scented candles are also a must and again they are quite inexpensive from places like Zara Home or H&M Home Collection.

FTB: What is the secret to your success?

CT: I am obsessed with my work and take my laptop everywhere I go. Being organised

is vital and I ensure that everything is delivered on time and on the date I want it, so things don’t get out of hand. I usually ask my clients to stay away from their home during the installation week and when they come back and see for themselves what has been done, the impact and the wow factor gives them the full experience. I just want my clients to be happy, and the best compliment I ever get is that they trust me and often ask me to come back to design another room or they recommend me – my work is extremely important to me and I truly love it. statementinteriors.co.uk Follow Charlotte on Instagram @statementinteriors for an exclusive peek at her ongoing designs, alongside playful, unapologetic snippets of eclectic outfit choices

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“W PR BY CU W CU FE

Homepage FIRST RUNG

The

HOUSE HUNTER

What we found…

THE HISTORIC TOWN Lillybank Battle, East Sussex

FROM £345,000

THE BEST OF BOTH Water Meadows at Broadacres, Southwater, West Sussex

FROM £380,000

This month FTB goes on the hunt with Lucy and Glenn Hawkins who are after a family home with two or more bedrooms in the south east of England

PROFILE

Names Lucy Hawkins, 35, and Glenn Hawkins, 40 Occupations Information Scientist, Campaigns Manager Maximum budget £375,000 Requirements A two or more bedroom home in the South East of England, with outdoor space, a town or high street close by and commuting times to London of under an hour

What they wanted…

It’s all change for us − we have our first child due at the beginning of next year and have decided to relocate from the North West back to the South East, where we are both from originally. Glenn and I have called Liverpool our home for the past 10 years − but with a little one on the way, we want to settle in a place of our own closer to our families. Glenn is originally from Kent, while my family mostly live in south east London, Surrey and Sussex.

We’d like to look at homes in these areas and make a decision based on what we can find. We need at least two bedrooms and some outdoor space – a garden ideally. We like the countryside and are more than happy to be away from busy areas, but we would like shops and places to go to be easily accessible. We’ll both be working flexibly, with just a few visits to Liverpool or London needed for us both every month, so a reasonable commute to the capital would be great for us. Our budget is around £375,000.”

16

Close to the medieval town of Battle, this collection of family homes has the Sussex countryside on the doorstep. The properties range from two to five bedrooms and have been created in a variety of styles to blend seamlessly into the beautiful surrounds. This is a rural location that benefits from great access to all the amenities needed for modern life, with supermarkets, cafes and pubs within easy reach.

Trains into London take around 80 minutes, while the seaside town of Hastings can be reached in less than 20 minutes by car.

Water Meadows is the latest phase of the wider Broadacres development. The collection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes take its inspiration from the pretty Sussex location, which offers residents a mix of rural and town lifestyles. Inside, homes are beautifully finished, with flexible living spaces, fitted kitchens, en suites from the master bedrooms and living areas that open to private rear gardens. Southwater and its amenities lies within walking distance, while the large commuter town of Horsham can be reached in 10 minutes by car.

millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

berkeleygroup.co.uk

What they thought…

This location is so different to the busy city life we are used to now − Battle is a quaint Sussex town with the beautiful seaside close by. We love the history in the area and the beauty of the South Downs, and with the coast so close, it would be a wonderful place for us to settle down as a family. It’s a little further south east than we’d originally thought of − but that doesn’t rule it out. We are really impressed with the properties, they’re very thoughtfully designed.”

I have family quite close to this area, and have visited Horsham many times. It’s a lovely area with a great deal to offer families. We are really impressed with the general design of the houses and it’s clear that the development has been designed in keeping with the local area.

Southwater looks pretty, and it’s only a short walk, which would be great with the baby. And getting to London for work and general visiting takes less than an hour, which is ideal.”

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Homepage FIRST RUNG

THE LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT Castle Rise, Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent

FROM £80,500*

THE CITY CONNECTION The Scene New Cross, south east London

FROM £117,000*

First choice!

DER

THE WATERSIDE WON Rochester Riverside, Rochester, Kent

The final phase of affordable homes has launched at this landmark development in Ebbsfleet Garden City. The homes boast superb transport links, with green space, shopping and facilities well within reach. As well as the existing countryside, there will be seven new parks in the area, along with lakes, ideal for days out. The one and two bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom houses have been designed beautifully, with open-plan living areas, integrated kitchens, and balconies and gardens for enjoying the fresh air.

Lewisham − the London Borough of Culture 2022 – is home to this new collection, which ranges from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom townhouses, with many available through shared ownership. The properties feature open-plan living areas, stylish design and plenty of natural light.

The homes lie within walking and cycling distance of some of the capital’s most popular areas including Deptford, Greenwich and Camberwell, while trains run to London Bridge in under 10 minutes. Travel to Kent, Surrey and Sussex is simple by car or train.

castlerise.co.uk

peabodysales.co.uk

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £230,000

We know a family who have bought a home at Unity Gardens and they really like it there. This is a great area to combine commuting with a lovely, laid-back lifestyle. There’s so much green space in the area, and also so many young families moving into the development, which would good for making new connections. The new garden city − and the fact that a stretch of the Thames is essentially being transformed − is really interesting to us and we like the idea of spending time close to the river.”

*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £390,000

We think the homes here look amazing. New Cross and the surrounding areas are so very cool and really fun to be in. It’s great that there’s a range of houses and apartments here; appealing to both families and young professionals is sure to create a great community feel.

What we really love is that there’s so much to do on the doorstep − and London is so close − but getting to Kent and beyond is really easy, too.

It’s definitely a great location for both exploring and escaping city life.”

FROM £307,500

links and views, great commuter With riverside and castle in Kent is ent pm elo landmark dev a range of properties, this ntually eve l wil ich wh , site eed. The proving very popular ind river km es, will also include a 2.5 comprise 1,400 new hom as are y pla ing of open space, includ walkway and 10 acres to s ent rtm apa from ge s here will ran and landscaping. Home perties Pro . ses hou ily fam m bedroo two, three, four and five n-plan n living in mind, with ope der mo h wit ed ign des are r doo out ate ural light and priv living spaces, optimal nat utes. min 37 just e tak St Pancras spaces. Trains into London m countr ysideproperties.co

THE NEXT STEP

“We have planned a week-long stay with relatives in the South East. That way we can visit Rochester a lot and really get a feel for the area. We have a mortgage in principle already, and want to proceed as quickly as we can so we can try to get moving before the baby arrives!”

What a fantastic development this is! We totally adore the idea of a riverside home − and the houses are so stylish and bright − the ultimate in modern family living.

We really like the location and are super impressed with the travel links into London. Rochester is in quite a good spot for seeing all of our relatives. We currently have to travel hours for visiting, but from here we can get to Sussex, Surrey and London pretty quickly by car or train, which will make such a difference to us. I love the idea of walking along the riverside and having beautiful open spaces right on the doorstep. The historic sites will also be fun for the family to visit.”

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ADVICE

David Colley is Regeneration Manager at Ealing Council and has worked there for over 20 years. His main focus is to help provide high-quality, sustainable homes for people who might otherwise not be able to afford one. As part of his role, David also works with Broadway Living – Ealing Council’s development arm – to create high-quality homes and places in which local people are proud to live

Q

I moved back to live with my parents in west London to save for my deposit and am now ready to buy my first home. I want to stay in the area as I want easy access to the city so I can still see my friends and lots of green space where I can walk or cycle. Is this even going to be possible on an average first time buyer budget?

A

Firstly, congratulations! You’ve done the hardest part by setting a budget and saving your deposit. It isn’t easy to buy your first home in London, especially when you’re looking for a property that maximises your affordability while still ticking all the boxes for lifestyle and location.

Affordability is typically the main concern when searching for a home – especially a first home – but there are opportunities to be had especially in the outer zones and in regeneration areas. In the past 12 months, the average price of an apartment in Zone 3 stood at £650,000 and £421,000 in Zone 4 according to Rightmove.

Ealing, for example, in Zone 3 is an exciting proposition for first time buyers; it’s an up-and-coming area for young professionals thanks to the exciting, billionpound regeneration of the town centre and the pending arrival of Crossrail that will link Ealing with the West End, Square Mile and Canary Wharf. Broadway Living has launched a collection of one and two bedroom apartments which are priced from just £357,500; 58% and 16% lower than the average price in Zone 3 and 4 respectively.

What’s more, you would benefit from living a 10-minute cycle ride from Ealing Broadway station, which sits at the end of the Central Line, as well as easy access to plenty of green space – there are 10 parks and four major nature conservation sites in and around Ealing.

It is also worth considering some of the schemes available to help you on to the ladder, especially in London where prices are higher than other parts of the country.

18

Help to Buy provides a good option and an alternative to the Government’s newly announced mortgage guarantee scheme.

While both schemes can help first time buyers on to the ladder, the Government loan, of 40% of the home’s value, is interest free for five years. With Help to Buy you’ll

David Colley, Regeneration Manager, Ealing Council

only need a deposit of 5% and a mortgage of 55% – meaning this could be a cheaper option than the mortgage guarantee scheme.

A smaller loan-to-value tends to attract better mortgage rates.

Great value for money is achievable in London, you just have to know where to look.

FROM

£357,5

00 AVAILA BLE WIT H HELP TO BUY

The modern one and two bedroom apartments at Central Square, all available using the Help to Buy Central Square, West scheme, combine a prime location with a superb London specification that demonstrates exceptional value for money. Just minutes from on-site Castle Bar Park railway station, Central Square offers the best of outercity living.

Apartments provide light, bright living spaces with plenty of room to balance relaxation, leisure and work. Every apartment comes with integrated Zanussi kitchen appliances, while other cost-saving benefits include flooring and large fitted wardrobes to the main bedrooms. Each home has its own balcony and there are fantastic views across the city from the upper floors.

With on-site amenities including a community centre, a local shop and a landscaped garden square, the day-to-day essentials are never far away.

Available now, the apartments are priced from £357,500 for a one bedroom apartment and £435,000 for a two bedroom apartment. With Help to Buy, you’ll only require a deposit of £17,875 or £21,750 respectively.

For more information or to book a private appointment, call JLL on 020 7087 5111 or visit copleyhanwellw7.co.uk

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THE VIEW

Top of the game!

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THE VIEW

Henry Holland, one of Britain’s most influential designers, who rose to fame with his cheeky word-play T-shirts, has had a fascinating life and career. He has recently designed his first homeware collection for digital department store Freemans, creating an exclusive range of contemporary textiles, soft furnishings, accessories and statement furniture. He talks to Lynda Clark about how it all began, his new venture and gives some excellent advice for first time buyers Photos: Mike Prior

"I USED TO WORK WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT COLOURS, BUT FOR MY HOMEWARE IT’S MUCH MORE SUBTLE, PLAYFUL AND PRINT DRIVEN. I WILL BE WORKING WITH FREEMANS FOR THREE YEARS, WHICH IS VERY EXCITING AND I JUST HOPE EVERYONE FALLS IN LOVE WITH MY DESIGNS" First Time Buyer October/November 2021

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THE VIEW

H

enry grew up in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, about which he said, “It wasn’t a very glamorous town when I was growing up, but now has a reputation of being a place that food lovers flock to, with so many award-winning restaurants and cafes.

It has become very chic and fashionable.” He was very creative at school, which frequently caused challenges with the teachers as he was often distracted, but at home he had a wonderful childhood and his parents were always very supportive.

“My main aim was always to go to London, so when choosing which university to go to, obviously those in London were the only ones I was interested in. I saw it as a ticket to get away from the North and I was desperate for the bright lights and all the fun that London had to offer. I got some advice from a friend who suggested I study journalism, which seemed a very good idea and I ended up going to the London College of Printing.

"I lived in the halls of residence and there were lots of fashion students living there too, and I suddenly realised that I should be studying fashion as it ticked all the boxes for me. After four days, I asked if I could switch courses but sadly it was too late as they were full. They advised me to apply the next year but I am far too impatient for that and I started getting work experience with anything that was to do with fashion. It was so exciting and I did complete my degree. I finished college on the Friday and started as a full-time fashion assistant on a teen magazine called Smash Hits on the Monday. It was incredible working with clothes and beauty – I loved the relaxed atmosphere and I felt totally at home. It was a dream come true!”

Henry was enjoying life to the full and discovering all that London has to offer. “I was spending most of my nights at parties and clubs and meeting high-end fashion designers. It was from this that my T-shirts were born. I started making them for me and my friends to wear to parties. The T-shirts became totally iconic and were emblazoned with rhyming couplets and slogans about fashion figures. At that time, I became fashion editor of Bliss magazine. I never intended for them to become so popular, as I made them for a bit of fun and I certainly never had any concept of how to sell them. I began by selling them on my Myspace page but they exploded overnight and were stocked all over the world and were a sell-out in America, Asia and, of course, the UK. I was still working at Bliss and I was constantly asked to do interviews which I had to do in my lunch break."

Eventually Henry decided to leave Bliss magazine and start out on his own, launching his brand, House of Holland. “I left Bliss just after Christmas and was due to show my first collection at London Fashion Week in the February. It was such a whirlwind as I hadn’t really thought it through. I had the T-shirts

"WHEN YOU FIRST VIEW A HOME, WHETHER IT’S RENTED OR YOU ARE BUYING IT, YOU WILL KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF IT FEELS LIKE THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU"

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THE VIEW

Love is the Message framed poster, £49; Lady C lamp, £60; Chunk terrazzo bulb holder with bulb, £30; Checkerboard rug, from £69 to £199; Vista cushion (top), £19; Jiggle cushion (bottom), £19.

"IT WAS INCREDIBLE WORKING WITH CLOTHES AND BEAUTY – I LOVED THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE AND I FELT TOTALLY AT HOME. IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE!" but nothing else! I managed to get some help from the costume designer for Girls Aloud and we pulled the T-shirts down to make them longer and suddenly they became a dress! It was a very crazy but exciting time and I travelled the world and had a ball.

“I built up House of Holland with my best friend at school and if I met somebody who I thought had some talent I would hire them – we became like one big happy family. Although I had the time of my life, the pandemic suddenly hit us and we were struggling. We had a team of around 20 people and everyone put their heart and soul into the business. It was so hard and I was pretty broken when we decided we had to sell the business.

"Weirdly though, once it had gone I felt a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

During the lockdown, I kept myself very busy and once a week I went to ceramic classes. I fell in love with the process of creating something with my hands, which is so important to me. I put some of my work on Instagram and again it went crazy with orders

pouring in. I hadn’t planned for this at all and couldn’t really keep up with the turnaround.”

Working with ceramics set Henry back on track and his love of interiors began.

“I began talking to somebody who I knew from Debenhams, where my clothes had been sold, and they put me in touch with Freemans. I wanted to do a collection which was very accessible to everyone. I am proud of everything I do, so it’s been an exciting project and very refreshing. It’s quite a different evolution when you design for the home and I am totally inspired.”

Henry’s new collection includes everything from furniture and soft furnishings to ceramics, glassware and accessories. “I used to work with so many different colours, but for my homeware it’s much more subtle, playful and print driven. I will be working with Freemans for three years, which is very exciting and I just hope everyone falls in love with my designs.”

Henry and his husband moved home recently because "he needed more wardrobe space.” He bought his first house over seven

years ago and they planned to only live there for a couple of years, but they liked it so much they decided to stay.

“It was in the most wonderful location and very near the park," he says. "We first bought it in the October and by November we had the builders in doing some major structural work and renovations and it became an amazing little house. But we out-grew it and needed more space, so we decided it was time for a change. The new house is equally as lovely and we are still in the process of making it our home.”

When it comes to buying your first home Henry has some great advice. “Go with your gut instinct. When you first view a home, whether it’s rented or you are buying it, you will know immediately if it feels like the right place for you. When we viewed the house we have just bought, our French bulldog just strolled in, and we knew instinctively that it was right for us. Be open-minded about what you can and can’t do, as your home is very important and you can put your imprint on it to make it yours quite easily.”

Henry is so charismatic, and at the end of our conversation I felt I had known him all my life. As I've been pretty much housebound since Covid-19 started, my own house could do with a facelift and where am I going to look first? Freemans of course!

Henry Holland Modern Living collection available at freemans.com

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WAYS TO BUY

FIRST TIME BUYERS FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

Many buyers have had their plans disrupted by the pandemic, but the latest research suggests first time buyers are more determined than ever to make their property dreams a reality. Debbie Clark looks at the latest statistics Unsurprisingly, the research by Yorkshire Building Society found a disparity in the impact the Covid-19 crisis has had on would-be buyers. A lucky 44% of first time buyers say they will be able to purchase a property sooner than they had previously intended, while 21% have sadly had their plans delayed.

With multiple lockdowns and fewer opportunities to spend, almost half of the first time buyers surveyed in the research said they have been able to save more during the pandemic, with an average increase of more than £500 a month. Men pocketed more than £640 a month, compared to women who managed to put away almost £360 each month towards their first home.

Despite these great efforts, first time buyers still face an average wait of four years of saving to be able to purchase a property.

Almost a third said they expect they will

have been saving up to two years, with a frustrated fifth saying it could be nearer to 10 years before they have enough money to buy their first home.

Ben Merritt, Senior Mortgage Manager at Yorkshire Building Society, explains the situation, “The first time buyer market is swiftly heading back to pre-Covid levels of mortgage choice and availability, and with smaller deposit options having made a comeback, and new Government support on the table, first time buyers could have good reason to be optimistic.

“However, with a fifth of first time buyers having had their plans delayed by the pandemic, and the same saying they expect to have to save for up to a decade, it’s a stark reminder that the upfront costs of purchasing a house still prove too big a barrier to overcome for some.”

For most prospective buyers, owning

a home is not a dream they are willing to relinquish, with 65% admitting that owning their own home would be life’s biggest achievement, above career aims (39%), having or adopting children (33%) or getting married (31%).

In fact, a whopping 71% believe getting the keys to a first house is essential to people feeling like they have succeeded in life, and 61% feel it is even more important now than before the pandemic.

Ben finishes on a cautiously positive note, “Despite the housing market being notoriously tough for aspiring homeowners, it’s really encouraging to see that first time buyers’ ambition is not fading.

The importance they place on owning a home, which for many is singled out as life’s biggest achievement, shows their resolve for homeownership has only been strengthened by the pandemic.”

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WAYS TO BUY

OUR PICK OF HOMES ON THE MARKET PEASE POTTAGE, WEST SUSSEX

CASE STUDY

FROM £255,000

Central Apartments, Woodgate

The latest phase of Thakeham homes to launch at Woodgate, Central Apartments, comprises two one bedroom homes and six two bedroom homes located on the edge of the new village green in the picturesque development just 15 minutes’ drive from the M25/M23 junction. Every apartment benefits from a spacious open-plan kitchen/living area, integrated kitchen appliances, fitted wardrobes to the main bedroom and an en suite shower room and/or a separate bathroom. The two bedroom homes enjoy a terrace or balcony overlooking the green and the two penthouse apartments feature impressive vaulted ceilings, adding to the sense of space and views over neighbouring Tilgate Forest. Communal open spaces at Woodgate will include play areas, trails, pathways and cycle routes linking the development to the surrounding 370-acre Tilgate Forest and wider local area. Crawley is just three miles away and historic Horsham seven miles. mywoodgate.co.uk 01293 225 615

HARROW, LONDON The Elms

FROM £86,875*

Launching soon, The Elms is a collection of 20 one and two bedroom apartments, all offering private outdoor space, generously proportioned living areas, contemporary fully fitted kitchens and stylish bathrooms. The development is conveniently located just a short walk from the shopping centres, cafes and restaurants of Harrow on the Hill and is within easy walking distance of both Harrow-on-the-Hill and Harrow & Wealdstone stations, boasting quick connections into London Euston, Baker Street or Marylebone stations. This development by Octavia is only available to those who live or work in the London Borough of Harrow. sharetobuy.com/properties/156106 020 8354 5500 * Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £347,500

CHELMSFORD, ESSEX Chelmer Waterside

FROM £87,500*

This landmark development is conveniently situated in the heart of Chelmsford. The new riverside quarter offers and exclusive collection of just seven one and two bedroom apartments, which will be available from December 2020.

Built on a peninsula, on the banks of the River Chelmer, the site has been thoughtfully designed. Features include a new public square and lots of green spaces to create a flourishing new riverside community. The buildings have been carefully oriented to maximise views to the water for both residents and visitors. With nearby shops, leisure facilities and great transport links to London, the development will appeal to young professionals and commuters alike. chp.org.uk/search/property/chelmer-waterside-568 0300 555 0500

Callie and Ryan, both 30, recently relocated from Potters Bar to Hayfield Place in Silsoe, Bedfordshire. Inspired by Callie’s sister moving to the development, the couple gave up their rented flat and moved in with Ryan’s parents in order to save for a deposit. After 18 months of saving, they have purchased a two bedroom home.

Callie said, “As an NHS Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, I am all too aware of how hard the Covid-19 lockdowns have been for so many people. Ryan and I were lucky to both keep our jobs throughout the pandemic, and we actually saw it as an opportunity to fully commit to saving up for a home of our own. Not being able to go out to restaurants and bars was a blessing in disguise for us!

“My younger sister and her fiancée moved into a three bedroom house at Hayfield Place last year. We were taken aback by the quality of the development, how spacious it was and also the village of Silsoe itself, with Wrest Park and the traditional pubs nearby. We had a chat with the sales team and realised we could afford to buy a 'Lulsley' home by using Help to Buy, and with the benefit of Hayfield’s £5,000 Key Worker Discount.”

The couple both regularly work from home, so the spacious layout of their new house is a real bonus. They are currently utilising their spare bedroom as an office in addition to having a permanent desk in the living room, which is big enough to fit it in comfortably, in addition to their sofas and coffee table.

Hayfield Place has been designed to reflect architectural styles from the sought-after historic village, incorporating local materials and detailing. New public footpaths, a balancing pond, a biodiversity corridor that will run across the site, and a new section of bridleway and cycle route are all being created to connect Hayfield Place into the local Bedfordshire footpath network.

The 14-acre scheme features 105 highspecification two, three, four and five bedroom detached and semi-detached family homes and bungalows, which have consistently been selling ahead of the build programme.

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £250,000

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WAYS TO BUY

CASE STUDY

FROM £310,000

ABBERLEY, WORCESTERSHIRE

WALTHAMSTOW, LONDON

Three Js, once complete, will comprise 26 diverse homes, from two bedroom bungalows to five bedroom houses. A two bedroom Haywood style bungalow at Three Js is a charming, traditional looking home from the outside, with a carefully planned layout and high-specification interior. It has a lounge at the front, combined kitchen and dining room with French doors opening on to the rear garden, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Three Js has a leafy setting, with more than 40% of the development given to green space including a wildflower meadow and a community orchard. The development is a short drive from Malvern.

This collection of 108 one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments is directly opposite Blackhorse Road underground station (Zone 3).

Journeys into King's Cross take 13 minutes on the Victoria Line, making the apartments ideal for commuters. The apartments have spacious rooms, fully integrated appliances and an enviable private balcony, in addition to the landscaped communal podium gardens. Situated within the wider Blackhorse Lane regeneration area, the development has been designed with excellent environmental credentials, including rooftop solar panels to help reduce carbon emissions.

elan-homes.co.uk/developments/threejs 01299 888 232

lqhomes.com/blackhorseview 020 8189 7503

Three Js David and Luke are purchasing a one bedroom apartment, off-plan, at BE WEST’s Waterside Heights.

Through the shared ownership scheme, they are buying a 30% share of the home, with a parking space, for £93,750.

The couple, who have been living with David’s parents through the pandemic, began researching their options at the beginning of the year.

This included weighing up whether shared ownership or Help to Buy was the best fit for their needs.

They opted for shared ownership, and while they were initially a little apprehensive about the scheme, David explains, “We spoke with people who had done it and it completely changed our view on it.”

The pair viewed a few developments across London before settling on Waterside Heights and were pleasantly surprised to find their ideal home as quickly as they did. The size, location and quality stood out for them; as David says, “Everything about it was better.

Another bonus was the fact that a parking space was included in the purchase price, which is not always the case."

David and Luke are realistic about their investment. David says, “We know what we’re getting ourselves into. We’re not parting with lots of cash and we’re not expecting to earn lots of cash as a return, but we know something is better than nothing and it’s better to tie up our money into shared ownership than renting.”

While they know staircasing is an option open to them, they have no plans to staircase at present. David says, “Regarding our plans for the future, we’ll be looking to settling down a bit more in the next four to five years and move into a house with more bedrooms.”

FROM £90,000*

L&Q at Blackhorse View

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £360,000

FROM £315,000

FROM £151,250*

THAMESMEAD, LONDON

FINSBURY PARK, LONDON

Once complete, Southmere will offer 500 new homes alongside a public square, library, shops and amenities. Only a limited number of apartments in the first phase remain and Peabody is offering Stamp Duty paid on the remaining three bedroom properties, with the next launch of 100 homes coming soon. Homes have elegant kitchen/living areas with extensive storage and built-in appliances, extending on to spacious balconies. Nearby Abbey Wood Overground station makes London Bridge accessible in 22 minutes, Bond Street in 25 minutes and Waterloo in 35 minutes. When Crossrail arrives, commuters will reach Canary Wharf in 11 minutes.

Patchworks is a five-storey building comprising a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments above new retail units. All have large windows, with most facing the quieter rear of the development, and benefit from access to a roof-top garden. Residents will enjoy the balance of urban life and green space; Islington is host to 154 parks and seven miles of safe cycling routes. Finsbury Park and Arsenal stations are both within walking distance. Served by the Victoria Line, King's Cross St Pancras is 4 minutes away and Oxford Street 10 minutes. During September, Peabody will offer legal fees paid up to £1,500 plus a £500 voucher if you reserve on the day.

southmere.co.uk 020 8740 2060

peabodysales.co.uk/developments/patchworks 020 7021 4842

Southmere

Patchworks

* Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £605,000

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WAYS TO BUY

CASE STUDY

HOUNSLOW, LONDON L&Q at High Street Quarter

FROM £75,625*

High Street Quarter is an exclusive collection of one to three bedroom apartments available through shared ownership.

Positioned just off of Hounslow High Street, the new neighbourhood will have a multitude of retail, leisure, and transport options right on the doorstep. Designed to a high specification, the apartments maximise interior space with open-plan layouts. Each home is complete with a private balcony or terrace, so residents can enjoy their own outdoor space. There are also 16 awardwinning parks within easy reach, including the National Trust-owned Osterley Park and House. Hounslow station is a short walk, connecting residents to London Waterloo in just 40 minutes by train. Heathrow airport is a 10-minute journey on the Piccadilly Line from nearby Hounslow East tube station. Cycle storage and a select number of parking spaces will be available, in addition to access to the Zipcar Club located at the development. lqhomes.com/hsquarter/ 0333 3558 497 * Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £302,500

CAMBERLEY, SURREY Lumina

FROM £212,500

Berkeley’s collection of contemporary one and two bedroom apartments at Lumina is located at the heart of the town’s regeneration area. The homes boast contemporary kitchens, with a choice of doors and composite stone worktop finishes, allowing residents to personalise their space, as well as a range of NEFF integrated appliances. Master bedrooms feature views of the garden terrace, fitted wardrobes in a separate and secluded dressing area, and an en suite bathroom. Residents will benefit from impressive on-site facilities, including a private screening room, business lounge, fitness suite and a secure car park. Camberley railway station is directly across the road, with Ascot reached in 12 minutes, and London Waterloo just over an hour away. Trains from nearby Farnborough station reach London in just 35 minutes. Drivers are also well served, with the M3 just 12 minutes away, providing excellent connections to Winchester and Southampton. berkeleygroup.co.uk /developments/surrey/camberley/lumina 01276 817 113

CASE STUDY

Leanne, 30, had started saving to get on to the property ladder but believed buying in London was out of reach – until she discovered shared ownership.

Leanne purchased a 35% share in a one bedroom apartment at SO Resi Clapham Park this year, putting down a £7,000 deposit on her new home.

Business Analyst Leanne was renting a flat with a friend prior to the first lockdown. When her friend moved, Leanne was torn between renting alone or moving into a house share. “I didn’t think I’d be able to buy,” she recalls.

“I came across SO Resi Clapham Park and was amazed when I found out I could afford to buy – so I went for the house share and saved as much as I could – £7,000 is a lot of money but it’s so much more achievable, and it motivated me to save because I knew my target was within reach.” SO Resi Clapham Park is part of a wider regeneration that will see 2,500 new homes built. She adds, “My apartment is on the fourth floor with views over the courtyard, then on the other side of the apartment I have a balcony; so on one side I can watch the sunrise, then watch the sunset on the other! Outdoor space to myself in Zone 2 is amazing, and I love sitting on my balcony.”

Leanne’s monthly payments for mortgage, rent and service charge come to about £1,300. “I feel like it’s win-win,” she says, “because each month I’m paying for my own property and investing in my future, whereas before I was paying someone else’s mortgage.” She has signed up to SO Resi Plus, which allows her to staircase in 1% increments each year at an agreed, fixed price. “I’ve set a target of reaching 50% ownership in two years, and 100% ownership in five years,” says Leanne.

Carly, 34, and her partner Marc, 33, were the very first residents to move into Inland Homes’ brand new seaside development, The Wessex, situated a short walk from Bournemouth’s award-winning sandy beach.

Carly, an administrator at Bournemouth airport, and Marc, a Trade Analyst, were renting a two bedroom top floor flat in Poole and initially began their property hunt there, but then came across The Wessex. Carly recalls, “We just completely fell in love with the apartments and stopped our search there and then!

"One of the biggest selling points was the fact that I absolutely love the beach, and we’ve got Bournemouth beach just five minutes walk from our new front door.” The couple were also particularly impressed by the secure underground parking and landscaped communal gardens there.

Carly and Marc’s new apartment also benefits from having its own outdoor space, which the pair are delighted by.

Carly comments, “We now have access to a huge wraparound terrace that goes from our lounge to our bedroom, so we have lots of space. We’re really looking forward to getting a bistro set and enjoying the summer evenings dining al fresco. I might even try my hand at gardening or growing some herbs or vegetables too!”

Carly and Marc had already been saving towards a deposit for two years and found lockdowns really helped to boost their savings as they were spending so much less on going out. They opted to use the Help to Buy scheme; the lowerlevel deposit required meant they could purchase sooner than they had hoped.

Carly’s role as a Key Worker also enabled them to benefit from Inland Homes’ scheme offering them 1% off the purchase price. The couple were pleasantly surprised at how straightforward the buying process turned out to be. They are currently busy making their new house a home and are excited to welcome friends and family to enjoy it too.

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MORTGAGES

MORTGAGE MISUNDERSTANDINGS New research from Experian found that nearly two fifths (38%) of Brits said they were considering buying a new home within the next five years, rising to 66% of people in their 30s and 67% of those in their 20s. From this research, Experian has found common misunderstandings in the mortgage application process and is helping to clear up assumptions to help people secure their dream properties People also suggested they are prepared to stretch themselves to secure their ideal home, with nearly one third (31%) saying they would buy a property even though it could mean a very small

amount of disposable income left each month. Yet, even though they want to own a home, 49% of people in their 30s and 42% in their 20s were worried that they’d never appear “mortgage-ready” to providers.

Also, nearly one third of consumers (27%) said they were unsure of how to prepare to get a mortgage. experian.co.uk

FACT OR FICTION: MORTGAGE ASSUMPTIONS EXPOSED Perception

Fact or fiction

Experian says

You can’t get a mortgage if you’re in debt

Fiction

Over three fifths (62%) said it was either not possible to secure a mortgage when in debt, or were unsure whether they could do so.

Remember, you should only get a mortgage if you can afford the monthly repayments. Any existing debt you have will be factored into a mortgage lender’s assessment of your “affordability”.

There are many reasons people can go into debt, from taking a loan out to pay for a car, or even paying for a course upfront to further their careers. Making regular, on-time payments to reduce any existing debt can increase your credit score and help you appear more attractive and mortgage-ready to lenders.

Comparing mortgages online Fiction can impact your credit score

A total of 58% of consumers either thought comparing mortgages online would affect their credit score, or they were unsure if it would.

Searching for mortgages before you apply has no impact on your credit score. Free mortgage eligibility checkers, like the one Experian offers, allow first time buyers and those wanting to move home to see how much they can borrow, as well as the different mortgage options and interest rates on offer.

You should only apply for a mortgage once you’ve found the property you want

Fiction

The survey showed that 54% of people thought that this was true, or were unsure about this.

In fact, people should start the mortgage process earlier, and before finding the home they want to buy. You can secure a decision in principle with a lender before formally attempting to secure the mortgage loan, which will give you an accurate idea of what you can borrow.

This will help guide your property search as it gives you an idea of budget, and some estate agents expect people to have an offer in principle in place before a property is bid on, or even viewed.

Missed credit card payments Fact can impact mortgage options

Over a quarter (26%) thought this was false or were unsure of the answer.

You can only get a mortgage with the company that you bank with

Fiction

Almost a quarter (24%) of Brits are either mistaken or unsure about this.

Credit history is important to getting a mortgage

Fact

A single recent late payment can wipe around 130 points off your Experian Credit Score.

Understanding your credit score and how it could be improved is the first step to ensuring you are in the best possible position to apply for a mortgage. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of being accepted for a mortgage, and at the best rates.

You can look for a mortgage with lots of different providers – and the most important thing is to find the one that’s right for you. In checking which mortgages you are eligible for online and for free, you’ll find out what the best rates are.

One fifth (19%) of Brits thought credit history wasn’t important or didn’t know that credit history was important in the mortgage application process.

Looking at your credit report will help you to see what is impacting your credit score. Reports generally cover your financial track record over the past six years. The sooner you understand what your credit score is and take steps, if necessary, to improve it (for example, by addressing previous debt problems), the better.

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MORTGAGES

EXPERT COMMENT It’s important to understand what properties are in your price range and the types of mortgages available to you.

With our research suggesting that many are prepared to stretch their budget and purchase a property at the top of their price range, it goes to show how much homeownership is a source of pride and joy for people in the UK. Taking the time to improve your credit score when searching for your perfect home will help you access the best mortgage rates and, as a result, have more disposable income every month to spend on other things.

It’s positive to see that the majority of potential buyers understand the importance of their credit history, as unpaid bills and other red flags on credit reports can scupper people’s chances of securing a good mortgage deal. Making yourself as attractive as possible to a mortgage lender starts with knowing your credit score, which you can check for free with Experian.

To help improve people’s understanding of the mortgage process, many Brits wanted to see greater personal finance education in schools: • Over two thirds of consumers (67%) said no one had taught them about mortgages • The majority of Brits think it’s a good idea for schools to start teaching pupils about the mortgage market and the importance of paying bills (75%).

This research demonstrates some misunderstandings among consumers when it comes to how they should be preparing for a mortgage. For example, missed credit card payments can impact their mortgage options and simply comparing deals online won’t affect their credit score.

It’s perhaps for this reason people believe that they should be given introductions to the world of personal finance at a younger age. Our free Values, Money and Me programme was created for that very purpose, for use both in the classroom and at home. If you’re looking for more information on mortgages and how to apply then you can also find resources on Experian’s website.

James Jones Head of Consumer Affairs, Experian

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LOCATION

HOTspot

Royal Tunbridge Wells

5 REASONS WE LOVE… TUNBRIDGE WELLS

1. Its majestic title!

2. The historic Pantiles 3. Excellent schools 4. Incredible countryside 5. Fast, reliable transport links

Royal Tunbridge Wells feels a million miles from the city, but is in fact located just 30 miles from the capital.

Combining striking scenery with a convenient commute, it is little wonder so many first time buyers are looking to relocate to this picturesque spa town

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

OUT AND ABOUT

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a town of around 56,000 people, located in Kent, the Garden of England, close to the border with East Sussex.

Tunbridge Wells (the town didn’t earn its “Royal” prefix until 1909) owes its existence to Dudley Lord North and his discovery of the Chalybeate Spring. He was returning from his Abergavenny Estate on horseback to London when he noticed the reddish-brown waters of the Spring foaming from the ground. He felt so rejuvenated from drinking the cool, iron-rich water that he declared it to be health-giving. He recommended it to his friends and soon visitors from London and beyond flocked to "take the waters". Since it wasn’t far from Tonbridge (then Tunbridge), it became Tunbridge Wells.

Royal Tunbridge Wells is on the Southeastern railway line from London Charing Cross to Hastings, making it perfect for commuters. Direct services depart at least every half hour reaching London Bridge in 45 minutes, London Waterloo East in 50 minutes and London Charing Cross in under an hour. The line also conveniently serves Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, and offers connecting services to Gatwick airport. The area is well served by buses. By car, Royal Tunbridge Wells is located where the A26 and A21 roads

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meet, both of which run between London and the south coast, and is easily accessed from the M20 and M25.

Royal Tunbridge Wells has a strong appeal for families as schools in the area are well regarded. It also entices Londoners, attracted by the high quality of life, and security of its close proximity to their former stamping grounds.

Its most prestigious roads are to the south east of town, off the common, where large houses have been converted into apartments offering phenomenal views. However, "The Village", centring around Grove Park and only a few minutes from the high street and station, is the most popular with young professionals. Many families settle in Hawkenbury or, if walking the children to school is a priority, St Johns. High Brooms station is also a reasonable walk from St Johns, meaning it is still easily commutable.

Southborough is an affordable option.

One of the biggest draws of Royal Tunbridge Wells is its proximity to the countryside.

In fact, you don’t even need to leave the town to enjoy plentiful green spaces. These range from wild woodland to beautifully maintained grounds and parks, including the handsomely landscaped 78-acre Dunorlan Park and the historic Calverley Grounds in the town centre. Out of town, the nearby High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is criss-crossed with cycle routes, including The Cuckoo Trail and Forest Way which follow regenerated, disused railway lines. Bewl Water, Ashdown Forest (aka AA Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood) and the delightful Groombridge Place are local too.

Tunbridge Wells is a shopping hotspot, especially the historic quarter. From the Victorian feel of the old High Street to the famous Georgian Pantiles, shopping here feels a little more special than your typical town. There is a delightful range of small, independent shops, many retaining their original frontages. The old stepped walkways down to the road and iron railings also hint at times of horse-drawn vehicles, and add to the town’s charm.

The Pantiles is a unique al fresco area linked to the High Street by the cobbled Chapel Place, and is a tourist destination in its own right.

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LOCATION

FA C T F I L E

Average property price in Tunbridge Wells (June 2021) – £401,580 Property breakdown* Detached – £779,063 Semi-detached – £430,102 Terraced – £361,306 Flat – £250,775 *According to the Land Registry House Price Index

FA M O U S R E S I D E N T S • Actress Emma Corrin • Paralympian Will Bailey • Suffragette Amelia Scott • Writer William Nicholson • Podcaster Helen Zaltzman

HOMES ON THE MARKET...

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

FROM £580,000

Hollyfields

Hollyfields is just 1.2 miles from the town centre and offers two, three, four and five bedroom houses with views across the Kentish countryside. Green spaces like Hawkenbury Recreation Ground are adjacent to the development for those who enjoy the outdoors and Hawkenbury village provides the everyday essentials at the village store and post office. Royal Tunbridge Wells offers many high street and independent boutiques as well as a plethora of pubs and restaurants. Commuters are well catered for with a private shuttle bus connecting residents to the main station in Tunbridge Wells in just six minutes, running at peak hours Monday to Friday. From there, trains take just 42 minutes to arrive at London Bridge. hollyfields-hawkenbury.co.uk

FROM £255,000

PADDOCK WOOD Foal Hurst Green

While the apothecary and shoemakers may be confined to the history books, the Pantiles continues in the tradition of highquality independent specialist shops, family owned businesses and exceptional service.

Highlights include The Zero Waste Company and Collared, a shop for dogs and dog lovers.

There is also Royal Victoria Place (RVP); a shopping centre with over 50 top brands under one roof. Out of town, you are spoilt for choice with the usual offerings at a series of retail parks; TK Maxx, Argos, Halfords, B&M and Hobbycraft to name just a few!

After all that shopping, you need some sustenance. Thankfully the town is rich in foodie offerings too. Firm favourites with locals including Juliets, a daytime restaurant offering a fresh seasonal menu that changes daily, and Thackeray’s, set in the 300-year-old former home of author William Makepeace Thackeray. The town and nearby villages boast some outstanding pubs and there are over 90 bars to choose from in Tunbridge Wells, with craft ale and local gin particularly popular. Fuggles Beer Café alone boasts 25 ever-changing draught lines!

The town’s largest theatre, with a capacity of over a thousand, is the Assembly Hall. Nearby is the Trinity Arts Centre, a converted church, and The Forum, a 250-capacity live music venue where many famous bands played their early concerts.

Every summer, residents also enjoy the weekly Jazz on the Pantiles concerts with live bands and al fresco dining. A £13m cultural centre – named after Amelia Scott, a notable suffragette from Tunbridge Wells – is in development and will soon house the town’s art gallery, library and museum.

The development comprises three, four and five bedroom houses as well as a limited number of one and two bedroom apartments and is designed to complement the adjacent 29-acre Foal Hurst Wood next door. In addition, a newly created five-acre nature reserve that connects to the woodland gives residents a feeling of proximity to country life.

A duck pond, bandstand and play areas form the centrepiece of the site. Homes feature open-plan living spaces with high-specification kitchens and full-height windows that allow the natural light to flood in. Less than a mile away is Paddock Wood town centre, which offers a range of farm shops, a local butcher and a supermarket, but for more extensive options, Royal Tunbridge Wells is just an 18-minute drive away. There are direct rail services to London Bridge in 41 minutes. Help to Buy is available on selected properties. foalhurstgreen.co.uk

FROM £350,000

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS Regency Grange

Regency Grange offers a stylish selection of three, four and five bedroom homes plus two bedroom apartments and duplexes available with Help to Buy. Surrounded by farmland and woodland, Regency Grange offers high-quality interiors and the duplexes also feature gardens. The high street in the town centre provides all the usual favourites, and the area boasts several sports clubs. There are excellent transport links by rail, road and bus with Tunbridge Wells station offering regular services to London Charing Cross and London Bridge. countrysideproperties.com/all-developments/kent/regency-grange

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

WE ARE LAURUS HOMES

Earlsbrook

We do things differently. We create neighbourhoods and communities. We build homes, not houses. We believe in creating property properly, and we have buying options that will enable first time buyers to get on the property ladder. We are Laurus Homes, where your dreams can grow.

CREATING COMMUNITIES Our profit-for-purpose communityfocused approach to every project means we make positive differences in people’s lives and act as a catalyst for regeneration.

We use our resources to lend a helping hand through affordable housing and community projects.

Our NW Foundation team helps identify and build relationships in the communities around our developments. This year, we’ve donated laptops to the local school near Vision, our development in Skelmersdale, and helped create a sensory garden at our local community centre near D’Urton Grange, our coming-soon development in Preston. By building homes that all kinds of people love to live in, we can help create and change communities for the better.

DEVELOPING THE FUTURE NORTH WEST Our journey began in Trafford, but our ambition is to further expand across the North West.

Our commitment to first time buyers

We’re the ones who will make your first time homeowning dreams become a reality is to build new, high-quality homes and communities across the North West, giving you the choice of a quality home in the area that you desire.

SHARING THE FUTURE Property prices in the North West have grown more than 15%, faster than anywhere else in the country, and property expert Savills forecasts the region will continue to see the country’s fastest price growth at 29% over the next five years.

Now is the time to start your future with Laurus Homes.

We make it easier than most to buy your first home, offering a range of buying options, including a traditional outright sale, where you put down a deposit and pay the mortgage to your lender.

We know saving for that first deposit is hard, and the challenges we’ve all been through over the past year has made it even harder, so we offer another option where you could lower the deposit on your dream home.

Shared ownership is a Governmentbacked homeownership mortgage scheme available to first time buyers.

Shared ownership allows you to buy between 25% and 75% of your home, meaning your deposit, usually between 5%

and 10%, could be lower. You then secure and pay for the mortgage on your share of the home and pay a subsidised monthly rent on the remaining share to Laurus.

You have the option to increase your share amount at any time during the life of the loan, known as staircasing. You can eventually buy the remaining share of the property up to the point of 100% ownership through this process, as and when you can afford to do so. At this point, your mortgage repayments will cover the complete value of the property, and you’ll no longer have to pay rent.

Not everyone will qualify for the shared ownership scheme, and there are eligibility criteria that you must meet, such as your household income not exceeding £80,000 per annum. You must have at least a 5% deposit of the share value of the home.

Remember, this will be lower than an outright home purchase as you’re buying a share of the property.

As with all financial investments of this size and scale, you must pass a financial assessment, proving financial capability to buy the minimum share value and your monthly payments on your new home.

Now that you have all the essential financial information, you can turn your thoughts to what your dream first time home should look like.

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AFFORDABLE HOMES There are several advantages of buying a new build home that an older property simply doesn’t offer. Not only can new build homes offer a variety of ways to buy, but they are also designed to suit modernday lifestyles.

Giantswood Grove

THE LAURUS DESIGN PRINCIPLES Building homes is much more than just bricks and mortar.

The design of our homes encapsulates a sense of freedom and space. Modern lifestyles are more sophisticated, and first time buyers are looking for more than just a beautiful looking home.

Traditional houses were built around the need to simply provide accommodation. We work with leading architects and builders to design our homes around you.

From cooking in the kitchen, relaxing in the tub after a long day’s work or watching TV on a comfy sofa during the weekend, all items in a Laurus home are specifically chosen to suit the modern way of living.

And whether you prefer light and airy or moody and cosy, the Laurus design principles are applied across all our homes.

These principles are our commitment to building homes that meet all your needs.

MORE SPACE Our homes are designed around the Government’s NDSS – Nationally Described Space Standards. This means that our homes generally have more floor space.

You can see this in our show homes, where

we don’t scale down furniture to make the room feel bigger. You can then get more of a sense of how your furniture will fit in.

More floor space will also mean more storage space. Today’s modern living means that even first time buyers will have more stuff to store. Across the Laurus range of developments there is storage to meet first time buyers’ needs, resulting in more flexible living arrangements.

MORE NATURAL LIGHT Not only does more natural light give you a boost of vitamin D, but it also helps the environment. Our homes are designed to maximise the light in each property.

Features such as some oversized windows, French and bi-fold doors allow more light into your new home and break down the barrier between your home and nature, with most kitchen and dining rooms leading on to the garden. More natural light also means less time for indoor lighting, saving you money and a little bit of the environment.

TRADITIONAL MATERIALS, CONTEMPORARY FORM

Giantswood Grove

We always focus on what materials we use at all our developments. We consider the latest technology and designs to give the customer a quality and technology advanced home. One of these advancements has been brick detailing.

This has become a big trend over recent years. Projecting bricks help create unique building facades, which feed directly into Laurus’ ethos of designing bespoke homes without the repetition often created by volume housebuilders.

MODERN LIFESTYLES We have a greater understanding of modern lifestyles and how our customers use their homes. The homes we design respond to this by creating open-plan living, with kitchen, dining and family rooms, where practical, to act as the hub of the home. We have started to incorporate a master suite consisting of a master bedroom, space for walk-in wardrobes and en suite.

BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED KITCHENS We care about the homes we design. This is why our homes have the right kitchen specification and layout with integrated appliances from the day you move in. We futureproof our kitchens by designing them so they can grow with your family, and integrated appliances such as your fridge and freezer are positioned with this in mind. All our homes include the signature specification as standard, which has a carefully selected range of stylish Symphony kitchens.

BRINGING A LAURUS HOME TO LIFE At Laurus, we bring traditional materials together with contemporary design.

While we recognise it’s important to understand trends and what they tell us about how an architectural space should be used to make it aesthetic, functional, and suitable for everyday life, we don’t rely on them when creating our homes.

This is because trends are fleeting. We

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AFFORDABLE HOMES want our homes to stand the test of time and grow with you.

We continually work to understand how people and families use their homes and what a Laurus home can provide to help make life a little easier, whether this is more storage, a home office or bringing the outdoors in.

When finding inspiration for our home interiors, we’re often influenced by many aspects of life, from the natural world to social media. We allow the feel of an inspiration to dictate the interiors we create. If a beautiful, calming lake has inspired our interior designers, we create something calm and placid, choosing colours that replicate that and adding natural materials to tie the room together.

Our homes often tell us a lot about what the design should be. If the home is open plan, we create a light and airy interior, combining lots of natural colours and textures. If the home is naturally dark, we’ll use this as its strongest asset and choose dark, cosy colours to create a moody and comforting home.

No matter what our inspiration is, all our homes are places of experience. By creating homes with you in mind, every space allows for playfulness, fun and for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company.

Giantswood Grove

Giantswood Grove

AFFORDABLE DESIGN IN THE NORTH WEST Many of the specifications you see in a Laurus home are optional extras with other housebuilders.

With a Laurus home, not only do you get a contemporary, high-quality home, but you gain a space to grow your family, ambitions, and dreams. A space that is close enough for the commute but far enough to escape back to the ones you love. A space to live your best new life, in your new home, that finally has your personality, surrounded by a community that will become friends. A space to live, work and finally be you.

Our design principles are not the only aspect of the work that creates the perfect environment for the first time buyer. A trend that can’t be left in the 1990s and 2000s is the simple three words: location, location, and location.

Hollins Green

LAURUS AND THE NORTH WEST Having the second most affordable housing market coupled with employees being the second highest earners of any region outside of Southern England, means the North West is an attractive and affordable place to live.

And with property experts predicting the region will continue to see the

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AFFORDABLE HOMES country’s fastest price growth over the next five years, now is one of the best times to move.

At Laurus Homes, we’re due to launch three exciting new developments in the North West in 2021 and 2022.

Whalley Manor is our latest development. Set to welcome its first homeowners in spring next year, we’re building 188 detached and semi-detached two, three, four and five bedroom homes and bungalows.

These stunning new homes are set in a prime location at the foot of the Pendle Hill in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, an area well known for its outstanding natural beauty and scenic walks.

Orchard Green is our new development in the highly desirable village of Helsby, close to the traditional English market town of Frodsham.

With stunning countryside views, a great sense of community and homemade craft beer, it’s the perfect blend of rural and urban lifestyle. The new development will create 118 detached and semidetached two, three and four bedroom homes, with show homes opening early next year and the first homeowners moving in later that summer.

D’Urton Grange is located on the fringes of Preston in the sought-after suburb of Fulwood. With a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes, each house has been thoughtfully designed, with spacious openplan living areas, modern built-in kitchens, off-street parking and plenty of outside space. This affluent, leafy part of Fulwood enjoys the best of both worlds, situated in a vibrant and growing rural area that’s just a stone’s throw from the city of Preston.

D’Urton Grange

Orchard Green

CONNECTING YOU TO THE NORTH WEST AND BEYOND All three sites offer fantastic connectivity, with the West Coast Main Line railway meaning a visit to the capital is only two to three hours away. The M62 and Trans-Pennine Express rail services connect Liverpool and Manchester with Yorkshire and the North East.

Manchester airport – a short journey from all three developments – is the UK’s third-largest airport and the biggest outside of the South East, with more than 70 airlines offering direct flights to over 210 destinations worldwide.

Zac Worthington, Head of Sales, says, “We’re extremely proud to be adding to our ambitious growth across the North West with our three upcoming developments, and to be helping to shape the delivery of quality homes in the region. At Laurus, our ethos is a home for everyone, and these new developments are helping us provide more housing options for first time buyers who originally may have been priced out of the area.”

At Laurus Homes, we have taken care of all your needs as a first time buyer. A company that cares and creates communities around the North West. Buying options to meet most budgets. Design principles that add value and complement modern, sophisticated lifestyles. And locations that are close to everything and in the most vibrant housing market outside of Southern England.

Whalley Manor

laurushomes.co.uk

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

CITY VS COUNTRY Post-pandemic life has changed the way we want to live and where we want to live it, with some seeking space and fresh air, and others wanting to be closer than ever to city life. We look at Guinness Homes’ new developments offering a choice of ideal rural and urban lifestyles

There’s no doubt that things have changed in the past 20 months, among them our preferences for where we live and work, and who we want close by.

Online searches for countryside properties increased hugely in the months from March 2020, while inner-city agents have seen an uptick in buyers wanting central London homes over those in the outer boroughs.

Guinness Homes has created two new developments that are perfect for buyers seeking either lifestyle, from the coastal beauty of East Sussex, to bright and bodacious east London. So whether you’re craving a quieter lifestyle filled with country pursuits and peaceful surrounds, or prefer the bright lights, cultural wonders and entertainment of the city, these homes will fit the bill.

COUNTRY: AUGUST FIELDS Dreams of a more laid-back life in the countryside can be a reality at August Fields in Newhaven, East Sussex. Nestled between the beautiful South Downs and the sea, and only 10 miles from Brighton, Newhaven offers a great mix of country and coast, with city life close by. There is a range of two, three and four bedroom homes available at August Fields, all with private gardens and parking. The attractive properties range in style from terraced to detached houses. The three bedroom semi-detached homes are arranged over three floors, with an open-plan living area downstairs with doors opening to the rear garden. Two bedrooms and a family bathroom sit on the first floor, with a third bedroom with an en suite on the top floor.

The semi-rural location of the development, which backs on to open countryside, is the perfect antithesis to fast-paced city life. Working from home? Take a beautiful stroll at lunch, or head to the beach after work to blow away the cobwebs. For everyday shopping and outings, Newhaven is just a three-minute drive or 20-minute walk away.

Homes at August Fields start from £118,000 for a 40% share of the full market value of £295,000. Help to Buy and open market sale are also available.

0344 748 0052 guinnesshomes.co.uk/newhaven

CITY: LEASIDE LOCK, EAST LONDON The allure of the big city is still as strong as ever for many homebuyers, and London’s E3 is ideally placed to enjoy the very best of the capital. Just east of the City, it has fantastic links into central London and is surrounded by some of London’s trendiest locales.

Leaside Lock, in Bromley-by-Bow, sits on the banks of the River Lea, with a range of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments available, enjoying communal courtyard gardens, coworking spaces, on-site shops and leisure facilities for residents.

The apartments have been designed with modern living in mind; well-sized living spaces open to private outdoor space, while inside there are separate utility rooms, along with plenty of storage space. In the larger homes there’s an en suite from the master bedroom, and a number of the apartments benefit from views of the London landscape, including Canary Wharf and across to the City and beyond.

Great places to meet up, including restaurants, coffee shops, bars, breweries, galleries, venues and shops, are on your doorstep. Bow, Mile End, Shoreditch, Stratford and Hackney are all hugely popular with young Londoners and are easily reached on foot, by bike, bus or Tube.

Nearby Hammersmith & City and District Line services run to central London and beyond, while frequent bus services and routes are excellent and (usually) very speedy.

Leaside Lock forms part of a wider, hotly anticipated, revival of the area. The regeneration will see brand new green open spaces, river walkways and cycle and pedestrian bridges created.

Homes at Leaside Lock start from £90,000 for a 25% share of the full market value of £360,000.

Help to Buy and open market sale are also available.

020 3288 1907 leasidelock.com

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HELP TO BUY

CONTEMPORARY LIVING IN AN ECO-FRIENDLY INLAND HOME

With many home hunters looking to buy a new build home, energy efficiency and the appeal of having no expensive renovations or DIY to worry about are among the benefits sparking joy with modern homebuyers. First time buyers searching for a new build home should look to awardwinning housebuilder Inland Homes, which offers a range of stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments designed with today’s modern lifestyle in mind, including energyefficient features which come as standard ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES WITH LOW RUNNING COSTS From build to fit-out, Inland Homes is focused on maximising energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint across all of its developments. Ideal for those looking to purchase their first home, all properties come equipped with energyefficient building methods including heat recovery systems, cost-effective boilers, double glazed windows, underfloor heating and low-energy lighting. All properties also come with a 10-year new home warranty.

With the added benefit of being able to personalise the internal specification*, buyers can also put their own personal touch on their home before they even move in.

Southampton city centre nearby, residents can truly experience the best in waterside and city living in an energy-efficient home with low running costs. Prices at Meridian Waterside start from £180,000.

THE WESSEX, BOURNEMOUTH The Wessex is perfectly placed in the heart of Bournemouth, with everything you could ever need on your doorstep. This modern development offers unique and eco-friendly one and two bedroom apartments with low running costs, ideal for those who desire style while not compromising on price or location. Situated just a short walk away is the famous Blue Flag beach of

Meridian Waterside

Bournemouth, meaning first time buyers can truly experience the best in seafront and town centre living. These desirable new homes offer a high-specification finish, with designer interiors, access to secure underground parking facilities, cycle storage and designated post rooms. Prices at The Wessex start from £225,000 with Help to Buy available on many homes**.

SPEAK WITH A MEMBER OF THE TEAM TODAY With a selection of homes ready to move into, now is the time to book an appointment and speak with a member of Inland Homes’ friendly sales team by emailing sales@inlandhomes.co.uk or calling 01494 546 772. You can also follow Inland Homes’ social media channels on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and offers. *Personalisation subject to build stage. **Help to Buy: Equity Loan is available for first time buyers only and is subject to eligibility, terms and conditions. Regional price caps apply. Available on selected plots only. Speak to a Sales Adviser for further details.

The Wessex

MERIDIAN WATERSIDE, SOUTHAMPTON An award-winning waterfront development

by Inland Homes, Meridian Waterside in Southampton is a perfect example of homes ideal for first time buyers. Offering a high-quality specification with open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas, private terraces and balconies, en suite bathrooms to the main bedrooms and spectacular views of the River Itchen, homes are all available with Help to Buy: Equity Loan**.

Each home also includes allocated parking, with electric car charging facilities available for residents. This waterside development features a remarkable collection of one and two bedroom apartments, and with

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

HOT PROPERTY

New research from Experian shows that around two-thirds of people in their 20s and 30s hope to buy a new home in the next five years¹. Despite this, many young people still feel that homeownership is out of reach due to a combination of factors including continually rising house prices, an increasingly competitive property market and the winding down of schemes such as Help to Buy This is where shared ownership comes into its own. The scheme presents a real opportunity for aspirational first time buyers to get on to the property ladder at an achievable cost, often with a deposit as low as 5%.

Shared ownership offers a lifeline to the first time buyer market, with buyers traditionally able to purchase a minimum 25% share, with the option to increase their shares in the future as and when finances allow. As of this year, new shared ownership developments will offer minimum shares from 10%, which will further widen the doors to homeownership and allow a larger volume of young people to access the security that comes with owning your home.

At SO Resi, we are passionate about educating first time buyers on shared ownership and the opportunities it offers, in turn arming them with the knowledge they need to get on to the property ladder at a lower cost.

Throughout this year, we have seen increasing numbers of first time buyers opting to get on to the property ladder using the shared ownership scheme, with buyers drawn to developments that accommodate flexible living and remain connected for work and play.

In London, boroughs such as Ealing are proving particularly popular thanks to the area’s access to green space and excellent connections into the capital. At our SO Resi Ealing scheme in West Ealing, buyers have a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments, and can purchase a minimum 25% share in a one bedroom apartment from £105,000 (full market value: £420,000).

The development boasts a spacious roof terrace with panoramic views across London, and is a short walk from Ealing Broadway, with links into the city centre via the Central Line.

Similarly, at our newly launched SO Resi Greenford development in Ealing, buyers have a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments, and can purchase a minimum 30% share in a one bedroom property from £99,000 (full market value: £330,000). The development is an urban oasis, set against a backdrop of the Grand

SO Resi Ealing

SO Resi Greenford

SO Resi Greenford

SO Resi Camberley

Union Canal and surrounded by leafy green spaces. Greenford underground station is a short walk from the development and is also on the Central Line.

And shared ownership isn’t only for Londoners. Across the South East, we have a number of new developments available, including our SO Resi Camberley scheme in Surrey, which launched only a few weeks ago. Here, buyers have a choice of one and two bedroom apartments alongside two and three bedroom houses, meaning young professionals and families alike have room to grow.

Shared ownership remains a popular option for first time buyers, presenting an achievable route to homeownership and ensuring a wider demographic has access to owning their own home. The scheme continues to support those who need it most, and we anticipate shared ownership will continue to support first time buyers long after temporary schemes are phased out. sharedownership.co.uk 1cityam.com/first-time-buyers-where-do-millennialsstand-on-the-property-ladder

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HELP TO BUY

NEW HOMES IN WATFORD OFFER BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

For those looking to step on to the property ladder in a well-connected location near London, St William’s high quality new homes at The Arches, in the popular town of Watford, are the perfect choice – comprising a collection of 92 suites, one and two bedroom apartments, which are ready to move into now A HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATION Having recently been crowned one of the top 10 coolest places to live in the whole of the UK¹, based on factors including independent coffee shops, farmers’ markets, breweries, and yoga studios, it’s no wonder that Watford is continuing to appear as a top choice for first time buyers looking to settle down.

The Arches is perfectly positioned to enjoy all that the town has to offer; ideally located an eight-minute walk from Bushey railway station – providing direct trains into London Euston in 19 minutes – yet just a short walk from Watford’s growing social scene, varied retail offering and green open space. Residents at The Arches enjoy an unrivalled lifestyle on their doorstep.

CONTEMPORARY NEW HOMES Set within a gated development and attractive landscaped grounds, the highquality, contemporary new homes provide an ideal place to settle down. The properties have proved popular with first time buyers and young professionals looking for a home with a simple commute into central London, while wanting to benefit from the luxury, convenience, and ease of a newly built St William property.

The striking architecture of the building combines seamlessly with the modern specifications found within each home.

Providing residents with a high standard of modern living, features include stone worktops, integrated Bosch appliances, USB sockets, fibre optic broadband, Sky-Q compatibility and CCTV building entry.

Alongside a private balcony or terrace to every property, residents also enjoy exclusive access to two landscaped podium gardens and benefit from the area’s extensive green spaces.

PERFECT FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS Adding to the appeal for first time buyers, Help to Buy is also available; meaning house hunters can secure a new home with

just a 5% deposit and a Government equity loan of up to 20%.

Having rented in Wembley Park for two years, first time buyers Sukhgeet and Devyani Singh were on the hunt for a home that provided good connections to London.

After a year of searching, they came across The Arches and ended up securing their dream first home together here.

Sukhgeet explains, “When we first visited The Arches, we were instantly impressed. Each and every detail had been carefully considered and, as first time buyers, the Help to Buy scheme meant we only had to put down a 5% deposit, making it a much more affordable option.

“The idea that everything, from the flooring to the white goods, was included

within the cost, was also really appealing.”

This summer, St William has unveiled a two bedroom show apartment furnished by Dapa Interiors to showcase the life on offer at The Arches, which is open daily between 10am and 5pm. Thanks to a partnership with interior designer Katie Seidler, founder of Hello Haus, buyers can easily envisage working from home, as she created a stylish yet affordable home office within the space.

Prices at The Arches start from £321,000, with Help to Buy available. For further information, please visit thearcheswatford.co.uk or call 020 3930 1475 1Ocean Finance: refinery29.com/en-gb/coolest-placesto-live

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HELP TO BUY

FIRST TIME BUYERS HIT THE JACKPOT AT ARDEN PARKSIDE

For first time buyers seeking a home from which they can take advantage of fantastic transport links, a thriving hub of local amenities and award-winning parks and green spaces, Peabody’s development, Arden at Parkside, is a must-see! Located in south east London, the collection of homes comprises a superb selection of apartments and duplexes and is soon to be available with London Help to Buy Arden occupies an attractive and tranquil setting within the leafy and wellestablished development of Parkside, SE10 – perfectly positioned to take advantage of four popular London districts, with Lewisham, Greenwich, Deptford and Blackheath all within easy reach. Homebuyers who choose to make this corner of the capital their home will enjoy a burgeoning new neighbourhood, where the coexistence of green space and wellbeing is perfectly

composed for modern city lifestyles. The wider programme of regeneration at Parkside already provides residents with access to a thriving new destination in the capital, bringing over 780 new homes, a modern community hub and cafe, a nursery and significant new public green space.

Arden will offer a stylish selection of studio, one and two bedroom apartments and two bedroom duplexes within five new buildings, spanning two new phases. Each has

been thoughtfully crafted to seamlessly unify the existing surroundings and provide a collection of high-quality homes for a range of buyers.

Each home features an impeccable bespoke interior specification combined with modern and contemporary detailing. The open-plan layouts have been well planned to provide spacious and convenient areas for today’s lifestyle, be it working from home, keeping up with fitness goals, entertaining or simply

relaxing. Every property features private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or terrace, with some enjoying outstanding cityscape views across the much-loved capital.

Selected homes also have access to car parking spaces.

The local area offers a desirable lifestyle, with a wide choice of venues to visit.

Lewisham, Deptford and Greenwich effortlessly marry together historical charm with energetic local influences.

The world-famous live music venue The O2 is just 26 minutes away via the DLR. In Greenwich, The Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum or Greenwich Market are great for a cultural day out.

Meanwhile, nearby Deptford High Street is host to plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, a cinema and a regular street market. There are plenty of parks close by that are ideal for enjoying the warmer summer months with friends for a picnic or a family walk. The award-winning Greenwich Park and Blackheath Park are both within walking distance of Arden.

Bordering Travel Zones 2 and 3, getting around the city from Arden couldn’t be any easier. Just an eight-minute walk from the development is Elverson Road DLR station, which provides swift links to Canary Wharf via Greenwich in 17 minutes. Other nearby stations that are within easy walking distance are Deptford, New Cross and Lewisham, which all offer hassle-free travel into and across London.

Prices for one of the stunning homes at Arden at Parkside start from £380,000.

Help to Buy will be available from the end of October.

For information visit arden-parkside.co.uk

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

HALE WORKS: ELEVATED LIVING

Sky garden

Newlon Living has partnered with Anthology to offer 44 high-specification shared ownership homes in a new 32-storey tower, Hale Works. With a selection of one and two bedroom apartments available, you can now get a foot on to the property ladder in London’s next new property hotspot Balcony

Living kitchen diner

Bedroom with en suite

Bathroom

This captivating building offers spectacular panoramic views of London and the surrounding areas from the stunning communal sky garden. One of the highlights is the capital’s most significant urban nature reserve, Walthamstow Wetlands. As a resident of Hale Works, you will also be able to take advantage of a 24-hour concierge – offering around-the-clock services.

These new homes are light, with spacious open-plan living areas. The sleek, handleless kitchens are tailored to the size of each apartment and come with a composite stone worktop and fully equipped with Siemens appliances – integrated oven, fridge-freezer and dishwasher.

Hale Works sits within thriving Hale Village, an architecturally unique community collecting multiple awards, including the Green Flag Award for its dedication to green space. The design is inspired by the world-acclaimed regeneration of Hammarby, a waterside

district in Stockholm, Sweden. Within Hale Village, you will find a range of useful facilities, including a Tesco Express, gym, Italian deli and green community space.

Plus, you will find cafes, restaurants, a brewery, and a large retail park in the surrounding area, where you can access well-known brands from groceries to fast food, and fashion to household goods.

There are many places to explore, such as the nearby Walthamstow Wetlands, which offers everything from fishing to bird watching, with a well-established cafe in a 19th century listed building – all within easy walking distance.

For the more adventurous, the local climbing centre can offer a unique way to keep fit, or pick up the River Lee towpath and look out for kingfishers on the eightmile walk or cycle to the 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park. Why not stop at the Ferry Boat Inn for drinks on the way home?

Tottenham Hale is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in recent

times – soon to be home to over a thousand new homes, dozens of commercial units and modern public spaces. Excellent transport links are another key selling point for Hale Works. It’s just a two-minute walk to Tottenham Hale station, which will undergo a transport revolution with millions of pounds invested in a new tube, rail and bus station all right on your doorstep. From there you can get a train into Liverpool Street in just 15 minutes, or connect with the express train to Stansted Airport.

Alternatively, you can board the Victoria Line tube, which will get you to King’s Cross in 10 minutes or Oxford Street in 15 minutes, and forms part of the night tube network. There is also a central bus station just moments away, with a variety of routes to surrounding areas and beyond.

For more information about Hale Works, to register your interest and to find out about the other new shared ownership properties Newlon has available, then visit the website hale.works

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

SET UP HOME IN EAST LONDON WITH A DEPOSIT FROM JUST £4,500 With deposits required from just £4,500 however, Gateway Housing’s contemporary shared ownership apartments are affordably priced for buyers stepping on to the ladder.

What’s more, they are situated in some of east London’s most vibrant and diverse locations.

Through shared ownership you buy a share of a home, typically between 25% and 75%, depending on what you can afford based on your household income – anyone with a household income of less than £90,000 in London can apply.

The deposit is for the share you buy, usually 5%, which is much lower than paying a deposit on the full price. You then take out a mortgage to cover the rest of your share and pay a monthly rent on the share you do not own.

With its thriving cultural scene, impressive array of international food and drink spots and arguably London’s best nightlife – not to mention quick and easy connections into the centre of the city – you’d be forgiven for thinking that homeownership in east London, the capital’s coolest corner, is out of reach for most first time buyers Earlham Square

THE FORUM, BOW The Forum, located in trendy and characterful Bow, comprises one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments. With deposits required from as little as just £4,625, for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment priced at £92,500, these homes are ideal for first time buyers seeking an affordable and achievable way on to the London property ladder.

NO 212 HACKNEY ROAD, HACKNEY The contemporary No 212 Hackney Road is located in the heart of Hackney, with a selection of one and two bedroom apartments available.

Prices start from £135,000 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment, with a 5% deposit of £6,750 required. There is no compromise on luxury; residents will benefit from

The Forum

incredible on-site facilities including a gym, screening room and scenic terrace area.

EARLHAM SQUARE, FOREST GATE Earlham Square, located in Forest Gate, is a stylish development comprising one, two and three bedroom apartments – prices start

No 212 Hackney Road

from £90,000 for a one bedroom apartment, with a 5% deposit needed of £4,500.

The combination of stunning interiors and access to nearby outdoor space creates ideal homes for first time buyers in London seeking a balanced approach to city life.

All of the apartments are designed for modern city living.

Each home benefits from open-plan living spaces, sleek design and a contemporary specification including fully integrated Zanussi appliances.

Outdoor space, especially in the city, has become incredibly important to buyers over the past year; each of Gateway’s developments features residents’ landscaped gardens, and many apartments benefit from their own private terraces.

In addition, there is a range of public parks, gardens and sports fields in close proximity to all three developments, so whether it’s a stroll in the sun, a picnic in the park or a game of tennis, residents can enjoy the many great green spaces on their doorstep.

Fashionable east London has an incredible range of cafes and restaurants offering an impressive selection of cuisines and delicacies, reflecting the area’s diverse culture. As well as an excellent entertainment and arts scene, east London has a thriving nightlife, whether you are looking for music, drinks and a lively atmosphere, traditional London pubs or sophisticated bars.

Bow and Hackney in Zone 2, as well as Forest Gate in Zone 3, are all an easy stroll from underground, DLR and bus services, providing fast and frequent transport links into central London.

For more information or to book a private appointment, visit newhomes.gatewayhousing.org.uk or call 020 8709 4317

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

FIRST TIME BUYER HOMES NOW AVAILABLE AT KIDBROOKE SQUARE

The first homes at Notting Hill Genesis’ highly anticipated Kidbrooke Square development in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, part of a joint venture with Transport for London, are now available. The range of stunning 28 studio apartments, priced from £305,550, are an exciting opportunity for first time buyers to live close to nature, while also enjoying short commutes to central London and Canary Wharf The development has been designed with the environment and residents’ wellbeing in mind. Adjacent to Kidbrooke Village, one of London’s most exciting and well-renowned regeneration projects, Kidbrooke Square has an abundance of green space on its doorstep. This includes Cator Park – recently awarded the David Attenborough Award for enhancing biodiversity – with its children’s playground, and Sutcliffe Park, with grassland, meadow, and wetland rich with a variety of plants and wildlife.

As well as local biodiversity and communal green spaces, the development includes sustainable design features like green rooftops, tree protection and planting and landscaping. Kidbrooke Square is built to a carbon reduction target of 39.6% and energy efficiency is maximised through design – including renewable energy supplies and energy-efficient appliances provided inside the homes. Notting Hill Genesis has put walking and cycling at the heart of its plans, with on-site bike storage available, while for those who still need a car, there is a resident-only car club scheme and car-sharing initiative on site.

The studio apartments are thoughtfully laid out, incorporating the latest interior design features. The living areas are open plan, offering plenty of room to entertain both indoors and on the generous balcony outside. The kitchens are decorated in neutral tones with a range of high-quality A+ rated built-in appliances that are included in the sale price.

Other fantastic features of the apartments include wood-effect flooring running through all the living areas, and integrated wardrobes in the bedroom.

Kidbrooke Square is an ideal choice for young professionals and supports flexible working with space to work from home both inside the apartments and around the development. Residents have direct access to the new Kidbrooke railway station with

trains to London Bridge in 16 minutes or Waterloo East in 19 minutes, while the DLR is also two stops away in Lewisham, linking to Charing Cross, Cannon Street and Canary Wharf and its surrounds. In addition, there are regular bus services, and pedestrian and cycle routes to connect residents with the rest of south east London.

On the weekends, residents are well positioned to explore the Kent countryside or Greenwich Park and Blackheath closer to home. The recent transformation of the area means there is a strong local community and there are opportunities to socialise at the farmers’ market, playground and in local pubs and cafes.

Jim Munson, Head of Marketing at Notting Hill Genesis, comments, “This is a really exciting milestone at Kidbrooke Square and we’re expecting plenty of interest in these first available studios.

Greenwich has so much to offer in terms

of lifestyle, with its green surroundings, historic town centre, independent businesses and thriving communities within easy reach of the financial districts and central London.

“A large proportion of people worked from home in Greenwich even before the pandemic and the area has been designed and developed with that in mind, including significant investment in broadband and moving local services online. As a result, Kidbrooke is well equipped for supporting the flexible working patterns of the future.

The opportunity to enjoy that shouldn’t be limited to those earning the most in the capital and Kidbrooke Square is a brilliant choice for London first time buyers looking for the best of both worlds.”

Visit nhgsales.com/kidbrookesquare for further information or speak to the sales team on 020 3733 1609

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

HOME X MARKS THE SPOT FOR FTBS IN BRIGHTON’S NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

Optivo unveils its flagship development, Home X, creating a new neighbourhood in Lewes Road, Brighton. The 369 homes will create a new community in the seaside city as part of the wider £150m regeneration masterplan at the former Preston Barracks site. First time buyers looking for a new home by the coast should look to Home X for quality apartment living and a great community of like-minded individuals The selection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, available with Help to Buy or shared ownership, are nestled between the South Downs and the sea.

The new community taking shape will revel in Home X’s high-quality residential spaces, each with cutting-edge technology, landscaped outdoor spaces and inspiring flexible workspaces, perfect for those who want to divide their home and work environments but without the long commute. Residents making Home X their preferred living choice will also benefit from a concierge service in the ultra-cool communal space, a wellness area for time out, bike and car club membership and landscaped outdoor spaces.

Rich Login, Director of Sales and Marketing at Optivo, comments, “At Home X we are really looking towards creating a new neighbourhood for the city and offering homes with future flexible living space, ideally for people who want to collaborate with a like-minded, thriving community. We are excited to be a part of one of Brighton’s largest regeneration schemes, alongside U+I, Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Brighton.

“Home X and the wider regeneration of retail, workspace and landscaping will help put this part of Lewes Road on the map again, and make it a new destination for the city and its residents.

“Interested buyers who want to see the space for themselves should make an appointment to view our selection of show apartments now.”

INTERIORS THAT ROCK Home X apartments are bright and spacious, with high-quality, open-plan living spaces, wide hallways and plenty of storage space. The homes are flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling

windows, kitchens are fitted with smart and energy-efficient Siemens integrated appliances, including a washing machine and dishwasher, while bathrooms rock modern matt black fixtures and fittings.

Larger apartments include en suites to master bedrooms that each have fitted wardrobe space. Selected apartments come with either their own balcony or terrace for much-needed outdoor space.

HOME BUYING MADE EASIER There are plenty of options to own an apartment at Home X, including open market sale. Help to Buy is available – the Government-backed equity loan, which buyers can use towards a deposit to secure a mortgage. Buyers can purchase a property with a 5% deposit and borrow a further 20% through the equity loan, using a mortgage for the remaining 75% value.

Stepping on to the property ladder could be made easier with a shared ownership apartment, another Government initiative

available at Home X, where Brighton residents can purchase between 25% and 75% of the home with a subsidised rental fee on the remaining part.

A BUSTLING COMMUNITY There is much to do in the bustling coastal city, from shopping in The Lanes or the Brighton Open Market, sampling food from a wide variety of eateries, to a sunset stroll on the beach or soaking up the electric nightlife where live music, dance moves or theatrical shows are obligatory.

Home X is on the market through Savills, with prices starting from £231,000 for a studio apartment, £285,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £381,000 for a two bedroom apartment, all available with Help to Buy. A one bedroom apartment under shared ownership starts from £98,875 for a 35% share (full market value: £282,500).

To find out more, please visit home-x.co.uk or call 01273 068 032

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

PROPERTY HEATS UP AS SUMMER COOLS The temperature might be dropping as we approach early autumn, but in the property world, things are only getting hotter. September and October are some of the busiest months for first time buyers, as events like the London Home Show bring hundreds of hopeful homebuyers under one roof, and housing associations and developers launch a range of new and exciting developments This autumn, Catalyst is helping hopeful first time buyers take their initial steps towards homeownership with a range of new shared ownership homes in London and the South East.

Offering lower deposits than traditionally found on the open market, shared ownership is the part-buy, part-rent scheme that enables eligible buyers to purchase a percentage share of the property, and pay rent on the remaining portion.

Shared ownership deposits are usually from 5% of the purchase price, rather than a percentage of the full market value, making for a far more attainable savings goal than buying on the open market.

Catalyst has a range of shared ownership homes to suit all kinds of buyers, whether they dream of a sleek modern apartment in the capital, or a cosy retreat surrounded by greenery. Exciting launches this autumn include new show homes at The Folium and The Switch, and a new phase of homes launching at Newman Place in Littlemore, Oxford.

Markus Kendall-Young, Director of Sales and Marketing at Catalyst (London), comments, “Autumn is a great time to buy a property – with many buyers seeking a fresh start after their summer breaks. Typically, lots of new homes come on to the market at this time of year, so there is plenty of choice for buyers. Shared ownership can be a great solution for those looking to take their first step on to the ladder, providing a staggered route on to the property market without the

The Switch

The Folium

large deposit and mortgage needed to buy outright.”

Located equidistant between trendy Earlsfield and Wimbledon, The Switch

by Catalyst comprises 181 one to three bedroom shared ownership apartments. Part of a landmark joint venture with Galliard Homes, these new homes will become part of a thriving new community complete with retail options and leisure space set around a new 9,000-seater stadium for AFC Wimbledon.

Eager buyers will be able to learn more about the development while visiting the new marketing suite and two new show apartments launching this autumn. Finished to a high specification, The Switch is the perfect home for young professionals looking for

Newman Place

their own piece of this new and exciting district in south west London. Contemporary open floor plans maximise space, there are grey designer units and integrated appliances to the kitchens, and nearly every home comes with a private outdoor space. Selected two and three bedroom apartments are set across two floors, providing the space needed for modern living.

Prices start from £97,500 for a 25% share.

North of the River Thames in family hotspot Muswell Hill, The Folium is a collection of one to three bedroom apartments available through shared ownership. Located in the lush greenery of Coppetts Wood, The Folium is a rare opportunity to step on to the property ladder in this urban village community.

With a new show home recently

launched, buyers can explore the high-quality homes in person and see the premium fixtures and finishes in situ.

Perfect for those looking for a close-knit village community without sacrificing big city amenities, Muswell Hill is home to a thriving high street full of independent cafes and boutiques, while commuters have access to a wealth of bus routes into Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace for rail and underground links into central London. Prices start from £167,000 for a 40% share.

Beyond the capital in desirable and affluent Oxford, Newman Place is a collection of one, two, three and four bedroom homes in Littlemore.

The latest phase of 17 homes is set to launch this September, offering an affordable route on to the property ladder just outside the historic city.

Designed to reflect the surrounding natural landscape, Newman Place features gently curving roads and raised walkways weaving through rich landscaping and newly planted trees. Inside, apartments feature well-designed, open-plan living spaces, private balconies, and high-specification finishes throughout the home.

Residents are well placed to enjoy the pubs and eateries of Littlemore village just a short walk or cycle away, as well as in buzzing and historic Oxford city centre, just over three miles away. Prices start from £68,750 for a 25% share.

To find out more about Catalyst’s latest developments visit: catalyst.homes

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

THE CHOICE IS YOURS WITH YOUR HOUSING GROUP!

Your Housing Group is committed to providing quality new homes for first time buyers looking to begin their homeownership journey. With multiple developments across the North West, and the opportunity to purchase either a 50% or 75% share of a brand new home through shared ownership, a Your Housing Group property may be the way for you to get your foot on the housing ladder WATERSIDE POINT, LEIGH Waterside Point is an exciting new development in the town of Leigh in Greater Manchester, with a desirable location on the banks of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, just outside the town centre and less than a mile from the beautiful Pennington Flash Country Park.

With a selection of 113 two and three bedroom homes available for shared ownership, Waterside Point is ideal for first time buyers and growing families. Several of the houses have the bonus of scenic views over the water.

Benefiting from a direct bus route to the centre of Manchester, a highly rated primary school next to the development and a wide range of shops and restaurants just around the corner, residents at Waterside Point can enjoy canalside living in the heart of a traditional North West town.

Artist’s impression – Waterside Point

MANOR GARDENS, HARTFORD Artist’s impression – Manor Gardens Artist’s impression – Eldercot Park

WHITEFIELD BROOK, KIRKBY Artist’s impression – Whitefield Brook

Situated at the gateway to Kirkby, on the outskirts of Liverpool, Whitefield Brook offers a stylish range of 106 bespoke two, three and four bedroom homes available for shared ownership. Set in a beautifully landscaped community setting with fantastic transport links, there are plenty of local amenities nearby including shopping centres and a popular golf course.

For those looking to live closer to the bright lights of the city to take advantage of Liverpool’s vast array of leisure facilities, bars and thriving nightlife, Whitefield Brook may be the perfect place to call home.

Manor Gardens is a stunning new development of 108 new homes, nestled in the charming semi-rural community of Hartford, just outside Northwich.

Manor Gardens features a beautiful collection of contemporary two, three and four bedroom houses and two bedroom bungalows, with properties available to buy through shared ownership and ideal for those looking to step on to the property ladder in the area.

Deep in the heart of Cheshire and in a highly sought-after area in which to live, the village contains several highly rated local schools with plenty of beautiful parks and woodland areas nearby. If you’re looking to find your forever home, look no further than Manor Gardens.

ELDERCOT PARK, BOLTON Located in the Daubhill suburb of Bolton, Eldercot Park features a wide range of

attractive two, three and four bedroom houses, with 119 available to buy through shared ownership, perfect for those looking to buy their first home.

With several popular schools nearby, plenty of retail opportunities in Bolton town centre and with local sports clubs and playing fields on your doorstep, plus great rail and motorway links across the North West, Eldercot Park is the ideal fit.

At Your Housing Group, our homes are designed to be modern and contemporary, combining beautiful ergonomically designed details along with flexible sales options to suit your lifestyle. We take pride in shaping every aspect of your home to ensure it meets your needs, which is why your new home will be full of products and finishes of the highest quality, including integrated kitchen appliances and designer bathroom tiling.

For more information on these and other upcoming Your Housing Group developments, visit yourhousinggroup.co.uk or call our friendly Sales Team on 01925 399 650

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HELP TO BUY

BEAULIEU – OFFERING FTBS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

With flexible working an option now for most, buyers are increasingly looking to the commuter belt for their property purchases, with Essex considered a hotspot among first time buyers With its bustling high street, abundance of attractions, easy connection to the capital and idyllic countryside setting, it’s easy to see why Chelmsford, Essex’s only city, remains one of the most desirable places to live in the commuter belt. Beaulieu, Chelmsford’s vibrant and sought-after new development, presents the perfect opportunity for the next generation of first time buyers to get their foot on the property ladder.

Over the past five years, Beaulieu, which once complete will comprise 3,600 new homes and a plethora of amenities, is now firmly established and a flourishing neighbourhood in its own right. As well as new homes, Beaulieu Square offers residents access to the very best retail, leisure and education facilities, including a Sainsbury’s Local, Costa Coffee, a dental surgery as well as a nursery and education centre. With green space now a must for many buyers, Beaulieu also provides residents with access to natural meadows, formal gardens, allotments and parklands, as well as a wide variety of recreational and sporting facilities.

Sure to grab the attention of prospective buyers is Beaulieu Gate, the latest phase of homes to launch at the development, comprising 116 private homes and 34 affordable properties. This exciting new phase of homes offers a mix of apartments, maisonettes and two, three and four bedroom houses. Buyers can also benefit from Help to Buy on the one bedroom apartments. When complete, homes will boast modern and beautifully designed interiors with spacious living areas. With working from home becoming increasingly popular and the norm for many, homes will

Kirsty Brooker and Leah Grace

feature multi-purpose rooms providing ample space to transform into work areas.

Mirroring the surrounding ancient parkland, Beaulieu Gate seamlessly blends history and nature, with a modern twist. As its name suggests, Beaulieu Gate will act as the new gateway to the wider Beaulieu development, where a crescent of homes will greet you. Each home will showcase its own character and style but will be identifiable by unique design features.

Located in one of Essex’s most soughtafter spots, the development offers the very best of both worlds; surrounded by beautiful countryside and yet only a short 40-minute train journey to London.

Commuting into the capital during the week couldn’t be easier, while weekends can be spent enjoying the local countryside or indulging in the buzzing foodie and event scene in Chelmsford.

When speaking with first time buyers Kirsty Booker and Leah Grace, both in their 20s, and recent purchasers at Beaulieu, Kirsty says, “We are so pleased with our new home. It has the best of both worlds,

in the sense that you can unwind after a long day at work, surrounded by green open spaces and some lovely properties.

However, you still have easy access to Chelmsford by bus or car. I also love the fact that you can walk down to Beaulieu Square and you have a Sainsbury’s and Costa right there. It’s a good way to bump into your neighbours and get to know them.”

With its own unique identity inspired by rich local heritage, Beaulieu offers high-specification homes and exemplary community facilities. Set around the majestic New Hall School, formerly King Henry VIII’s Tudor palace, and its estate parkland, the development is conceived as a series of individually designed neighbourhoods that connect to the wider landscape and countryside.

Prices at Beaulieu Gate start from £261,995 for a one bedroom apartment and £364,995 for a three bedroom maisonette. For information on the latest availability visit beaulieugate.co.uk and to book an appointment call 01245 974 537 or email beaulieugate@cpplc.com

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

AWARD-WINNING FIRST TIME BUYER HOMES WITHIN YOUR REACH

It’s not easy right now to step on to that first rung of the property ladder – saving the initial deposit for your new home can seem like an impossible dream. Weston Homes, with its award-winning first time buyer apartments, understands how important this milestone is, and offers a number of different schemes that can help first time buyers turn their dream of owning a home into a reality HELP TO BUY Much like other residential developers, Weston Homes offers the well-known Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme on a number of its developments, with first time buyers required to find just a 5% deposit and benefiting from a Government loan of up to 20% (or 40% if buying in London).

Terms and conditions apply, and further information on the scheme can be found at ownyourhome.gov.uk.

FIRST-TIME SECUREBUY A scheme that’s exclusive to Weston Homes is its First-time SecureBuy initiative, designed for buying a new build off-plan. If you’re confident you can manage a mortgage, First-time SecureBuy

The Laundry Works, Watford

lets you secure the home of your choice, off-plan, at today’s price, for just a £500 reservation fee.

Should the value of the property increase, you will only pay the price quoted on the day you secure your new home.

Not only does the scheme offer a secure reservation, it only requires a 5% deposit.

Six months before completion, you can apply for a mortgage.

To provide peace of mind to first time buyers who have often saved very hard for a very long time, Weston Homes offers a conditional exchange, with a complete refund option if circumstances change, subject to terms and conditions.

DISCOUNT MARKET SALE Relatively new to the market is Discount

Abbey Quay

Victoria Central

Market Sale, a scheme in operation on a select number of Weston Homes’ developments, run in partnership with the local council of that specific area.

With Discount Market Sale, eligibility terms and conditions can vary from council to council, but generally if you live or work in the local area you could qualify to purchase one of these selected new homes and save 20% (the marketed price reflects the saving).

Not to be confused with shared ownership, with Discount Market Sale you own 100% of your home, but have the ability to purchase a new build property at 80% of its value.

Currently, Weston Homes is delighted to offer Discount Market Sale at 1023 West in Brentwood, Abbey Quay in Barking and The Venue in Hayes.

With the above schemes, as well as usually being able to offer a variety of incentives such as help with moving costs or high-quality starter furniture packs, Weston Homes is confident it is best placed to help first time buyers achieve their dream of homeownership.

First time buyers are recommended to visit Weston Homes’ website, find their ideal development and get in touch with the sales team at that location who will be more than happy to discuss all the available options.

Visit weston-homes.com to start your search!

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OPEN MARKET

NEW MEANS NO WORRIES People move for a whole host of reasons. While it is often to increase the number of bedrooms, sometimes it is because older houses can no longer provide the lifestyle that house hunters are looking for Peter and Sharon Ward had lived in older properties all of their lives. With three grown-up children all having left home, their three bedroom semi-detached house was no longer serving their requirements. “We wanted a more modern version of what we had, to better suit our lifestyle,” says Peter. “We also wanted a bigger garden and an en suite bathroom.

It’s quite built-up where our old house was, so a quieter and more rural location was definitely more appealing.”

Making the decision to move was a fairly quick one due to a number of different circumstances. Peter’s father sadly passed away in February, and after the last lockdown, his son and girlfriend moved out to buy their first home. “While my dad was alive, we wanted to stay close by, but when he passed, he left us some money and we decided that it was time to move to a more rural setting for a better quality of life. We also wanted to be closer to our daughters and grandchildren. Although we had actually spent a fortune on the old house, it wasn’t what we ultimately wanted in terms of layout or location.”

The couple had never bought a new build property before, but they liked the idea of having nothing to worry about.

“We had viewed a few new developments but weren’t really keen on anything until we found Coggeshall West and decided to buy the three bedroom Blackwater house type. We were immediately impressed with the quality, and although it is also a three bedroom house, it offers much larger rooms and a bigger garden than our old home. We also have three bathrooms compared to our one toilet in our old home.”

Coggeshall West is a boutique development of just 29 three, four and five bedroom houses built by multi-awardwinning and local housebuilder, Higgins Homes. This semi-rural location with great transport links to London made the couple decide to move now, rather than wait until Peter’s retirement.

“It was always the plan that when I retired we would move further out to northern Essex where our daughters and grandchildren are, but financially it was a good idea to move now so we thought we should go for it. Although I’ve conveniently lived close to work for the last 30 years, this location means that I can still easily commute, so we get the best of both worlds.”

Coggeshall West

Peter is Commercial Director for the Port of Tilbury in Essex and is occasionally required to travel. “The station is just 10 minutes away and I can get into London easily, and when I need to fly to Scotland, Stansted Airport is just 20 minutes’ drive away,” he adds.

This historic village boasts modern transport links, with the journey time from nearby Kelvedon station to Chelmsford just 17 minutes and London only 53 minutes.

By road, the A120 offers swift access to Colchester and Braintree, the A12 provides a direct link right to the centre of London and out to the coast of East Anglia. The M11 offers you a quick route to the M25 and the national motorway network.

Coggeshall is one of the oldest towns in Essex, with a distinctly village feel. In keeping with its surroundings, Coggeshall West combines the modern style and smart technology that is typically associated with a Higgins Homes development, with sensitive architecture that is in keeping with its historical surroundings.

“This was our first time buying a new build and we really liked the idea of not having to worry about the property for a long time,” he says.

“We don’t need to do anything to the house or spend any money on it. There’s plenty of space so we can both have our own areas; Sharon is a Reiki therapist and

Sharon and Peter Ward

runs an online business selling crystals and I collect Formula One memorabilia. Plus, there is plenty of space for the kids and grandchildren to stay.”

The couple took advantage of Higgins Homes’ part-exchange option and found the whole process was very straightforward.

“This took a lot of the stress away from the move. But we found dealing with Higgins Homes really straightforward and have been very impressed.

“Sharon has started a yoga class and is talking to a local shop owner about selling her crystals and I am planning on getting a season ticket for the football club next door.

We already feel that we’ve made the right decision and have a good sense that we are going to enjoy living here.”

Prices at Coggeshall West range from £475,000 to £665,000.

For more information call 020 8108 5490, email coggeshallwest@higginshomes.co.uk or visit higginshomes.co.uk/developments/coggeshall-west

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LOCATION

HOTspot Brentwood

5 REASONS WE LOVE… BRENTWOOD

1. Ease and speed of commuting 2. Retail therapy 3. Plenty of green space and woodland 4. Family friendly feel 5. Imagining we are in TOWIE!

The Only Way is Essex first hit our screens 11 years ago, putting Brentwood firmly on the map. While the show’s status has gradually declined, this suburban Essex town, surrounded by beautiful open spaces, just keeps on growing in popularity

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

OUT AND ABOUT

Brentwood is situated just 20 miles from London, and close to the M25, making it perfect commuting territory. With a population of around 55,000, the suburban town is home to a small shopping area and high street, beyond which are residential developments and open countryside. Excellent transport links and highperforming schools mean the area is popular with young professionals and families alike.

Brentwood takes its name from "Burnt Wood", a clearing made in the forest by a fire.

Remains of a 12th century chapel in the town centre bear testimony to its history as a stopping point for pilgrims travelling to Canterbury, and when Henry III granted a royal charter to hold markets, the town quickly developed into a place of commerce.

The town’s rich and varied history is well preserved, from Warley Hospital’s asylum buildings – now luxury apartments – to the Essex Regiment’s army base (once an elephant training school!), the gymnasium of which is now home to a trampoline club and officer’s mess is now Marillac Hospital, a specialist centre for complex neurological conditions.

Brentwood residents already benefit from excellent transport links, with journeys into the

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capital taking 38 minutes from Brentwood station to Liverpool Street, and only 28 minutes from Shenfield station. The imminent arrival of Crossrail will make things even easier, as passengers will be able to make use of the Elizabeth Line, travelling through central London without having to change trains.

By road, Brentwood is located just a few miles from the M25, and close to the A12 connecting London to Chelmsford and Colchester. Stansted airport is conveniently only a 30-minute drive away.

Brentwood is a safe, family friendly area, with great amenities; perfect for those seeking to escape rising London prices and gain space. There is a great range of property in the town to meet all tastes and budgets including attractive and convenient new build developments, striking 1920s styled homes close to the station and some beautiful period properties in the centre of town.

Essex is the perfect place for some retail therapy. Crown Street and the characterful old streets leading off Brentwood High Street are a must-do and The Baytree Shopping Centre forms a natural link to the convenient car park. Shenfield and Ingatestone high streets are also popular.

However, if you are planning some serious shopping, you will want to head to Chelmsford or south to the famous Lakeside, both of which are only around 20 minutes by car. Slightly further away, Braintree Village shopping outlet is home to over 80 premium brands including Armani and Ralph Lauren.

While TOWIE may have had us believe that life in Brentwood is one big party, the town lends itself to a more wholesome lifestyle. There is an abundance of green space for nature lovers, including Shenfield Common, Warley Country Park and King George’s Playing Fields. There is also plenty to engage children; Old MacDonald’s Farm on the edge of town is the ideal attraction.

Julia Donaldson fans are also in for a treat with Thorndon Park, home to the famous Gruffalo Trail, and Weald Park, home of the Stick Man Play Trail, both local.

For more formal fitness, The Brentwood Centre boasts its own gym, pool and squash court, while keen golfers

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LOCATION

FA C T F I L E

Average property price in Brentwood (June 2021) – £447,457 Property breakdown* Detached – £818,293 Semi-detached – £496,881 Terraced – £371,484 Flat – £268,622

HOMES ON THE MARKET...

FROM £260,000*

*According to the Land Registry House Price Index

FA M O U S R E S I D E N T S • Boxer Frank Bruno • Singer Pixie Lott • Actor Ross Kemp • Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread • The cast of TOWIE!

BRENTWOOD Warley HQ

are served by three golf clubs in the area.

Brentwood Park Ski and Snowboard Centre offers dry skiing and snowboarding to suit all abilities and overlooks more than 54 acres of beautiful woodland. The surrounding areas provide great cycling opportunities including exploring the charming villages of Ingatestone and Mountnessing.

History enthusiasts should take time to visit the picturesque Brentwood Museum, housed in a 19th century building, which offers a fascinating insight into Brentwood life in the early 20th century. The impressive Ingatestone Hall is also worthy of a visit; built in the 16th century, it is still home to the Petre family, who hosted Elizabeth I on several occasions. In contrast, the Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch is an eerily fascinating, subterranean reminder of the Cold War era. Elsewhere, The Brentwood Centre’s concert hall, Brentwood Theatre and Brentwood Arts Cinema Club add a healthy dose of culture to the town.

It would be doing the town a disservice not to talk about the nightlife. Brentwood has some fantastic restaurants to begin the evening. Local favourites include Tarantino, an authentic Italian restaurant with live music, and Masons, a brasserie with a focus on fresh fine food – the impressive set menu includes Shetland Isle Mussels and North Essex Pigeon Breast. Brentwood High Street also has a great offering of pubs and bars, from the reliable Slug & Lettuce to the rather more glamorous over-21s Terris Bar. And for those who don’t want the night to end, or just like a bit of TOWIE star spotting, Rumours and Sugar Hut will see you through to the early hours in style.

With its iconic facade, idyllic woodland surroundings and close proximity to London, Warley HQ will have much to offer the discerning homeowner. But it’s not just its location that promises to set this unique development apart and make it such a desirable place to live. This landmark residential scheme will offer a host of premium, life-enriching features and amenities that will make it not just a place to call home, but a complete way of living.

Warley HQ will see the former headquarters of the Ford Motor Company, itself located on the site of the old Warley regimental depot and barracks, converted into 330 luxury, one, two and three bedroom apartments.

The conversion will span across seven floors and include luxury penthouses, each finished to a high specification.

All apartments come with a parking space.

The lifestyle benefits will begin from the moment you walk through the doors and into the stunning lobby. There you will be greeted by a house manager who will be able to assist with everything from organising residents' events, to reserving a meeting room for business or the dining room for pleasure. The Trattoria cafe will serve fresh coffee and food and there is even an app to pre-order meals.

Working from home just got easier, with a range of flexible workspaces, from hot desks to meeting rooms and high-speed internet, combining to deliver a creative and inspiring environment.

A host of wellness features will offer the perfect work-life balance, including a yoga room and gym. Communal gardens boast barbecue and picnic areas and are surrounded by beautiful woodland. Underground parking, bike store and electric chargers make flexible commuting possible and Brentwood station is just 20 minutes’ walk away.

Why Brentwood? An abundance of shops, salons, restaurants and more line the lanes of Brentwood town centre, with shopping concentrated on the high street and older, bijou side streets in the conservation area, such as Crown Street. Perfectly connected to the City and beyond, Brentwood offers a convenient alternative to London living with Liverpool Street station just a 40-minute journey away.

Warley HQ is from award-winning family run developer Land Charter, which is renowned for its high-quality finishes and careful consideration of the local environment, its history and its architectural influences. hamptons.co.uk/for-sale/search/cm13/page-1/p-newhomes *Help to Buy available

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

SHARED OWNERSHIP WEEK 2021

This year’s Shared Ownership Week event, which takes place 23-29 September, is more relevant than ever. Homebuyers' needs have evolved as a result of the pandemic and we all have a new appreciation of what really makes "home" A one-stop-shop for potential home buyers, Shared Ownership Week 2021 will showcase the huge range of properties available with the scheme and provide expert advice on how to make it work for your individual needs. Addressing the needs of renters and those wanting to fly the nest from the family home, shared ownership requires a lower deposit, making it a more affordable path to taking a first step on to the property ladder.

The week will also shine a spotlight on how to style and furnish your first home on a budget. Sharing advice from interiors influencer Kelsey Heinrichs, the event will provide inspiration for first time buyers with limited funds. With her budget-friendly, no-nonsense approach, Kelsey will be revealing exclusive interior style hacks to create luxe decor without breaking the bank.

Kelsey comments, “I’m currently saving like mad for my own homebuying journey, so can really relate to the plight of first time buyers. After saving for a home, plus all the costs that go with it, it’s unlikely that anyone has an excessive budget for furnishing their first place. But there’s no need to fret about this, as even the best interior designers cheat their way to ultimate house goals. I’m looking forward to sharing my own guide to achieving home style bliss at a fraction of the price.”

For many of the UK’s would-be homebuyers, getting a foot on the property ladder feels out of reach. Hopeful bids to squirrel away money in an attempt to grow a savings pot large enough to form a deposit are often inconsequential. Even the savviest savers seem destined for a lifetime of renting and dealing with the pitfalls of sharing a home they don’t own.

However, a week of the year is dedicated to making the dream of owning a home into a reality. This year’s Shared Ownership Week event, which takes place from 23 September to 29 September, is more

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relevant than ever. Homebuyers’ needs have evolved as a result of the pandemic and we all have a new appreciation of "home".

Equipping first time buyers and encouraging second steppers, the event spreads the word about the fantastic opportunities available and raises awareness about who could be eligible to secure a property using the scheme.

The awareness week is backed by many of the major housing associations, including L&Q, Network Homes, Newlon, Notting Hill Genesis, Peabody, Guinness Homes and Latimer by Clarion Housing.

Each organisation will be showcasing its new build shared ownership developments, sharing its expertise with potential buyers and providing information on how the scheme works and where it is available.

SHARED OWNERSHIP – A LOW DEPOSIT WAY ON TO THE HOUSING LADDER WHAT IS IT? Shared ownership is a Governmentbacked scheme to make the entry into

homeownership more affordable for those with lower incomes or smaller deposits. In a nutshell, it allows eligible people in England to buy a share of the leasehold of a home and pay rent on the remaining portion of the property. Over time, if they wish, they can buy more shares.

Shared ownership is usually cheaper than renting, and buyers benefit from a share of any increase in the market value of the leasehold.

WHY WOULD YOU USE IT? Shared ownership allows buyers to get a foot on to the housing ladder at the lowest possible cost.

The biggest problem for many first time buyers is the difficulty of saving up for a deposit, especially if they are paying rent every month. According to figures from Savills Research, those looking to buy a typical two bedroom apartment for £230,000 would need a deposit of £34,500 if they were buying outright with an 85% mortgage; a deposit of £11,500 if they were making use of a 20% equity loan via Help to Buy, but just £8,625 if they were buying

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

a share of 50% of the property with a 92.5% LTV mortgage. Shared ownership also has far lower income requirement – using the same example, outright buyers would need an income of £48,875; those using Help to Buy would need £43,125 family income, but with shared ownership only £27,900 annual income is required.

For those who are trying to save a deposit but finding that prices are increasing at a faster rate than their savings, shared ownership can be a sensible choice and is well worth investigating.

WHO CAN USE IT? Shared ownership is designed for those who can’t get on the housing ladder unaided, and for those who need to upsize for family reasons but don’t have the financial ability to do so. To be eligible:  You must be at least 18 years old  Outside of London your annual household income must be less than £80,000, or for London properties, less than £90,000  You must not be in rent arrears, have bad debts or County Court Judgements and should have a good credit history  You must be able to afford the regular payments and costs involved in buying a home and have saved a deposit of 5-10% of the share you are buying  You must live in the home yourself, not let it out (although you are allowed to take in a lodger).

WHAT HOMES ARE AVAILABLE? Shared ownership is available on purposebuilt new homes, predominantly apartments but with some houses also available, including larger, four bedroom properties.

Secondhand shared ownership homes known as “resales” are also available.

All shared ownership properties are sold as leasehold, although houses (but not flats) can usually be converted to freehold if you eventually own them outright.

WHAT PERCENTAGE CAN I BUY? You will have a financial assessment, which will advise you of the amount that you can purchase – there’s currently a minimum of 25% and maximum of 75% in most cases, but forthcoming changes will mean it may be possible to start with just 10%. If you are buying a resale home, you can only buy the same amount as the existing owner or a larger proportion.

HOW DO I START THE PROCESS? The first thing you will need to do is create an account on sharetobuy.com so you can search for suitable homes in your chosen area and view how much you would need for a deposit.

When you find a home you like, you can register an interest online with the housing provider and arrange a viewing. If you like it, and you meet the eligibility criteria, you put down a reservation fee of around £200 to secure the home while you have a financial assessment, which will confirm the portion you are able to purchase.

After this assessment you will then be able to arrange a mortgage, either through an approved mortgage broker or your own financial adviser if you prefer. You will also need to instruct a solicitor to handle the conveyancing.

WHAT OTHER COSTS ARE INVOLVED? You will need to budget for solicitor’s fees, moving costs and any broker or mortgage arrangement fees.

You may also be liable to pay Stamp Duty, depending on the property and your individual situation – in general, first time buyers purchasing a share worth less than £300,000 of a home worth up to £500,000 will not have to pay the tax, but your solicitor will need to advise you on this as it is quite complicated.

Once you move in, as well as your mortgage repayments, you will pay rent on the unowned share (this will increase annually, usually by the Retail Price Index plus 0.5%), plus a service charge that pays for the upkeep of communal areas of the building, including buildings insurance, cleaning, repairs, garden maintenance and window cleaning.

The service charge still applies even if you own 100% of the home. You will have to pay household bills, such as water, gas and electricity, as well as council tax and contents insurance, and in some cases ground rent. You are responsible for repairing and replacing things inside your home, from the boiler to the kitchen appliances, although see the "changes to shared ownership" section, right.

WHAT IS STAIRCASING? You may find that in a few years your income has increased and you would like to buy further shares, possibly achieving

full ownership of the leasehold. This process is called “staircasing”.

The greater the share you own, the less rent you will pay to the provider, and when you reach 100% you will no longer pay any rent (although if you borrow an additional amount in order to staircase then you will, of course, need to pay a bit more to your mortgage provider).

If you wish to buy further shares, the property will normally need to be revalued by a surveyor, as the cost will be based on the current market value, not the price you originally paid. This can be expensive, so it’s worth staircasing in larger increments (although see below regarding changes to the scheme which may allow modest staircasing of 1% a year without needing a new valuation).

HOW DO I SELL MY HOME? You must first allow your housing provider to offer the home for sale to other shared ownership buyers – usually for a fixed period of time as specified in your lease.

New buyers must buy the same (or a larger) proportion of the home.

The provider will charge a fee if a sale is made, but if it hasn’t secured a buyer for you within a few weeks you can put it on the open market with an estate agent. You can either sell it as a shared ownership home, or you can use a process called “simultaneous staircasing” where your solicitor uses the buyer’s money to staircase your ownership to 100% at the point of sale.

CHANGES TO SHARED OWNERSHIP The Government has announced some changes applying to shared ownership developments granted planning permission after April 2021, so you will see differences to the scheme going forward. The main points are:  The minimum initial share will be reduced from 25% to 10%  Staircasing in smaller increments of as little as 1% a year for 15 years will be allowed, with lower costs than at present  The first £500 of any repairs or maintenance annually for the first 10 years will be the responsibility of the housing provider.

For more information on Shared Ownership Week, visit sharedownershipweek.co.uk or follow #SOWeek2021 for the latest news.

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HOMES YOU CAN BUY THROUGH SHARED OWNERSHIP All information & prices correct at time of printing

BROMLEY-BY-BOW

FROM £90,000*

Leaside Lock

NEWHAVEN

FROM £118,000*

Leaside Lock is a vibrant riverside neighbourhood in the heart of sought-after east London. This contemporary collection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments is just a short stroll from the River Lea, surrounded by independent shops and bars and near to a number of well-known attractions like the Olympic Park. Leaside Lock boasts an on-site cafe, games room, working space, concierge and social roof terrace. Bromleyby-Bow tube station is within walking distance, so the whole of central London is within easy reach including commercial hubs like Stratford and Canary Wharf. Apartments have underfloor heating and a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, and some properties have a private terrace or balcony. For anyone who reserves during September and goes on to complete, Guinness Homes is giving buyers an electric bike.

August Fields

leasidelock.com

guinnesshomes.co.uk/find-a-home/august-fields-newhaven

August Fields in Newhaven, East Sussex, lies between the South Downs and the sea, 10 miles from Brighton. Newhaven offers a great mix of country and coast, with city life close by. There is a range of two, three and four bedroom homes available, all with private gardens and parking.

The attractive properties range in style from terraced to detached houses.

The three bedroom semi-detached homes are arranged over three floors, with an open-plan living area downstairs, with doors opening to the rear garden. Two bedrooms and a family bathroom sit on the first floor, with a third bedroom with en suite on the top floor. For everyday shopping and outings, Newhaven is just a three-minute drive, or 20-minute walk, away.

*(Based on a 40% share with a full market value of £295,000

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £360,000

FROM £106,250*

BRIXTON

Electric Quarter

Electric Quarter is a collection of brand new one, two and three bedroom apartments in Brixton, an area of south London with a strong culture, a friendly atmosphere and endless opportunities for fun and socialising. Set in Zone 2, there are great transport links nearby with both tube and train services giving easy access to the whole of London. Whether you like a quiet corner in the pub, a podium on the dance floor or a meal out with friends, there is something for everyone in the local area. Apartments are light-filled, spacious and stylish, with balconies and high-quality fixtures, fittings and appliances as standard.

For anyone who reserves during September and goes on to complete, Guinness Homes is giving buyers an electric bike. guinnesshomes.co.uk/brixton

TOLWORTH

FROM £TBC

Signal Park

Signal Park is an up-and-coming development featuring a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments in Tolworth, located within The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Apartments are built to a high specification and are adjacent to Tolworth station, giving access to London Waterloo in around 35 minutes while also being part of the proposed Crossrail 2 route. Kingston upon Thames is ideally located approximately three miles away and is a major metropolitan centre for south west London, offering extensive retail and leisure amenities. Off-plan reservations are due to start in early 2022. signalpark.co.uk

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £425,000

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FROM £137,500*

BERMONDSEY

CASE STUDY

Lazenby Square

Lazenby Square is a collection of one, two and three bedroom homes, enjoying a centralised Zone 2 location that includes a dedicated 24-hour concierge service and exclusive gym access.

The location benefits from excellent transport connections, with the Northern, Jubilee and Bakerloo Lines from Borough, London Bridge, and Elephant & Castle stations, which are less than 20 minutes away on foot, taking you to a variety of destinations. Set around a communal garden, apartments are light and spacious with integrated appliances included in the kitchen and underfloor heating throughout. Trendy Bermondsey, packed with tempting eateries, bars, independent shops and boutiques, offers an abundance of leisure options. peabodysales.co.uk/developments/lazenby-square/#Shared *Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £550,000

WALTHAM FOREST Motion

FROM £110,000*

Motion is a stunning collection of two and three bedroom apartments set around a beautifully landscaped residents' courtyard that looks out across the green expanse of the Lea Valley and towards one of the world’s most exciting cities. Motion is positioned to take advantage of the Mini Holland cycle paths and pedestrianised routes, along with the newly rebuilt Lea Bridge Overground station with Stratford, Westfield and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park just one stop away, and the City within easy commuting reach. Apartments include a kitchen with fully integrated appliances, a private balcony or terrace, a dedicated concierge service and cycle storage. peabodysales.co.uk/developments/motion *Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £440,000

ROYAL DOCKS Pontoon Reach

FROM £105,750*

A vibrant new location just 12 minutes from Canary Wharf and Stratford, Pontoon Reach brings the best of London to a dynamic setting close to the River Thames, with a collection of contemporary one and two bedroom apartments.

Properties include a kitchen with integrated appliances and a private balcony or terrace. Access around the capital is quick and easy with Pontoon Dock DLR station just a five-minute walk away while Bank station for the City takes just 19 minutes. Beyond Pontoon Reach, the Royal Docks provides a dynamic east London lifestyle with its eclectic mix of river view restaurants and bars, attractive gardens, cycle paths and water sports. peabodysales.co.uk/developments/pontoon-reach

For one young couple, Claudia Valcarcel and David Norman, choosing to purchase their first home with shared ownership meant breaking free from the costly cycle of renting and buying a stylish re-sale apartment at Pembury Place by Peabody. Located in the vibrant east London district of Hackney, Claudia and David were not only able to stay in the area they loved but also live in a home that surpassed their expectations.

Peabody’s resale properties are homes that a current owner purchased through the shared ownership scheme and now wish to sell on. The principle is the same as buying a new build property through shared ownership, but the buyer must purchase at least the share that the seller owns.

Claudia explains, “Having been renting an older converted period flat in Hackney for the past three years, we decided to look for a new home to buy.

We looked into our options and what we would be able to afford. We knew that we wanted to stay in Hackney if we could, so we did some research online and found the Peabody website. We viewed the details for a two bedroom shared ownership resale apartment at Pembury Place in Hackney."

Having purchased the ground floor apartment with a private garden, Claudia and David explain how they are enjoying their home: “By making this move it was our chance to live independently together and get ourselves on the housing ladder. Location was very important to us, and we weren’t sure if we would be able to afford to buy a home in Hackney, but shared ownership gave us that opportunity.

“Our rented property had no outdoor space, and as we were sharing, it could feel a little small. In our new home we have large rooms, and the high ceilings make it feel really spacious. Being on the ground floor makes outdoor access easy, and we have our own garden which has been amazing in recent months. We have secure cycle storage, a parking space and lovely communal areas that have been really well-designed.

We are right opposite Hackney Downs station so its super easy to travel around and get to work.

“We would highly recommend shared ownership to anyone who is looking for an affordable way to buy a home and can’t afford what they want. With shared ownership you can actually aim higher, and as you progress in life and your career you can do so knowing you will eventually be able to own 100% of a home, which is really appealing and exciting to us.”

*Based on a 30% share with a full market value of £352,500

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WILLESDEN JUNCTION Oaklands Rise

FROM £108,250*

THE ROYAL DOCKS

FROM £80,000*

Royal Albert Wharf

Oaklands Rise is a striking development of two bedroom apartments featuring unique architecture and a breadth of outside space, generous balconies or roof terraces, a fully integrated kitchen and cycle storage.

There is also a dedicated concierge service, a cafe and community "hangout" space, together with zones for work and relaxation. Within easy reach is a wealth of popular destinations in which to shop, dine and relax. Willesden Junction station is just a 12-minute walk away, while the upcoming Old Oak Common station will be the only location where the new Elizabeth Line and HS2 will meet, making it one of the most connected places in the UK.

In a prime position, where the River Thames meets the Royal Docks, Royal Albert Wharf brings exciting new architecture into an historic setting, creating a vibrant new destination for work, rest and play. A range of one, two and three bedroom homes is available, with light and airy rooms and private outside space. Canary Wharf and Westfield Stratford City are just 20 and 23 minutes away respectively by DLR from Gallions Reach, so shopping, leisure and business are easily accessible. Closer to home, exciting on-site amenities include a celebrity chef-run Indian restaurant and vegan cafe.

nhgsales.com/oaklandsrise

nhgsales.com/rawso

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £433,000

WALTHAMSTOW Coachmakers Yard

FROM £88,750*

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £320,000

CANARY WHARF

FROM £121,250*

Dockside at Millharbour

Coachmakers Yard is an exciting collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments. Alongside the state-of-the-art homes, Coachmakers Yard features impressive open spaces, landscaped walkways and welcoming communal gardens. It's located in Walthamstow which has some of the capital’s quirkiest independent eateries and boutiques, along with the serenity of its natural wetlands with acres of uninterrupted open space. Just a three-minute walk away is Blackhorse Road station from where King’s Cross is just 13 minutes away, while onwards to central London via Oxford Circus takes only 18 minutes. Properties include a fully integrated kitchen, a modern bathroom and underfloor heating throughout.

Dockside at Millharbour is a collection of one and two bedroom apartments, located in the heart of vibrant Canary Wharf, beautifully considered and created with a high specification throughout. Whether working from home, hosting friends or relaxing on your private balcony, Dockside caters to every situation, all with the famous Canary Wharf skyline as its backdrop. Residents benefit from an abundance of local conveniences on their doorstep, as well as big brand and independent restaurants, bars and lifestyle outlets all within walking distance. South Quay DLR is three minutes away, getting to Bank in just 15 minutes, while Canary Wharf tube station is a 10-minute walk, from where the West End can be reached in less than 15 minutes.

nhgsales.com/coachmakersyard

nhgsales.com/docksideatmillharbour

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £360,000

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*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £485,000

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

FROM £150,000*

BATTERSEA

Windsor Apartments

FROM £76,250*

STAINES

Ascot House

Homes at Windsor Apartments are in a unique position just 180m from one of London’s finest riverside parks. Battersea Park provides an oasis of calm in prime central London’s fastest developing and most dynamic quarter.

One and two bedroom apartments are available and include a kitchen with integrated appliances, underfloor heating and outside space. Excellent travel connections from nearby Battersea Park station get to Victoria in just 10 minutes. The brand new Battersea Power Station underground station gives further access into London. A wide variety of excellent bars and restaurants are also within walking distance.

Ascot House is a brand new collection of studio, one and two bedroom apartments, ideally positioned just moments from high street shops, restaurants and Staines railway station. Each property is finished to an exceptional standard with open-plan living, luxurious tiled bathrooms and underfloor heating throughout. Each home includes a balcony or terrace and has access to a residents' landscaped garden and roof top terrace with spectacular reservoir views. Set just a short walk from the town centre and river, a home at Ascot House means everything you need is right on your doorstep. Just a four-minute walk away, Staines station offers direct services to London Waterloo in just 35 minutes.

windsorapartments-sw11.co.uk

ascothousestaines.co.uk

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £600,000

FROM £105,875*

DAGENHAM Merrielands

Merrielands is a contemporary collection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments in the heart of Dagenham, a diverse and vibrant town with a strong sense of community. With a prime location on the fringes of the city, Merrielands is within easy reach of everything this welcoming community has to offer, while also being excellently connected to the rest of London with Dagenham Heathway underground station less than a mile away. Each apartment has been designed for comfort and style, offering spacious living areas with balconies or terraces to all apartments and access to a private residents' podium garden and landscaped roof terrace.

BRIGHTON

FROM £85,625*

Courtyard Apartments at Circus Street Situated on the edge of Brighton’s vibrant central district, Circus Street is just a short walk from the Royal Pavilion, The Lanes and Brighton’s famous beach. One bedroom apartments at Courtyard Apartments at Circus Street are an ideal opportunity to acquire a stylish home in this vibrant part of the city. Included is a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, while in the bathroom, finishings have been chosen to create a light and relaxed atmosphere. Selected plots offer a private gated parking space and a private balcony. With London less than an hour away by train, Courtyard Apartments at Circus Street let you enjoy the pleasure of living by the coast while staying in touch with the capital. latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/east-sussex/brighton/courtyardapartments-at-circus-street

merrielands.co.uk *Based on a 35% share with a full market value of £302,500

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*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £305,000

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £342,500

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

FROM £124,375*

WHITECHAPEL

CASE STUDY

L&Q at The Silk District The Silk District is a new development of one and two bedroom apartments located moments from Whitechapel station and within walking distance of the City. The new Crossrail line will mean The Silk District is only three minutes to Canary Wharf, two minutes to Liverpool Street and 10 minutes to Bond Street. In the immediate area is an extensive choice of restaurants, bars and cafes. Notably, Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and Bethnal Green are all less than a 10-minute walk from the development. Centred around communal open spaces, homes are designed to maximise light with floor-to-ceiling windows, and include kitchens with fully integrated appliances and private outdoor space. lqhomes.com/thesilkdistrict *Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £497,500

CHELMSFORD

The Arbour, Beaulieu

FROM £TBC

The Arbour will become a new neighbourhood within the Beaulieu development in Chelmsford. The new Beaulieu community provides local amenities, schools, new roads and infrastructure, open public spaces, along with its own bus service and a new railway station on the way. Access to central London from nearby Chelmsford station takes just 30 minutes. A mixture of one bedroom apartments and three bedroom maisonettes is available. Chelmsford offers everything, from retail therapy to dining with friends and family, with it's wide range of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy. The Arbour is surrounded by plenty of green spaces for that all-important fresh air. lqhomes.com/beaulieuarbour

READING

L&Q at Huntley Wharf

FROM £71,250*

L&Q at Huntley Wharf is a collection of riverside one and two bedroom and duplex apartments in the prospering town of Reading.

Huntley Wharf will provide a new destination for the heart of Reading, featuring a central riverside square with proposed local amenities such as a cafe, restaurant, a local store, gym, nursery and landscaped open spaces along the river. Apartments include a kitchen with integrated appliances and a modern bathroom. Reading station is within walking distance, with services to London Paddington in just 25 minutes. In addition to its network of canals and green spaces, Reading is a buzzing town with a wealth of options for retail therapy, shopping and dining out. lqhomes.com/huntleywharf

A keen foodie, Jonathan Kaye had been living in the cultural hotspot of Haggerston in east London for 10 years, renting privately at an eye-watering £2,000 per month. Keen to get on to the property ladder and lower his monthly house spend, Jonathan came across shared ownership and immediately knew it was right for him.

Not only could he buy his first home and nearly halve his outgoings, but he could use the extra savings to realise his other dream – to purchase his own gourmet pub.

Jonathan comments, “During the first lockdown my lease in Haggerston came to an end and I decided not to renew, as all the things I loved about living in London had ground to a halt. Instead, my girlfriend and I moved back in with my parents for a short while, and we began some research into buying a home. When I came across shared ownership, I couldn’t believe how affordable it was. I only needed £5,000 for a deposit, and the monthly outgoings were so much cheaper than renting privately. I had managed to save a fair bit more already, and I knew my monthly outgoings were going to reduce considerably, so when my friends and I came across a pub for sale in Vauxhall, I was in a position to be able to invest with them. Now our pub, The Jolly Gardeners, is going great guns!”

Jonathan purchased a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment at L&Q at Greenwich Square. He continues, “As soon as I found L&Q at Greenwich Square I fell in love. It’s like a little green paradise; you wouldn’t think you were in London at all!" Centred around an expansive courtyard, L&Q at Greenwich Square continues the green environment associated with the east London borough, with many homes, including Jonathan’s, enjoying views over the green space.

“I couldn’t be happier with my home. The finish of the flat is fantastic with lots of high-quality technology included as standard, like underfloor heating and an air-filtration system. The balcony is a particular favourite of mine – when the sun hits it in the afternoon it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

We also have lots of green space on the doorstep.

Greenwich Park is a five-minute walk away, and East Greenwich Pleasaunce is even closer.”

Jonathan has become a keen ambassador of the scheme. “Shared ownership has enabled me to live in a much nicer home, which is much cheaper than where I rented before. I have recommended it to lots of friends already, and one of my friends has already bought at L&Q at Greenwich Square.”

Looking to the future, Jonathan hopes to staircase until he owns the home outright. He concludes, “I started by purchasing a 25% share, and hope to be able to buy an extra 25% every couple of years, so in a few years I’ll own the property entirely.”

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £285,000

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FROM £75,000*

SOUTHALL Evolution

ACTON

Acton Works

FROM £80,625*

Evolution offers a fantastic range of one, two and three bedroom apartments which benefit from open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas, private balconies and spacious bedrooms, in the welcoming neighbourhood of Southall. Properties have access to a private courtyard garden and communal space. Evolution is located close to the Grand Union Canal, offering tow-path walks, parkland and green spaces.

Southall station, just a couple of minutes' walk away, has trains to London Paddington in 18 minutes. A vibrant range of local amenities and a host of bars, clubs and restaurants are found in the local area. All homes include a balcony or terrace, a fully integrated kitchen and a modern bathroom.

Acton Works, located in Park Royal, offers a selection of one and two bedroom apartments which are open plan, light and airy while also benefiting from contemporary features and a modern design throughout.

All apartments have a balcony and access to communal gardens. Kitchens include integrated appliances, while modern fitted bathrooms come as standard, with larger apartments enjoying an en suite. With so much on your doorstep you won’t have to travel far for your everyday needs. Within walking distance are Harlesden, North Acton and Park Royal underground stations, offering access to the Central and Piccadilly Lines as well as the London Overground.

networkhomessales.co.uk/evolution

networkhomessales.co.uk/find-your-new-home/nw10-acton-works

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £300,000

FROM £132,750*

HOUNSLOW

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £322,500

FROM £83,125*

PERIVALE

Union Square

A+

A+ offers a selection of one and two bedroom apartments set within the thriving and multicultural town of Hounslow; an area currently undergoing an exciting regeneration. Apartments are light, bright, and modern, with spacious open-plan living areas and include a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, a modern bathroom and a private balcony. A+ is close to Hounslow East underground station, giving access to the West End in as little as 35 minutes, or King’s Cross in under an hour. Hounslow station gives further access to Waterloo and Clapham Junction.

Union Square, situated in the heart of Perivale, offers a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments that include a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, a private balcony or terrace and an en suite bathroom to selected apartments. Residents at Union Square will benefit from exceptional travel connections, with Perivale and Alperton stations both just 15 minutes away, reaching the capital’s biggest hotspots in just a matter of minutes. For leisure pursuits, Wembley is just eight minutes away by car, and home to the world-famous Wembley Stadium, London Designer Outlet, and popular leisure concept Boxpark.

networkhomessales.co.uk/aplus

networkhomessales.co.uk/find-your-new-home/union-square-perivale

*Based on a 45% share with a full market value of £295,000

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £332,500

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TOWER HAMLETS

FROM £130,000*

CASE STUDY

Explorers Wharf Explorers Wharf offers a collection of three bedroom apartments at a brand new development, Explorers Wharf, centrally located in the attractive waterside quarter of east London. Explorers Wharf is on a quiet street just a five-minute walk from the marina at Limehouse Basin.

The contemporary, spacious apartments are designed around pretty landscaped gardens and walkways, with direct access to Limehouse Cut, London’s oldest canal. Residents have access to their own concierge, gym, bike store and river views from the roof garden.

Limehouse station is a short distance away, offering National Rail services and access to the DLR. A number of bus routes also offer easy travel around the local area and all over London. explorerswharf.london

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £545,000 *Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £520,000

FROM £87,000*

ENFIELD Nexus 2

Nexus 2 is a brand new development offering one and two bedroom apartments that have been carefully designed to provide the best possible use of space, light and storage, with fitted kitchens, modern bathrooms and balconies. The homes form part of a larger development with outstanding views across the Lea Valley and beyond. With Ponders End station so close by, the journey time into Liverpool Street is just 17 minutes. Enfield town centre is a short distance away and Westfield Stratford is only 30 minutes away, with more than 300 shops, 50 places to dine and an 11-screen cinema to explore. nexus-enfield.co.uk *Based on a 30% share with a full market value of £290,000

HARINGEY Hale Works

FROM £92,500*

Hale Works is an exciting collection of one and two bedroom apartments in the heart of Hale Village. Sitting moments away from the tranquil waterways of the River Lee in one of North London’s most innovative new neighbourhoods, Hale Works offers the best of both worlds.

Through the charcoal steel entrance there is a 24-hour concierge in a stylish and spacious lobby while a breath-taking sky garden with views down to the Walthamstow Wetlands sits on top of the building. Homes have a light and airy open-plan living area that mixes 21st century style with the best of home comforts. A two-minute walk brings you to Tottenham Hale station with access to Oxford Street in just 16 minutes. haleliving.london/building/hale-works

One of Newlon’s newest developments is Thomas Road, based in Tower Hamlets. One of the residents, Sarah, shares her story of how she bought her first home there.

Sarah works as a radiographer for the NHS. She previously lived in an intermediate rent property in north London before deciding to buy at Thomas Road. “I wanted to have somewhere that felt like it was mine, which I could decorate and make my own,” explained Sarah. “I’ve lived in lovely places, but I could never change things to suit me. Owning my own home also means a landlord can’t decide to sell the property I am living in and make me move. When I was renting that was a constant worry each year.”

Sarah was attracted to shared ownership as it enabled her to buy a property with a smaller deposit in an area she might not otherwise have been able to afford, so she set about trying to find one. “I signed up to shared ownership emails and waited for a suitable home to come on the market in the location I wanted to live. Thomas Road is a new build which made it enticing as I would be the first to live in it.

“I love my home. It has lots of natural light from the windows and it is well designed, with a large balcony off the living room and bedroom. It is the perfect size for me too.”

As well as being pleased with the amenities it offers, including a gym and roof garden, she is also happy with the transport links and location. “My new home is well connected to tubes, the DLR and bus routes. There are several parks nearby and it has good access to shopping areas such as Canary Wharf and Stratford.”

As well as enjoying her new home, Sarah also found the buying process easy. “I have to admit I had very little knowledge of the process, but it was so quick and easy and I completed in less than 12 weeks.

“I would definitely recommend shared ownership. I never would have been able to afford to buy my own home without it. I have only been in my property for a few months, but it already feels like home.”

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £370,000

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GREAT STYLE ON A BUDGET

How do you furnish your living space with just £500 to spend? Sounds impossible! Well, influencer Kelsey Heinrichs took on the challenge to mark Shared Ownership Week 2021 and shows just how this can be achieved with her savvy tips and tricks to style your dream room without breaking the bank Kelsey Heinrichs has always been passionate about interiors. Her parents owned an antique shop and as a child she was interested in colours and how to use them and had a natural knack of knowing how to put things together to create the perfect space.

Kelsey has been a graphic designer and photographer for more than 15 years, and has now branched out to become a blogger and influencer, sharing her stories and ideas on Instagram.

She said, “I was challenged to transform an empty space into a cosy and chic environment while keeping to a budget.

More often than not, when you move into your new place, there isn’t much money left in the pot which you can dedicate to decorating. Often, first time buyers will go for months on end using camping chairs, picnic tables, crusty cabinets and handme-downs until they can eventually afford to upgrade. However, the good news is that you can still have fabulous furnishings on move-in day – with a little interior innovation and guidance.”

KELSEY’S TOP TIPS: ANTIQUE ADDS CHARACTER AND A PROFIT! It goes without saying that if you buy secondhand you’re bound to save money, but what about actually making a profit on an antique piece of furniture?

If antique furniture is looked after properly, most antiques appreciate in value and often you can even make your money back on an item. I came across this midcentury G Plan coffee table on Facebook Marketplace for only £30! Searching on eBay and Etsy for G Plan coffee tables, I found the exact same model that was selling for over £300.

Tip: you can set up a notification alert on Facebook Marketplace for key words such as “mid-century” so that way you’ll be notified as soon as a new listing goes live, as when it comes to bargains, time really is of the essence.

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SAVE ON BRAND NAMES Unlike antique furniture, modern furniture from IKEA, for example, almost instantly devalues as soon as you’ve checked out.

You can find items for IKEA for less than half the retail price on Facebook Marketplace. When searching for a dining table & chairs, I found this IKEA Gamlared/Stefan dining set which retails for £129. It was only four months old, so it was practically brand new and in perfect condition and I managed to get it for £40.

The same principle goes with saving on designer furniture; try searching on Facebook Marketplace and eBay for brand names such as MADE, Dwell, Loaf, Swoon and Heal’s – I did just that and managed to find this stylish Swoon TV unit for £50 which originally retailed for £329 and it was in amazing condition.

I also picked up a massive 2.5m x 3.5m woven rug for £50 (originally £300 from IKEA). Don’t be afraid to haggle on Facebook Marketplace especially if the item you’re interested in has been listed for over two weeks, as usually by that point the seller is willing to accept a reasonable offer below their asking price as they just want the advertised item gone.

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Photos: Kelsey Heinrichs

SHARED OWNERSHIP

£500 COST BREAKDOWN Dunelm white tealight holder — £3 Dunelm black candelabra — £4.80 Dunelm placemats — 2 for £6 H&M 2 x twill seat cushions — 2 for £7.98 Primark woven storage basket — £8 Primark jute glass jug — £8 H&M cotton canvas cushion cover — 3 for £8.97 Dunelm black vase — £10 Dunelm table runner — £12 DIY canvas art — £15 for 2 canvases & paints H&M fringed blanket — £17.99 Habitat Morlie floor lamp — £20 White ladder bookcase — £29.95 G Plan teak coffee table — £30 via Facebook Marketplace (sells for £200-£300) IKEA Hellested 2.5 x 3.5m rug — £50 via Facebook Marketplace (originally £300) Swoon Mabley TV unit — £50 via Facebook Marketplace (originally £329) IKEA Gamlared/Stefan dining set — £40 via Facebook Marketplace (originally £129) Modern three-seater sofa bed — £175.99 TOTAL COST = £497.68

NEW DOES NOT EQUAL EXPENSIVE IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO SHOP Not everyone has the time to scour secondhand listings and drive miles to pick up furniture, however it’s definitely possible to buy brand new furniture and get it delivered to your doorstep while sticking to a budget. There are a few pieces I bought new for this living area makeover, including this £20 stylish matte black lamp from Habitat, a £29.99 bookcase I ordered from eBay with free shipping and a modern scandi-style sofa I got for £175.99 from Amazon, which arrived two days after I ordered it. This sofa is very versatile as it folds down into a bed which means there’s no need to buy a blow-up mattress for when guests stay over.

Another way to score affordable new furniture is to shop the sales, duh! One of my favourite interior brands, La Redoute, regularly has huge 40-60% off sales, so make sure you subscribe to the newsletter so you don’t miss out on big savings. H&M notably has a free-to-join members club with a rewards system where you’ll get sent

£3 vouchers, which can definitely add up to a decent discount.

DIY ARTWORK FOR LESS Filling a blank wall in your home can often seem overwhelming, and my go-to recommendations are usually decorative pieces like mirrors or clocks or gallery walls but they are usually quite expensive to source. If you’ve got time on your side, I highly recommend getting creative and making your own DIY masterpiece on a budget. I was able to recreate two artworks that would have set me back £300 to buy but only cost me £15 in materials.

Two A2-sized stretched canvases set me back £12 from my local art store, or you can also buy canvases online from The Works or Hobbycraft. You can pick up cheap paintbrushes in Wilko and if you visit your local B&Q store they usually have a discounted table full of paint samples for 50p and £1 a pop. Before you start putting paint to canvas, go online and find some inspiration on Pinterest or from art print stores like Desenio, Junique or the Poster Store. Find a style you love and

is realistically achievable (abstract lines and shapes are a lot easier to paint) and you’ll soon have a unique masterpiece at a fraction of the price.

SHOP THE HIGH STREET FOR AFFORDABLE HOME DECOR It’s the small details that really bring a room together. In fact, it was these woven placemats from Dunelm that helped me decide on the black and beige colour theme. At Dunelm, I was able to source on-trend decor pieces for less than a fiver, including the white tealight holder for £3 and a black candelabra for £4.80 which I’ve used as a centrepiece for the dining setting. At Primark, I found a huge woven storage basket for £8 and a rattan glass jug for £8, which I’ve used as a flower vase.

From H&M you can always find affordable textiles like the beige £2.99 seat cushions, which give a contrasting look to the black dining chairs and the olive green, £2.99, cushion covers which add a pop of colour to the sofa. sharedownershipweek.co.uk

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REAL LIFE

Shared ownership: West Drayton by BE WEST During lockdown, Alison and Jordan decided to purchase a two bedroom home together along with their beloved pet Henry, at the exciting Waterside Heights development launched by BE WEST

L

iving with six people proved a little challenging during lockdown and Alison explains, “Over lockdown it was a case of starting remote working and living with six people, which can get a bit hectic with everyone working from home.

We had been thinking about it for a while and considering our options. Every so often we’d have a look at what was on the general market and what was on the shared ownership market. We were just keeping an eye out for good opportunities. We figured out that in order to stay in our area, shared ownership was the only option for us. We’d been saving for the past couple years. It was always coming but just happened at a time when we weren’t expecting it really.

“I lived with family and then Jordan moved in with us. Living with family was great for saving purposes but we were always going to move out. As much as I love living with my parents, it was time to move on. We looked between shared ownership and Help to Buy, but we decided that shared ownership was the better option for us. I started looking at what was available and then over the course of viewing many properties, I got to know more and more about it. Now I feel like an expert, knowing the ins and outs of how shared ownership works, which was helpful for family who don’t understand the scheme.”

Alison and Jordan viewed about four developments in their area and to buy on the open market would have meant moving further out, which wasn’t an option for them at this time. Alison continues, “We want to be close to friends and family. Waterside Heights by BE WEST is great because it’s close to the station, near to the shops

FA C T F I L E

Property: Two bedroom apartment Full market value: £392,500 Share: (35%) £137,375

and still in the same area we want to live in. The whole process was super simple.

After we got the video from BE WEST, it was literally just sending a form over and working with the financial adviser to find out affordability and what we could get.”

The couple were very excited when they were eventually able to see the property they wanted to buy. “Finally seeing the property after the videos and photos was very exciting as I had an idea in my mind of what it would look like – being able to step through the front door and thinking, this is going to be our place.

“The whole process has been quite smooth. BE WEST were always there to answer any questions and being a pet friendly development really sold it for us as a lot of the other developments would not allow any pets, so that was a great part of

“WE WANT TO BE CLOSE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY. WATERSIDE HEIGHTS BY BE WEST IS GREAT BECAUSE IT’S CLOSE TO THE STATION, NEAR TO THE SHOPS AND STILL IN THE SAME AREA WE WANT TO LIVE IN.” 88

it. We are now very excited about actually moving in to our first home.”

They have been showing the video to friends and family who have all been very enthusiastic. Alison has been planning the interior too and says, “I have been deciding where we can put the sofa and the bed and deciding what shelves we’re going to buy. I have been decorating it in my mind before we’ve even got the keys! I’ve also been getting small things like kitchen accessories and making sure they match, so it’s all very aesthetically pleasing. It’s been the fun part of planning and getting excited and bit by bit being ready to finally move in.”

When it comes to staircasing and buying more shares Alison explains, “It is something we would need to think about. It’s not something we are actively considering at this moment in time. We’ve got the right percentage that we need at the moment. But as our circumstances might change in years to come, it could be different in the future. I think we’ve got a five-year fixed mortgage, so I think we’ll see at the end of that how we’re feeling. First stage is to move in and figure everything out after that. We are very excited that Waterside Heights will soon be our home.” bewest.co.uk

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FOR SALE

FOR SALE THE CREAM OF THE CROP Each month, FTB scours the market for the best starter homes for first time buyers. So, if you’re looking for your first place to settle down and call home, we hope you will enjoy our selection

REAL LIFE

WHITECHAPEL, EAST LONDON

HOIC FIRST C

E

EASTERN

PRO★ ★M★ISE Shared ownership p88

Eastern promise p90-91

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FOR SALE

AFFORDABLE HOMES FROM £124,375*

WHITECHAPEL, EAST LONDON

HOIC FIRST C

E

EASTERNE IS PRO★M ★ ★

The Silk District Whitechapel is a London locale with a lot to offer its residents: a vibrant high road, excellent tube and bus links, and all within walking distance from Tower Bridge, the City and bustling Brick Lane. The one and two bedroom apartments sit around landscaped gardens and feature open-plan living areas, separate utility room, and fitted wardrobes. All homes include private outdoor space. Created as part of a huge £300m regeneration project in the area, the new homes will be joined by commercial buildings and public spaces. A perfect position for lovers of all things London – some of the capital’s most famous and historic sights are visible or walkable from the front door.

L&Q 020 8189 7504 lqhomes.com *Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £497,500

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FOR SALE ARBORFIELD GREEN, BERKSHIRE

FROM £250,000 KEMPSTON, BEDFORSHIRE

FROM £247,950

Victory Fields Surrounded by open fields, a play area and allotments, the new homes at Victory Fields enjoy a tranquil setting. The properties, which range from one, two and three bedroom apartments to four bedroom houses, form part of a larger development which will eventually deliver 2,000 new homes as well as schools,

READING, BERKSHIRE

shops and parks. When it comes to shopping and entertainment, Reading and Slough can be reached in around 10 minutes by car, while London Paddington is less than an hour by train from nearby Wokingham station.

Millgate Homes 0118 430 5863 millgatehomes.co.uk

FROM £280,000

The Place Located in the Bedford town of Kempston, a short drive from the railway station, the new homes at The Place are in a great spot for commuters. The properties have been created in the grounds of a former 17th century mansion, with a range of one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses available.

RAINHAM, EAST LONDON

The three bedroom houses are arranged over two storeys with separate kitchen and living rooms, downstairs WC, and en suite from the master bedroom. London St Pancras can be reached in under 60 minutes by train.

Storey Homes 07436 367 617 storey-homes.co.uk

FROM £64,375*

Bankside Gardens This unique collection of one and two bedroom homes is perfectly positioned for commuters seeking a tranquil escape from city life.

The contemporary apartments, created around a lake, are finished to a high standard, with open-plan living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows. On-site facilities include a co-working

space for home working, a gym and cinema room, along with landscaped gardens and waterside walks. Reading can be reached in six minutes and London Paddington in 23 minutes from the new station.

St Edward 0118 321 4713 berkeleygroup.co.uk

Beam Park When complete, this exciting development will be home to 3,000 homes, a new station, public square, 2.5-acre park, GP surgery and two schools. Created on a 71-acre site, which straddles the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering, Beam Park promises a new and bustling neighbourhood. One to two

bedroom apartments are available through shared ownership, with outdoor space, open-plan living areas and hallway storage.

Travel links are fantastic: trains to London Fenchurch Street will take 20 minutes.

L&Q 020 8189 7502 lqhomes.com

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £257,500

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WINNERS’ SUPPLEMENT

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

PHOTOS © MIKE PRIOR

WINNERS’ SUPPLEMENT

THE FIRST TIME BUYER READERS’ AWARDS 2021 The FTB Readers’ Awards 2021, held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London were a huge success. After such a long time, it was wonderful to share the day with housing colleagues and celebrate together. They are the highlight in our busy calendar and it’s wonderful to see so many inspirational homes being built for first time buyers. This year, competition was fierce as we had more entries than ever before and the standard was extremely high. Our hosts, TV presenter and broadcaster, Nicki Chapman and TV presenter, Jonnie Irwin, who are both television’s most versatile lifestyle presenters, welcomed the highly commended and winners from each category on to the stage to present them with their award. On the following pages, we showcase the

day, so you can see who won. Most importantly, we would like to thank all our readers who took time to cast their all-important votes.

This year, our chosen charity was The Tommy Crush Foundation, which raises money to help young children and young people between the ages of 11 and 18 who are vulnerable to suicide.

They work with existing UK charities to directly benefit young people and their parents who are anxious, feeling depressed, isolated and worried. We were delighted to have exceeded all expectations and raised the record amount of £13,000 for this very worthy cause. We had some fabulous prizes this year so a big thank you to everyone who donated.

Congratulations to you all and we look forward to seeing you at the FTB Readers’ Awards next year.

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FINANCE

BEST SMALL DEVELOPMENT

buyer

READERS’ AWARDS

This award was presented by Peter Hawley, Associate Director, Shared Ownership at Leaders Romans Group.

SPONSORED BY

SUSSEX WEALD HOMES WOODPECKER VIEW

GECKO HOMES DUNSTER DRIVE

BEST USE OF INTERACTIVE TOOLS This award was presented by John Dean, Director at Buchanan Dean Design.

SPONSORED BY

CATALYST SWAN HOUSING ASSOCIATION

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

WINNERS’ SUPPLEMENT BEST PARTNERSHIP This award was presented by Teleri Williams, Group Business Director at The Media People.

SPONSORED BY

OPTIVO AND WESTERHILL HOMES FORSTAL MEAD

ORIGIN HOUSING AND HILL HARROW ONE

BEST LAW FIRM FOR CONVEYANCING This award was presented by Stephen Harker, Managing Partner at Dawson Cornwell.

SPONSORED BY

DIRECTION LAW

PRINCE EVANS SOLICITORS LLP

buyer

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FINANCE

BEST FIRST TIME BUYER APARTMENT

buyer

READERS’ AWARDS

This award was presented by Bevin Woby, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Direction Law.

SPONSORED BY

BE WEST WATERSIDE HEIGHTS

PEABODY SOUTHMERE

BEST LARGE DEVELOPMENT This award was presented by Shaun Peart, Managing Director at LSL Land & New Homes.

SPONSORED BY

BDW – BARRATT AND DAVID WILSON HOMES LADDEN GARDEN VILLAGE

ANDERSON FAVERSHAM LAKES

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WINNERS’ SUPPLEMENT BEST SUPPLIER TO THE FIRST TIME BUYER MARKET This award was presented by Linda Storey, Partner Social Housing, at Penningtons Manches Cooper.

SPONSORED BY

METRO FINANCE

RED LOFT

BEST SHOW HOME This award was presented by Sarah Jarvis, Partner at Sharratts London.

SPONSORED BY

MOAT HOMES CULVERLEY GARDENS

INVESTA FOR OPTIVO LEVETT FIELDS

buyer

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BEST FIRST TIME BUYER FAMILY HOME

buyer

READERS’ AWARDS

This award was presented by Stuart Hensby, Associate Director Sales and Marketing at Abri.

SPONSORED BY

GENERATOR GROUP LAUREATE FIELDS

HAYFIELD THE HATTON AT HAYFIELD PLACE

BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH This award was presented by Jon Lord, Managing Director at Metro Finance.

SPONSORED BY

PLUMLIFE BELFIELD MILL, ROCHDALE

ONWARD LIVING ELIZABETHAN TERRACE

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WINNERS’ SUPPLEMENT BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH This award was presented by Ross Smith, Managing Director at SiteSales Property Group.

SPONSORED BY

L&Q L&Q AT KIDBROOKE VILLAGE

NOTTING HILL GENESIS ROYAL ALBERT WHARF

BEST OFF-PLAN DEVELOPMENT This award was presented by Alex Rose, Director of New Homes at Zoopla.

SPONSORED BY

STRAWBERRY STAR HARLOW QUARTER

CLARION HOUSING MERRIELANDS

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FINANCE

buyer

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR READERS’ AWARDS This award was presented by Craig Osborne, Director of Housing and Build to Rent, Investa.

SPONSORED BY

ABRI

METROPOLITAN THAMES VALLEY HOUSING

BROADWAY LIVING

PRIVATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR This award was presented by Will Emery, Account Manager at Faust PR.

SPONSORED BY

INLAND HOMES MILLWOOD DESIGNER HOMES

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WINNERS’ SUPPLEMENT JUDGES UNSUNG STAR AWARD This award was presented by Rupi Hunjan, Managing Director at Censeo Financial.

SPONSORED BY

JADE TURNSTILL

JULIE SHAIL

EDITOR’S AWARDS FOR SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY This award was presented by Lynda Clark, CEO and Editor of First Time Buyer Magazine.

ADAM CRAWFORD

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FINANCE

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READERS’ AWARDS

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COMPETITION

A Great Escape

WIN! WIN

A TW STAY O-NIG AT TH E FELL HT HOU OWS SE CA WOR MBRIDGE TH £5 55

HOW TO ENTER Answer the following question:

The Fellows House Cambridge is a stylish brand new 131-room hotel and is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a global collection of 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, each handpicked for its distinctive character and unique charm Located a short walk from the city centre, and a stone’s throw from the River Cam and Jesus Green, it is the perfect base to explore Cambridge’s famous colleges, the Bridge of Sighs, the University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Gardens. The hotel provides a range of carefully curated experiences designed to unlock the history of the city and showcase everything they have to offer from the authentic perspective of a local. The hotel features unique pieces of artwork and sculptures, all designed locally in Cambridge.

The room types are all named after people associated with the city and notable Cambridge fellows such as Kipling, Newton, Gormley and Attenborough.

The signature restaurant, The Folio Bar & Kitchen, serves plant-based dishes and British comfort classics with locally sourced ingredients. The Sage of Cambridge, a coffee shop by day, offers colourful, healthconscious options and transforms into a vibrant wine and aperitifs bar after 5pm. Guests can make use of the ample on-site car park, which includes multiple electric car charging ports, as well as an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room and bicycles for hire. thefellowshousecambridge. curiocollection.com

How many rooms are there in The Fellows House Cambridge?

Send your answer with your full name, address and telephone number to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag co.uk Closing date: 15 October 2021

THE PRIZE… ONE LUCKY READER WILL BE TREATED TO A TWO-NIGHT STAY AT THE FELLOWS HOUSE HOTEL FOR TWO GUESTS. THE WINNER WILL ALSO ENJOY BREAKFAST ON BOTH MORNINGS AND DINNER ON ONE NIGHT INCLUDING DRINKS UP TO THE VALUE OF £75.

T&Cs • Two-night stay at The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton in a Darwin Studio apartment • Prize valid for two people, including breakfast in The Folio Bar & Kitchen for both days of stay • Dinner for two people on one night in The Folio Bar & Kitchen to include drinks with meal (meal and dinner up to value of £75) • Prize is subject to availability and must be booked and consumed by 31 March 2022.

• Hotel to be contacted by email to reservations@thefellowshouse. com quote “First Time Buyer Magazine Oct/Nov 21” to book

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FIRST MEAL

FIRST HOME, FIRST MEAL Hot dogs are always a favourite and make the perfect lunchtime snack or are the ideal treat for a Saturday evening family film night. Created by Judit Jona, Senior Grill Chef at Tom Kerridge’s Butcher’s Tap and Grill in Marlow

OLD-FASHIONED DOG – AMERICAN MUSTARD, KETCHUP AND CARAMELISED & CRISPY FRIED ONIONS

METHOD 1

2 3

4

5

Firstly, add a splash of oil to a heavy based frying pan and carefully add the onions on a medium heat. Fry the onions for 20 minutes or so until they are golden brown, then stir in the gravy granules and malt vinegar.

Add the fresh thyme and simmer gently for five minutes. Keep to one side.

For the sausages, simply fry in a hot pan with a little oil until you have colour all over, then pop into the oven for 10 minutes on a 180C fan oven.

Once the sausages are cooked, cut open the buns and place the sausage on top, spoon the onions over generously and then squirt over the ketchup and mustard.

Finally sprinkle over the crispy onions, serve and enjoy!

Judit Jona is the Senior Grill Chef at Tom Kerridge’s Butcher’s Tap and Grill in Marlow, a traditional butcher’s shop and grill, all under one roof.

Hungarian-born Judit has been in hospitality for 14 years and previously worked for five years at Tom Kerridge’s Michelin-starred pub, The Coach, also in Marlow, where she was promoted to Senior Chef de Partie.

The Butcher’s Tap and Grill serves a tasty selection of burgers and hot dogs alongside a range of sides and desserts to eat in or take away. The menu includes the Classic Burger, the Triple Cheeseburger and the BBQ Brisket Burger. Or, if you’d rather enjoy a hearty hot dog, choose between the Old Fashioned Dog or the Chilli Cheese Dog. There is even a secret al fresco garden at the back to catch the last few rays of sunshine with a refreshing beer, ale or crisp glass of wine.

The butcher’s counter offers a selection of prime cuts from Sunday roast joints to sausages and steaks, so you can whip up something just as delicious at home. thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk 01628 401 535 hello@thebutcherstap.co.uk

INGREDIENTS (serves 4)  4 x jumbo breakfast pork

sausages  500g sliced Spanish

onion (1 large onion)  1 tbsp Bisto gravy      

granules 2 tbsp malt vinegar 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves 4 glazed hot dog buns 4 tbsp ketchup 4 tbsp American mustard 4 tbsp crispy onions (from any good supermarket)

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FIRST MEAL

FTB’S FAST FOOD If you have a sweet tooth, sometimes the dessert at the end of the meal is the part you look forward to the most.

But as any dessert expert will tell you, the wide selection of sweet treats in the shops can make it very difficult to choose that perfect ending to your meal. FTB has tried and tested some of the top desserts on offer from the UK’s leading supermarkets to make your life a little easier and to satisfy those sugar cravings DELIGHTFUL DESSERTS

TEST WINNER

CO-OP

WAITROSE

TESCO

MARKS & SPENCER

Chocolate orange Bro’dough, £1.25; Irresistible millionaires roulade, £4.50; Irresistible dark chocolate & sour cherry brownies, £3.00; Irresistible raspberry & passion fruit cheesecake, £3.25

No.1 tarte aux fruits, £5; No.1 pear, ginger & blond white chocolate cake, £6.50; Passion fruit & mango tart, £4.50; Queen of trifles, £15

24 mini cheesecake selection, £12; Plant Kitchen churros, £4; salted caramel cheesecake, £5; toffee & honeycomb traybake, £4

Waitrose desserts are a little more on the

finest* triple caramel orange torte, £5; finest* triple Belgian chocolate celebration cheesecake, £4; finest* 4 all butter pastry speculoos tarts, £2.50; Jaffa cake, £2

expensive side, but you most definitely

Tesco’s range of desserts is great value

some stand-out desserts. The mini

The Co-Op offer an excellent selection

get what you pay for here. The tarte aux

but just lacks the overall quality of

cheesecake selection only has a

of desserts, especially from its

fruits has a perfect pastry and is topped

some of the other desserts tested. The

selection of just two varieties, a tangy

Irresistible range, which includes some

with a selection of fruit that looks and

caramel orange torte has a unique

raspberry and white chocolate and a

high-quality treats fit for any dinner

tastes really fresh, and the layout on top

design and the spiced digestive biscuit

rich chocolate chunk version. Although

table. The chocolate orange Bro’dough

makes this dessert quite a spectacle,

really pulls everything together nicely.

they tasted good, we did think they

is an orange-flavoured brownie,

definitely nice enough to serve for

The celebration cheesecake has the

were a little on the small side for the

shaped like a doughnut, covered

guests. The ginger white chocolate cake

look of a dessert that's double the

price and there could have been more

with milk chocolate and finished with

is a must if you are really fond of ginger

price and is definitely one for those

variety. The churros, however, were

edible gold decorations. They re are

as the taste is quite strong, and the juicy

chocoholics among us. It has Belgian

the striking dessert from the selection,

deliciously moreish. The roulade offers

pear hidden within it bursts in your

white chocolate, topped with chocolate

made from fried wheat flour with a

lots of lovely textures with an excellent

mouth with flavour as you bite into it.

ganache, chocolate truffles and

pot of delicious, rich chocolate sauce

blend of creaminess and sweetness

The passionfruit and mango tart is very

treats and would make an amazing

and a cinnamon sugar sprinkle to

that will have you coming back for a

good, with an excellent balance of tangy

centrepiece for a dinner party. The

put over the top – a tasty reminder of

second slice. The rich dark chocolate

and sweet flavours throughout, and

speculoos tarts were perhaps a little on

warm holiday evenings in Spain! The

of the brownies is a real stand out,

again a nice pastry on the bottom. The

the dry side, although they do have a

cheesecake was a little underwhelming

especially when mixed with the sour

Queen of trifles is just that and will easily

nice yet unusual flavour to them. The

as the caramel flavour isn’t very

cherry, plus the gold lustre makes

serve 10 of your guests. Layers of silky

Jaffa cake is an enlarged version of the

strong and the base a little bland. The

them look great. The bright colours of

vanilla custard mousse, fruity raspberry

all-time classic and has all the lovely

traybake is extremely sweet, perhaps

the cheesecake really pop from your

jelly and light sponge are topped with

orange flavours you’d expect, with the

too sweet for some, although the

plate while also having a lovely hint

a pistachio crumb and could lead to

added bonus of orange-flavoured cream

Dulche de Leche toffee sauce mixed

of vanilla coming through it. Overall a

a round of applause to finish off your

cheese in the middle. A solid range of

with the crumbly base is a lovely

quality selection of desserts.

meal. Long live the Queen!

desserts from Tesco.

combination.

★★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★★

The M&S selection is good, with

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LEGAL

Buying with friends or family Lesley Price FCILEx of CGM Solicitors discusses some of the matters to consider when looking to share the ownership of a property with friends or family members There may be situations in which you may want to jointly own a property with a family member or friend – whether that is because they are putting in a substantial sum to the purchase, or because you are looking to live in the property together.

Unlike many other countries where the idea of “family property” is quite commonplace, the system in the UK can require a little extra work to provide the right balance of protection for buyers in these circumstances.

WORK OUT A BUDGET It is very easy to view a property and fall in love with it on the spot; but don’t pick something without taking into account the legal, valuation and mortgage brokerage costs. Sit down and budget together carefully, ideally before you start viewings, so you all have a clear picture of what you can realistically afford.

It is worth remembering that if you purchase a property with someone else, you create a financial link with them.

This means their spending behaviour can influence your own credit score if they run into financial difficulties. It’s a big financial commitment to link yourself with someone in this way, whether you are a couple or just friends, so we would suggest that a full and frank discussion with your co-owners about your finances is essential before going down this route.

AGREE THE BASIC GROUND RULES FOR SHARING YOUR HOME A Cohabitation Agreement is a great way to make decisions in advance, such as who will pay what share of the bills and how you will fund emergency repairs. You can also set out rules for more practical aspects, like what happens if one of you wants a new partner to move in, or to rent their room to someone else rather than live there.

BEST LAID PLANS CAN CHANGE Eventually, you will want to sell and move

on, and this may not be together, or at the same time. You need to consider what would happen if one of you wants to sell their share and whether you would be able to buy them out and remain in your home, or whether you would need to sell and move on independently. You will need to agree a value for your home and, having a method in your Declaration of Trust already set out for this to be independently set by a surveyor, is a great way of ensuring that the division of your joint home does not put an end to your friendship.

BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST Redundancy, death, serious illness, and bankruptcy are all matters we would hope never happen to ourselves or to those close to us, but they are all eventualities that,

when looking at buying property together, are sensible to plan ahead for. It is tempting when buying a property to put off the issues of life insurance and Will planning, to save costs upfront. This is especially true if you are a first time buyer on a tight budget, but it really is important to invest the extra to make sure adequate life insurance policies are in place to pay off any existing debts on the property, and that you have up-todate Wills in place. This is important to ensure the future security of both buyers if something should happen to one of you.

We here at CGM Solicitors can provide a comprehensive advice service on property trust arrangements as well as our conveyancing services.

For more information as to the services we can offer, email enquiries@c-g-m.co.uk

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Buying a shared ownership home in 2021 Buying your first home can be a massive step, and too often involves stress and uncertainty. However, with proper planning and the right advice, it should be reasonably pain free. So, here are some handy tips to help you get on the housing ladder 1. SORT YOUR FINANCES Work out exactly what you can afford and what your likely outgoings will be.

We’ve developed a simple online financial assessment which will give you a result in under 24 hours – you can find out more at portal.censeo-financial.com.

Making use of this will save you time down the line, because if you pass, you will receive an assessment certificate which can be shared with the organisation looking to sell you a home.

Censeo Financial also has a quick and easy financial calculator app for shared ownership available on Android or Apple which can give you an outline of what you can or cannot afford to buy – given your current financial circumstances.

For over 14 years, Censeo Financial has been providing an exemplary service to both our housing association and developer clients and our customers. We were set up purely as a mortgage provider specialising in providing homes to first time buyers and since then we have become a recognisable, trusted and award-winning brand.

Since 2007 we have helped over 25,000 people with affordability assessments and around 6,000 people to purchase a property through shared ownership.

2. GET PROPER FINANCIAL ADVICE Buying a shared ownership property is different from buying somewhere outright.

Therefore, we always recommend that you seek help from a professional mortgage adviser firm such as Censeo Financial, which specialises in this sector. It could well save you time and money in the long run.

Censeo has a team of full-time professional advisers with an in-depth knowledge of shared ownership. We also have strong relationships with all of the lenders operating in this sector – we even have our own exclusive deals.

Plus, we have a long track record of working with all the leading housing associations and developers in the affordable housing sector.

3. APPOINT A DECENT SOLICITOR Solicitors play a significant role in the whole process of buying a property. From making sure you have everything necessary to help you buy your home quickly, to checking the lease and speaking to both your mortgage broker and the solicitors acting for the housing association or developer.

In addition, they will also carry out searches, as well as ensuring the developer has all the correct legal documentation for the scheme it is selling.

Ultimately, your solicitor will need to check that all the paperwork and your mortgage are in place to allow you to purchase your new home. A lot of time will be spent liaising with all the different parties – that is why it is so important to choose a good, efficient lawyer with knowledge of shared ownership.

Censeo has a panel of law firms that we work with. You are under no obligation to select one of these conveyancing lawyers, but they do all have significant experience in this sector which should speed up the sales process.

4. BE PATIENT From reserving your property to completing usually takes around six weeks but can take anything up to 12 weeks, depending on

how quickly your chosen property is made available for completion.

5. BE PREPARED Work backwards from your expected completion day. Think about sorting out your change of address, do your homework on the best utility and insurance companies to use and of course book the removal van!

6. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Buying your first home isn’t the end of the process though, as at the end of two years (or five years, depending on the mortgage you took out) you’ll have the option of either remortgaging or staircasing (where you can decide to buy a larger share in your home). With both of these scenarios, it is a good idea to seek advice from a qualified mortgage adviser. censeo-financial.com

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A worry shared…

EXPERT COMMENT In May, double-digit house price rises hit the dizzying heights we last saw just before the onset of the financial crisis. We’re not expecting precipitous falls, but rises are unlikely to be as steep in the coming months.

It usually takes a shock to the system to upset the housing market: like interest rates rises, unemployment or recession. None of these are forecast to be a major problem for the next few years. Anyone currently saving to buy a house will be desperately hoping the market pauses for breath. First time buyers

Buying your first home is inevitably a nerve-racking experience – but doing your research and planning ahead can put to rest some of the worst of the worries, says Kay Hill

have spent months running to stand still when saving for a deposit, as their target moved further out of reach each month. If price rises slow, it will give them an opportunity to catch up. If you’re saving for your first home, and expect to buy at least a year down the line, it’s worth

It’s normal to be a bit nervous about any major life decision – but first time buyers have more on their minds than most. The mortgage experts at money.co.uk surveyed 1,501 first time buyers to find out their worst worries – and here at First Time Buyer we hope we can address these and make it all a bit less stressful.

NEGATIVE EQUITY The number one worry listed by 31% of respondents was that the value of their house might drop – especially falling into negative equity, where the value drops lower than the outstanding mortgage.

It is true that house prices can go down as well as up – Office for National Statistics figures show, for example, that between

February 2008 and February 2009, prices dropped by 15.5%, and didn’t fully recover until 2012. However, the circumstances at the time were extreme, and today there seems to be a consensus that despite all the challenges of Brexit and Covid-19, house prices are likely to slow rather than crash.

If you are still concerned, then there are things you can do to mitigate the risk: • Put down as big a deposit as possible.

Not only will this give you access to lower mortgage interest rates, but it also makes negative equity far less likely • Take out a longer term fixed rate mortgage so you won’t need to remortgage in the near future (remortgaging is impossible in negative equity, so you end up on the very expensive standard variable rate)

considering a Lifetime ISA for the first £4,000 of your savings each year. The Government will top it up by 25% – so every year you could get £1,000 of free money from the Government. So much of buying a property feels like endless striving with little reward that it’s a welcome change to get something for nothing.

Sarah Coles, Personal Finance Analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown

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•

Choose your home carefully. Dips in value, however scary, are only a problem if you need to move or remortgage, so if you think you might start a family or move jobs in the next couple of years, try to buy a home that would cope with these life changes.

SAVING A DEPOSIT For more than a quarter (26%) of buyers, saving a deposit while prices are rising is the biggest concern, while the fourth most-cited worry was post-Covid price spikes (13%) – and when the Land Registry estimates that house prices have risen 10% in a year, while interest on savings languishes, it’s easy to get despondent.

First of all, consider how you might save more quickly (move in with parents, get a second job, walk to work etc), then ensure that your savings are in the best possible account. Rates have begun to creep up, so make sure you keep moving your money to get the best deal. At the time of writing, for example, a number of instant access accounts were offering 0.5%.

Look at a more affordable area – property website Zoopla notes that homes in Shildon, near Durham, cost an average of £59,468, the equivalent of just 1.1 times local household earnings, making it the most affordable town in Britain.

Cleator Moor, near the Lake District, took the second-place spot, with properties averaging £96,269, or 1.16 times local household earnings. For buyers who need to stay close to London, homes in a handful of areas, such as Erith, Thamesmead and Harold Hill are the most affordable.

Consider a Government-backed scheme – these include Help to Buy: Equity Loan which offers first time buyers an interestfree 20% loan (40% in London); shared ownership, which enables you to buy a percentage of a property and pay rent on the rest; and First Homes which offers a discount of up to 50% for qualifying first time buyers.

If you really can’t save quickly enough not to risk homeownership going out of reach then it might be time to take the plunge. You might consider a 95% mortgage, or a family or guarantor mortgage where your parents can help you on to the ladder.

These options can be expensive, so ask a mortgage broker for advice.

LONG-TERM AFFORDABILITY The third biggest worry, keeping 22% of first time buyers awake at night, is not being able to afford to pay your mortgage. The good news is that today’s careful mortgage checks, and the fact that mortgage offers are “stress tested” to ensure that buyers can cope with a rise in payments, mean that it is far less likely than it was in the past that you will get into trouble if interest rates go up or personal circumstances change.

If you are concerned, however, one of the best ways to protect yourself against interest rate rises is to opt for a longer fixed rate mortgage. Short, two-year fixes have good headline figures – the cheapest at the time of writing was 1.97% (£950 a month) with a £1,034 fee, on a £250,000 home with a 10% deposit (Barclays); but for £1,026 a month you could fix for five years at 2.65% with Barclays, and for £1,101 you could fix for the full 25-year term of the mortgage at 3.29% with First Direct – locking in low interest rates and avoiding remortgage fees or problems remortgaging if your circumstances have changed. If you find it hard to crunch the numbers (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) a mortgage broker or financial adviser can help you make the best choice.

EXPERT COMMENT Getting on the property ladder can be a nerve-racking experience for first time buyers, as being misinformed can cost greatly – whether it’s losing out on a dream home or losing a lot of money in the process. However, the best thing first time buyers can do is do their homework thoroughly before embarking on this journey. Being equipped with the right information will cut the risk of encountering unpleasant scenarios that many first time buyers fear, such as experiencing negative equity or being unable to afford a mortgage long-term. Once you are confident in your knowledge, the process should be less risky and more exciting.

There are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to avoid negative equity. Firstly, it’s important to make sure you pay the market

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO…

value for the property, so don’t shy

Finally, fifth on the worry list at 11%, is breaking up with the person you have bought a home with. Relationship counselling is out of our remit, but remember that co-owners are equally liable for the mortgage payments – if your house-mate defaults you will have to pay the full amount, so only buy with someone you trust!

Consider owning the home as “tenants in common” rather than jointly, as this means you can leave your share to whoever you like in your Will rather than it going to the joint owner, and it is more straightforward to sell your share. Having a legally binding Declaration of Trust formalises what happens if one of you wants to move out, reducing problems down the line.

price. Secondly, the larger your

away from negotiating on the asking deposit, the more equity you will have in the property. So, if you are able to save enough, putting down a bigger deposit is a good idea.

By setting a budget, you’ll be able to plan out your savings targets and start saving for your ideal home.

Nisha Vaidya, Mortgage Expert, money.co.uk

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How the pandemic has changed buyers’ priorities Covid-19 has certainly left the world looking like a different place, and nowhere is this starker than in the UK’s property market. But just how has the pandemic changed our priorities when it comes to buying a first home? Ginetta Vedrickas assesses the situation CHANGING WISH LISTS POST PANDEMIC Research from consumer credit reporting company Experian showed that the UK’s property aspirations, especially the younger generation, have shifted dramatically as we emerge from the pandemic. Data revealed that 60% of those in their 30s, and over half, 51%, of those in their 20s, think that the past year of rolling lockdowns has changed their view of where they’d most like to live.

Unsurprisingly, after many of us spent much of the year cooped up at home, open space is a major priority for many, with 46% of those surveyed expressing that owning a city centre flat is now an outdated ideal, with 69% preferring to buy a more spacious home in suburbia or a more rural area.

WHAT DO BUYERS WANT FROM A NEW HOME? The Experian study showed that the experience of living through the restrictions of the pandemic had made the majority of people re-evaluate where they would most like to live. Dreams of a rural location were highest among people in their 30s at 74%, with 58% of this age group suggesting location was more important than the property itself. As for the top 10 “must haves” that buyers now want from a home, a

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garden topped the wish list at 74% reflecting the growing demand for more outdoor space following the lockdowns. Number two on the list at 58% was access to private parking or a driveway, closely followed by a third spare bedroom at 55%. Although many people report that they want to continue working from home following the lockdowns, 61% of people in their 20s said that living close to their place of work was still important.

EXPERT COMMENT Pandemic-fuelled city outmigration shows no signs of slowing. Despite lockdowns easing and offices and restaurants reopening, Londoners have continued to re-evaluate where they want to live, with many bringing future-planned moves forward. The mix of those buying beyond the capital though has changed, with first-time buyers more likely to leave

THE PANDEMIC HAS MADE PEOPLE KEENER TO BUY THEIR OWN HOMES

London than ever before. While

Perhaps the pandemic has also brought into focus what people now want from life, with buying a home a major priority. The research found that nearly two fifths, 38%, of Brits said that they were now considering buying a new home within the next five years, rising to 66% of people in their 30s and 67% of those in their 20s. Experian also found that the younger generation was among the most active in purchasing properties while the Stamp Duty holiday was in effect. Those in their 30s accounted for 34% of total mortgage applications made during this time, followed by those in their 40s, 27%, and those in their 20s, 17%.

The pandemic undoubtedly caused uncertainty as many people lost their jobs

Londoners looking outside the M25

second home buyers and investors have been spurred on by the stamp duty holiday, much of the uplift in over the last year has come from those buying their first home. This has been largely driven by affordability and flexible working patterns that have enabled people to work from home.

The capital’s loss has been the Home Counties gain.

Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research, Hamptons

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MARKET

or were on reduced incomes thanks to furlough. The survey revealed that, even though they want to own a home, 57% of people in their 20s and 55% in their 30s were worried that they would never be able to afford to buy a property or raise enough money for a deposit. The same groups expressed concerns that they’d never appear “mortgage-ready” to providers, with 49% of people in their 30s and 42% in their 20s worried about this.

POST PANDEMIC ANXIETY FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS The pandemic may have made people keen to own a home, but it also brought fear and anxiety over what the future might hold. A recent study from money.co.uk surveyed 1,501 first time buyers to discover what they worried about most when it comes to buying their own home.

The research found that over a third of first time buyers feared experiencing a “house value drop/negative equity” once they have bought a home. Over a quarter, 26%, of first time buyers were worried that they would not be able to match their deposit saving rate to the rate of rising house prices, with 11% of people concerned over “breaking up with someone after buying together”. Explaining the research, Nisha Vaidya, mortgage editor at money. co.uk says that the pandemic has affected us in many ways, and it has created new concerns in different aspects of our lives, including financial ones.

The survey revealed that 13% of firsttime buyers fear “Covid-19 influencing a spike in prices”. This is not the only fear people have as a result of Covid-19. With many people becoming remote workers, confusion has arisen in regard to where it’s best to buy, in the eventuality of going back to the office. Of respondents, 5% have said they have concerns regarding the “uncertainty about location with working from home”, Vaidya adds.

PANDEMIC CAUSES EXILE FROM BIG CITIES The pandemic may have caused first time buyers to worry more about where to buy, but research from Hamptons revealed an exodus from the cities with Londoners in particular deserting the capital.

The study showed that, during the first six months of this year, Londoners purchased 61,830 homes outside the capital, the highest half-year figure since the agent’s records began in 2006. So far this year, Londoners made up 8.6% of all buyers outside the capital, the highest proportion on record and up from 6.6% in

2020. Hamptons credits the rise in flexible working combined with affordability barriers meaning that first time buyers made up a quarter of Londoners buying outside the capital, again the highest share since records began.

FIRST TIME BUYERS WANT TO RETAIN LINKS WITH LONDON Hamptons says that city outmigration has been one of the key housebuying trends of the pandemic. The study showed that overall transaction numbers in the UK rose by 52% during the first six months of the year compared with the same period in 2019. Londoner purchases outside the capital are up by 85% on the 33,480 homes they bought in the first half of 2019.

The opportunity to work from home has meant Londoners are moving further than ever before. However, most London leavers still want to retain links with the capital. The average Londoner who bought outside the capital purchased 34.6 miles away, the longest distance since Hampton’s records began and 12% or 3.6 miles further than pre-pandemic in 2019. However, most first time buyers stayed a little closer to the M25, moving 21.9 miles on average.

EXPERT COMMENT Our research suggests high interest in homeownership is likely to continue over the next five years, as the pandemic shifts people’s aspirations as to what constitutes a dream home. Green spaces are now more desirable for the majority of those looking for a property, while for those in their 20s, living close to work is influential in their home choice.

James Jones, Head of Consumer Affairs, Experian

AVERAGE PRICES Hamptons says that the pandemic has accelerated the change and has meant that 40% of first time buyers left London to purchase their first home. The average first time buyer spent £318,300 on their first home outside the capital.

EXPERT COMMENT The security that homeownership offers can be particularly important during turbulent times. In fact, at Catalyst, 2020 and 2021 have been some of our strongest years for sales to date –

WHERE DO LONDONERS MOVE TO?

showing that finding a place you love

Hamptons research found that 75% of London buyers purchased their property in the South of England. A total of 41% of London buyers bought in the South East, while 27% headed for the East of England. Three in five London leavers moved to a small town or suburban location, while a third headed for the countryside. Although the traditional London leaver hotspots on the boundary of the M25 remain popular, local authorities further afield, particularly those on the coast, have crept up the list.

There are eight local authorities where Londoners accounted for more than half of buyers in the first half of 2021. Tandridge, Hertsmere and Three Rivers top the list while coastal retreats such as Great Yarmouth, Thanet, home to Margate, and the Canterbury local authority further along the coast, which includes Whitstable, also rose in popularity.

more considered about their decision

is now more important than ever.

However, purchasers are undoubtedly than they might have been in the past. First time buyers are doing even more online research to learn about homeownership options and find out more about the developers themselves.

With many expecting to ‘hybrid work’ for the foreseeable future, buyers are seeking either an additional bedroom or generous living space that could be used as a home office. Access to outdoor space, be it private or communal, now tops the wish list for many.

Markus KendallYoung, Sales & Marketing Director (London for Catalyst)

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EXPERTS

Agony agent Readers put their property questions to our guest panel of experts: solicitors, mortgage advisers, property gurus and Help to Buy providers

THIS MONTH’S PA N E L O F E X P E R T S Tony Harker Independent Housing Consultant

Minnie Dando Head of Marketing & Communications, Hyde New Homes

Simon Scott Assistant Director of Commercial & Property Marketing, Origin Housing

T E S T T H E PA N E L

We need your questions...

If you have any queries, or difficulties in understanding the property buying process, our panel of experts is waiting to help. Send our team your questions on buying property, Help to Buy, legal issues, or your financial problems and we’ll find the best person from the panel to give the advice you need.

Email your questions to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

Where to start?

Q

I have been renting a one bedroom flat throughout the pandemic and found it expensive and really difficult to live in. The pandemic really made it clear to me that I need to find a well-designed property with outside space to buy, so I can make it a comfortable home.

I’d like to find a home which costs me no more than £1,200 pcm – what I am currently paying to rent. I have £8,500 in savings – where do I start?

Joanne Mitchell, Camden

A

We have been restricted to our homes for some time now and like you, many have found their homes are not suitable for home working and many people are missing outside space that’s vital for our wellbeing. This pandemic has really exposed a shortfall in the design of some homes, and buyers are now much clearer about what they want in a home, which is good news as often buyers had no idea what they needed when viewing. Having a wish list will help you reduce your search and focus on specific properties. It doesn’t mean you will get everything you want as this depends on your budget, so be realistic and know what is an “absolute must-have” and what you may be willing to compromise on.

There are a few affordable homeownership product options for first time buyers – these include Help to Buy: Equity Loan, shared ownership and the First Homes scheme. Based on the limited information I know, I think shared ownership may be the best option for you.

Your savings will need to cover your legal costs, mortgage deposit, any lenders fees and moving costs, and don’t forget buying a home is only the start – you then need to buy furniture and all the things we take for granted – pots, pans, etc which can soon add up. Before you start looking at properties, speak with a mortgage broker who specialises in affordable homeownership so you know what price range you could potentially look at. Your substantial payments on rent can certainly secure you a home of your own.

Next stage is to look for your new home using affordable homeownership property portals such as sharetobuy.com, keaze.com or regional Help to Buy agents via helptobuy.org.uk, or look through First Time Buyer magazine – all these sources give you useful information about buying.

When you find a property you are interested in, contact the developer, housing association or local authority selling the property – you will need to register with them. Once registration is complete, they will arrange a viewing.

Best of luck with your search to find your dream home.

Tony Harker

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EXPERTS

How does buying via shared ownership work?

Q

During the pandemic I have been working from home and I have managed to save about £10,000 – I really want to buy a place of my own but I am not sure I can achieve this with the money I have saved. A friend mentioned shared ownership but I am not sure how that works. Can you help please?

Nick Reid, Haywards Heath

A

It’s really super to hear that you have made the most of an unequivocally bad situation and focused on saving money for a deposit towards your own home.

Shared ownership presents the opportunity to purchase a share of the equity of your home, and the deposit required is substantially lower than it would be if you were to buy outright. For example, if the home you are looking at is on the market for £400,000 and the share equity being offered is set at 25%, your £10,000 would cover you, if the deposit requested is 10%. If you were to buy the property outright at its entire market value, you would require a deposit of £40,000. In this respect, shared ownership is presenting you with the opportunity to

buy your own place now, rather than being constrained to wait until you have saved up £40,000.

As a shared owner, you will be a leaseholder, as you would if you were to buy an apartment outright, and be subject to the terms of the lease, including paying service charges and ground rent.

Look out for factors which may push up the costs of the service charge, such as multiple lifts, concierge amenities or extensive communal areas. You will also have to pay ground rent. Again, look out for opportunities where the lease is set for a term of 999 years, as you will make substantial savings in the long run.

You would also need to factor in paying a subsidised monthly rent on the share of the property which you haven’t yet purchased, to the provider you are buying from.

This may sound like a lot, but bear in mind that mortgage payments on an equity share are exponentially lower than for the full value and in many cases, the sum of your mortgage and the rent you pay monthly,work out at the same or less than if you were to rent on the open market. There is also the added benefit of you being able to decorate and furnish your home to your taste and you may enjoy spending more time in it, which would perhaps enable you to save more money and buy further shares. This is called staircasing and you can do it in bites or save up until you can purchase your entire home outright. You also have the opportunity to choose whether to pay

Securing a mortgage

Q

My partner and I have managed to save some money towards a deposit over the past couple of years and feel ready to buy our first home.

With property prices being so high in London, we are looking for alternative routes on to the property ladder rather than buying outright, but have no idea where to start in terms of getting the process going or securing a mortgage.

Can you advise on this please?

Sophie and Matt Daley, Croydon

A

As first time buyers, you have a few options available to you.

Shared ownership and incentive schemes such as the Help to Buy: Equity Loan can be great ways to step on to the property ladder in London. There are a number of housing associations, such as Origin Housing, which offer shared

ownership homes with low deposits, from as little as 5-10% of the share bought.

Eligibility criteria apply, for example, to buy a shared ownership property in London, your annual household income must be less than £90,000, or £80,000 outside of London.

When it comes to securing a shared ownership mortgage, we recommend speaking to a specialist financial adviser,

Stamp Duty on your share or on the full market value at the purchase stage.

Rather complicated, I hear you think?

At Hyde, we are fully aware that this is a specialist process and our in-house team are fully trained, to offer support to customers. We will be there from the enquiry stage, helping you make the right choice based on your personal circumstances, through the entire buying process, as well as in the months following your move into your new home. We know that you may prefer to self-serve, rather than speak to us, so we also provide fully automated facilities for you, from booking your viewing to following the progress of your purchase and signing your documents, so that this does not eat into precious leisure time.

It’s worth shopping around for homes where a lower deposit may be on offer, permitting you to buy a home at a higher value or considering more flexible options now available from the Government, such as the possibility to buy a minimum 10% share equity.

However, there are associated terms which you should familiarise yourself with, such as household income cap and Stamp Duty exemption. The good news is that the number of lenders supporting these options is always increasing; again our consultants will be able to advise further on this.

Good luck with your home hunting!

Minnie Dando

who will have access to an extensive list of mortgage providers and can help you compare the options that are available to you. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure at first, the adviser will be on hand to answer any questions you have and support your application process.

The most important thing is preparation.

Take the time at the start of your house hunt to do some research to understand the current market. You can browse all our available homes on the Origin website to get a feel for the types of properties you are interested in.

I’d also recommend you put together a budget plan to forecast savings goals.

Opening a separate savings account to pay into regularly is also a good way to be organised and keep track of your finances.

Shared ownership is a great way to secure the home you’ve always wanted and by getting the mortgage process right, it can be straightforward to do so.

You can find more information on our website at originhousingsales.co.uk.

Simon Scott

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Buyers’ guide FTB EXPLAINS ALL THE OPTIONS TO HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS

Your options What are your funding options if you want to get on the housing ladder?

FIRST STEPS

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENTBACKED SCHEME? The Government backs several schemes to help people get on to the property ladder. The best known is the Help to Buy: Equity Loan, which is open to all buyers purchasing a new home costing up to £600,000 from an approved provider. There are no income restrictions and you can use it to upsize, but not to buy an additional property. For more details, contact a Help to Buy Agent. There is also shared ownership, which is open to families with a household income of up to £80,000 (£90,000 in London).

BUYING ON THE OPEN MARKET Many people buy property on the open market. Homes are offered for sale by estate/sales agents or from private developers or house builders.

On new build developments there is usually a show home you can look around and a sales adviser, based on site, to answer your questions.

To buy on the open market, you will need a mortgage deposit of at least 5% to 10% of the full property value.

BUYING A NEW HOME OFF-PLAN

FUNDING OPTIONS

JARGON EXPLAINED

G O V E R N M E N T- B A C K E D SCHEMES

EQUITY LOAN

Help to Buy: Equity Loans The Government provides equity loans of 20% of the full property value (40% in London boroughs). The loan is interest free for the first five years with interest at 1.75% in year six, rising by RPI (retail price index) inflation plus 1% after that. The loan must be repaid when the property is sold or within 25 years. You will need to raise a deposit of 5% and a 75% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. New build homes priced up to £600,000 can be bought. The current Help to Buy: Equity Loan Scheme runs until the end of March 2021 and will be restricted to first time buyers after that.

This is a Government loan for a percentage of a property’s value (20% outside London, 40% in London). If you remain living in the property, you repay the equity loan within 25 years. If you sell the property, you repay the percentage of the property price the loan was for. For example, if the equity loan was originally £30,000 on a £100,000 property (30%) and you sell the property for £200,000, you’ll have to repay £60,000 (30% of £200,000).

Shared Ownership or Part-Buy, Part-Rent The Government shared ownership scheme is available for households with an income of up to £80,000 (or £90,000 if buying in London.)

The scheme allows you the chance to buy as little as a 25% share in a property and pay a subsidised rent on the rest. Rent is calculated at 2.75% (sometimes less), with annual increases of RPI + 0.5%. In most cases, you can buy more shares after you move in with the opportunity to own the property outright.

This is called staircasing. The mortgage deposit you’ll need to buy with shared ownership is calculated on the share value; this works out at a lot less than if you were buying outright.

There are a few less well known Governmentbacked schemes; more details of these can be found on ownyourhome.gov.uk:

Rent to Buy or Intermediate Rent With this scheme you rent a newly built property for up to five years and pay a reduced rent. This gives you time to save up for a deposit so you can apply to buy a share of the home later. Homes available with Rent to Buy are few and far between.

Demand for new homes often outstrips supply; this means that new homes are often reserved before their construction is complete, sometimes several months before they are built and finished. This is called “buying off-plan”. Most providers market and sell their homes in this way. Do some careful research to make sure the home you reserve is the right one for you, especially as you may not have an opportunity to physically view inside it before your commitment to buy it becomes a legal obligation.

Older People’s Shared Ownership (OPSO)

PRIVATE INITIATIVES

*NEW!* First Homes

Some builders offer incentives on new build homes such as cashback, free legal fees, help with moving costs or money towards Stamp Duty. Some developers may offer shared equity, a private version of shared ownership.

This is a new option announced by the Government in late 2019. With First Homes, first time buyers and key workers will be offered discounts of 30% on new build homes. Further details are awaited.

This is designed for people aged 55 and over.

Scheme specific details vary, so check with the housing association provider.

Home Ownership for People with Long Term Disabilities (HOLD) HOLD is a specialist option designed to help people with long term disabilities to live independently in a shared ownership property where, in some cases, repairs and maintenance services are offered by the housing association provider.

HOMES ENGLAND This is a Government organisation tasked with increasing housing supply. They also fund affordable homes including Help to Buy.

STAIRCASING If you buy a home with shared ownership, you will be given the right to buy more shares at any time in the future. This is called staircasing. In most cases, you can buy shares up to 100% of the property and own it outright.

When you buy more shares, these are valued at the market value at the time. Because house prices tend to rise over periods of time, it is a good idea to think about staircasing right from the moment you move into your new shared ownership home.

FUNDING OPTIONS BUYING ON THE OPEN MARKET & P R I VA T E I N I T I A T I V E S

To buy on the open market or from a house builder you’ll need to get a mortgage from a bank or other mortgage lender. To do so you’ll need to save a deposit and meet the provider’s lending criteria.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

The ftb process

Buying your first property can be a daunting experience. It’s a big decision, so it’s important to get it right. We take you through all the steps involved

F

TIPS

Unless you have enough money to buy a property outright you’ll need a mortgage. A mortgage is a loan used to buy a property and is repayable over a number of years (usually 25-35 years). The loan is “secured” on the property, which means the mortgage lender could repossess your home if you fail to make repayments on time. For this reason, it’s vital only to buy a property you can realistically afford.

Before you start, find out how much money you can borrow. A mortgage adviser will need details of your income, outgoings, savings and credit history – they will then be able to give you an “agreement in principle”, which will state, in theory, how much they will be able to lend you. An agreement in principle, however, doesn’t tie you, or the lender, to anything. Instead, it will just give you a rough idea of how much money you’ll be able to borrow.

You’ll also need a deposit, normally around 10% of the property price. The bigger the deposit, the better the mortgage rate you’ll be offered. Each mortgage product will have a maximum loan-to-value or LTV.

inance

APPLICATION You will need at least three months of bank statements, payslips or tax returns, photo ID such as a passport or driving licence and details of any loans. Lenders will look at your outgoings to assess how much you can afford to pay on your mortgage each month. The bigger deposit you have and the better your credit score, the better mortgage rate you’ll be offered.

BUDGET Work out how much you can afford to repay each month, taking into account your normal living expenses and the bills, insurance and council tax on your new home. Don’t forget there is likely to be a service/ estate management charge on a new home, plus ground rent for a leasehold property, so find out how much they will be.

MORTGAGE BROKERS VS LENDERS You can apply for a mortgage via a mortgage broker (or financial adviser) or direct from a lender. A broker can look at the deals available and advise you which one would be best for your circumstances.

Some mortgage products are only sold through brokers, not directly to customers.

A broker will help you with the paperwork and deal with the lender on your behalf up until completion. You may have to pay them a fee or they may earn commission from the lender – find out how they are paid before committing to anything.

Mortgage advisers in banks or building societies can only sell you products offered by that company, so it’s unlikely they will be able to offer you the very best deal for your circumstances. It’s important to shop around. You can compare mortgages online at sites such as moneysupermarket.com or

CREDIT SCORE Get a credit report from Experian or Equifax, and make sure there are no default accounts, CCJs (county court judgements) or missed payments. If you are making lots of enquiries to find the best deal, make sure the lenders log your enquiry as a soft search rather than a hard search as too many applications leave “footprints” on your credit score and can affect your rating.

To improve your score, make sure you’re on the electoral roll, and pay your bills and any loan repayments on time.

SET A BUDGET

FINANCE

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Work out how much money you have for fees, deposit and the monthly mortgage you can afford.

CREDIT SCORE

Make sure your credit rating is sound and there are no mistakes on your file, and pay off any debts you can.

moneysavingexpert.com, then apply directly to your chosen lender.

FIXED-RATE MORTGAGES Some mortgages are fixed rate. This means you’ll pay the same rate of interest for a defined period of time, and your payments won’t change. If interest rates go up, you’ll be protected from the increase, but you won’t benefit from any fall in interest rates.

Normally, at the end of the fixed period your mortgage rate will revert to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) for the rest of the term. You can either pay this rate (which is often quite expensive) or remortgage to another lender. Remortgaging to another lender can sometimes mean you have to pay a fee or early redemption charge (ERC).

VARIABLE-RATE MORTGAGES Variable-rate mortgages are either linked to the lender’s SVR or the Bank of England base rate, and the rate you pay can change.

Lenders can change their SVR whenever they want, but they normally only change it when the Bank of England base rate changes. Tracker mortgages are also variable, but they have repayment rates that are directly linked to the base rate so will go up and down with it. With variable-rate mortgages you need to be sure you could afford higher repayments if rates rise.

REPAYMENT OR INTEREST-ONLY Most mortgages available to first time buyers are on a repayment basis. With this type of mortgage, every monthly payment will pay off some interest and some capital (mainly interest in the early years). At the end of the term, you’ll own your home outright.

If you have a larger (25% or more) deposit you may be offered an interest-only mortgage, where you only pay interest on the loan. The monthly repayments are lower but at the end of the term you’ll still owe the original mortgage sum. You’ll need to prove you have a plan in place (such as an investment) to pay off the capital.

SHOP AROUND

Speak to a mortgage broker, but also look at lenders’ direct products and search the internet.

RESEARCH

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

TIPS

RESEARCH AN AREA

T

Buying a property is a big investment. horough You need to make research sure you buy a home that you can afford and one you will be happy living in.

LOCATION IS KEY The first step is to shortlist the locations you feel you’d like to live in, then check if you can afford the house prices in those areas.

It’s also worthwhile visiting places you like: it may be that there’s an up-and-coming hot spot just down the road you didn’t know about that’s much more affordable.

Ideally, you will have rented in the area before buying, but if this isn’t the case, at least spend some time there, check out the commuting time to work, and look at local pubs, shops and leisure facilities. Visit the area at night, too.

PROPERTY SEARCH Once you have found the right location, go online and check out what’s on offer.

Most homes are listed on property portals such as rightmove.co.uk, onthemarket. co.uk, or zoopla.co.uk, plus estate agents’ websites. Properties featured have pictures, descriptions and a floor plan, and DECIDE ON A LOCATION

Be practical.

Think about the commuting time and whether you can afford to buy in the area.

RESEARCH THE AREA

Check out crime statistics, transport links, regeneration and, if relevant, schools.

Check online for prices of sold properties in the area, and make sure properties you like fit your budget. You can search for recent sold prices of property in any area at nethouseprices.com, and also on property portals like rightmove.co.uk/zoopla.co.uk.

sometimes a video. Also, sign up with as many local estate agents as you can. They should send you new properties that match your description, but it’s worth phoning them regularly. If you’re looking for a shared ownership property, search online at sharetobuy.com and propertybooking.co.uk.

Aerial shots of an area can be viewed at google.co.uk/maps; switch to “satellite view”.

VIEWING Once you see a property you like, arrange a viewing. Most people see at least 10 properties before putting in an offer. It’s worth bringing a friend or relative and also arranging a second viewing to check out any bits you may have missed. Don’t get taken in by the furnishings and decor too much.

Remember that a property that is slightly run down can still be a great investment and may only need a touch of paint and a change of furniture.

Before you put in an offer, visit the street at different times of the day and night. You could also ask neighbours and local shop owners about the area.

BEFORE YOU BUY When looking at buying apartments, check exactly what is included in the service charge and how much it is. Also, ask about the terms of the lease and its length. If the lease has less than 80 years left, use this as a negotiating tool and make an offer below the asking price.

ESTATE AGENTS It’s a buyers’ market, so make use of agents’ legwork in finding properties that fit your requirements. Be aware that estate agents are paid commission by the seller on the sale, so try to inspect the property yourself rather than just the parts the agent shows you. Don’t get sucked in by the hard sell.

SEARCH

Register with local estate agents, and use the internet to search for properties. Set up alerts.

VIEWINGS

Look at several properties, and visit ones you like more than once and with someone else.

Take a checklist.

OFFER

If the market is slow, when making an offer, don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price.

If the property needs work done, you can use this as a negotiating tool.

SURVEY

BUYING

Make sure you have a survey – it could save you money in the long run by spotting any problems.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

BUYERS’ COSTS

B

uying process

SURVEYS AND VALUATIONS

Once your offer is accepted, tell your mortgage lender. They will do a valuation to ensure the property is worth the money being advanced. At the same time, instruct a surveyor to carry out a survey. If this shows problems, find out how much they would cost to rectify and use this information to renegotiate the sale price. Or, tell the seller certain repairs need to be carried out before contracts are exchanged.

SOLICITOR’S/CONVEYANCING COSTS (ESTIMATED)

£700-£1,500

LOCAL AUTHORITY SEARCH FEES (ESTIMATED)

£200-300

LAND REGISTRY FEES: For an existing property: For a purchase of £80-£100k £40.00

For a purchase of £100-£200k £95.00 For a purchase of £200-£500k For a new build property: For a purchase of £80-£100k £80.00

For a purchase of £100-£200k £190.00 For a purchase of £200-£500k £270.00

SOLICITORS

A QUICK SALE Push the seller to take the property off the market. This will limit the chances of being gazumped (another buyer making a larger offer). The seller can insist on continuing to show the property, especially if you haven’t offered the asking price.

Once the mortgage offer is in place, the contract is satisfactory and buildings insurance has been organised, both parties will agree an exchange date. You will sign the contract with your solicitor, and at the point of exchange of contracts, you pay a deposit and a completion date is set. At this point, there’s no going back – the seller could sue you if you pull out, and you could lose your deposit. The completion date is usually around a week to 10 days after exchange, but can be done on the same day.

On completion, the final paperwork is done, and the property is legally yours.

Never get pressured into an exchange and completion date without knowing all your finances and documents are in place. If you can’t complete, you may have to pay the seller’s costs.

English property law is different to Scottish law: in England, if you put in an offer and then have a change of heart, you can legally back out of the deal or negotiate up until the exchange date. But, in Scotland, an agreed price is binding.

Compare quotes from solicitors, and ask your friends who they recommend. A good solicitor can make a big difference to whether a purchase completes or falls through. Online companies can be cheaper but are less personal.

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STAMP DUTY LAND TAX (SDLT) (UNTIL 31/03/2020):

£0-£500,000 Zero

£500,000 to £925,000 5% £925,001 to £1.5m 10% Above £1.5m12%

Example: on a £600,000 purchase SDLT would be £5,000 – 0% on £0-£500,000 and 5% on £100,000 (being the £100,000 above £500,000)

OTHER FEES TO CONSIDER (ESTIMATED, DEPENDENT ON CIRCUMSTANCES): MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENT FEE

EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION

Use a recommended solicitor who you know to be reliable and who can move fast.

SOLICITORS

For a purchase of £500k-£1m £540.00

After the offer is accepted, you will also need to appoint a solicitor or conveyancer who will oversee the contract, deal with the finances and exchange the deeds. Your solicitor will carry out searches, check the terms of any lease and restrictive covenants and tell you how much Stamp Duty you have to pay. The seller will also appoint a solicitor, and the two legal teams will be in regular contact to make sure the purchase goes as smoothly as possible.

TIPS

INSURANCE

You must have buildings insurance in place for when you exchange contracts (not complete). This will be a condition of your mortgage offer.

MORTGAGE VALUATION £0-£300

SURVEY £300-£700

MORTGAGE BROKER’S FEE £0-£500

BUILDINGS INSURANCE £200-£300 annually

GROUND RENT (LEASEHOLD ONLY) & SERVICE CHARGES £100-£4,000 annually charges for maintenance of communal areas

From offer to completion usually takes about six weeks to three months, but don’t feel pressured or rush into anything you’re not sure of just because the seller or estate agent wants you to exchange.

Look at the results of searches your solicitor has done. They will tell you, for example, if a main road is about to be built at the end of your garden.

£0-£1,500

New freehold homes may also have service/estate

TIME SCALE

SEARCHES

£135.00

For a purchase of £500k-£1m £270.00

REMOVALS

Shop around for a removals firm, and find one that can move your possessions on completion day. You could also look at van hire to do it yourself.

REMOVALS (IF REQUIRED) £1,000-£2,500

COMPLETION

Your solicitor or estate agent will call you to tell you the property is yours. The solicitor will have some final paperwork to do, and you will then have to pay the solicitor’s bill and your Stamp Duty payment (if applicable).

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

Home buying glossary Confused by financial acronyms and industry terminology?

Buying your first house is daunting enough without having to decode property lingo. FTB’s homebuying glossary is here to make the process a whole lot easier to understand AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE

DISBURSEMENTS

The initial document that a lender will give you outlining the amount you are likely to be lent if you applied for a mortgage. An agreement in principle is not a guarantee of getting a mortgage.

These are additional charges incurred during the homebuying process such as Stamp Duty and Land Registry charges. You must give the money to your conveyancer or solicitor who will then pay the charges on your behalf.

APR APR stands for annual percentage rate.

It is the interest rate you’d pay over a year. It takes into account not just the interest on your loan but also any other additional charges.

EARLY REPAYMENT CHARGE

ARREARS

EQUITY

This is a term used to describe payments that haven’t been made on time.

The difference between the value of the property and the value of the mortgage you have secured.

BASE RATE The interest rate set by the Bank of England. Lenders usually use the Bank of England base rate to set their own interest rates.

BROKER

This is an amount of money you may have to pay a lender if you decide to move mortgage provider or if you pay off your mortgage quicker than expected.

EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS This is when you exchange contracts with the seller. When this has happened, both sides are legally bound to complete the transaction.

A broker is someone who gives you advice on your mortgage. Some are independent, while others work for particular lenders.

FREEHOLD

BUILDING SURVEY

When a seller accepts an offer and then later on rejects it in favour of a higher offer from another bidder.

A survey carried out by a qualified surveyor to spot any structural problems or faults in the home you are buying.

COLLATERAL Something of value that is offered as a guarantee against a loan. With mortgages, your home is collateral.

COMPLETION The finalisation of the sale. Completion day is when the paperwork is complete, all money is transferred and you become the legal owner of your new home.

CONVEYANCING The legal process of transferring ownership of a property.

A freehold is when you fully own a property and the land it stands on.

GAZUMPING

GUARANTOR A person, usually a parent, who guarantees that you can pay your mortgage repayments. You often need a guarantor if you are struggling to get a mortgage based on your own income. If for some reason you cannot pay your mortgage, your guarantor has to pay it for you.

HIGHER LENDING CHARGE If you take out a large mortgage on a property, some lenders may charge a one-off extra fee. This funds an insurance policy that protects the lender (not you) from the additional risk.

LAND REGISTRY FEES This is a fee you have to pay in order to register your ownership of the property with the Land Registry.

LEASEHOLD A type of tenure where you buy the right to occupy a property for a fixed period of time. You usually have to pay annual ground rent each year.

LTV This stands for loan to value – the ratio between the amount of money you have taken out as a loan and the valuation price of the property.

LUMP-SUM REDUCTION In order to reduce your mortgage, you can make a lump-sum reduction. This is where you pay more than you owe each month in mortgage repayments.

REDEMPTION Paying off your mortgage in full is known as redemption.

REPAYMENTS The amount you have to pay back each month to your mortgage provider

STAMP DUTY Stamp Duty is a shortened name for Stamp Duty Land Tax, also called SDLT. This is a Government tax you may have to pay when you purchase a new property. Your solicitor or conveyancer will organise the payment for you.

TITLE DEEDS The legal documents that outline your rights and liabilities in relation to your new property. The title deeds also act as proof of ownership.

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As a first time buyer should I consider arranging a Will?

Chloe Eyles is an Apprentice Solicitor in the Wills Trust and Probate Department at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP and explains why it is important to arrange a Will There is a common misconception in today’s society that having a Will in place is “tempting fate” or something to be done later on in life. Regardless of owning property or not, it is advisable that every adult has a Will in place. While you may think your estate is not significant enough to make a Will, you never know what the future holds and you could end up inheriting money or winning the lottery.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE WITHOUT A WILL? In the event that you were to pass away without leaving a Will, you would die “intestate” and so your estate would essentially pass in accordance with the Laws of Intestacy.

In brief, the intestacy rules stipulate if you are married, with no children, your entire estate passes to your surviving spouse. This can be problematic in the event that this is not in line with your wishes.

If you are married with children, and your estate exceeds a value of £250,000, the intestacy rules direct that the first £250,000 of your estate shall pass to your surviving spouse and the balance of your estate is to be split evenly between your surviving spouse and any surviving child or children.

This again can be far from ideal and does not allow you to maximise the use of the available inheritance tax thresholds.

In the scenario that you pass away unmarried without having any children, not leaving a Will, and your parents are still alive, the intestacy rules state that your estate is to pass equally among such of your surviving parents.

Similarly, should your parents have not survived you, the estate would then pass to such of your siblings in equal shares.

In essence, ensuring you have a valid Will in place provides you with certainty that upon your death your estate shall pass to your intended beneficiaries. The intestacy rules do not accommodate for the exclusion of any person; or the gifting of assets to specific individuals.

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WHY IS HAVING A WILL IN PLACE IMPORTANT IF I OWN PROPERTY? If you own property solely, a Will can become an extremely important tool if you wish for that property to pass to someone in particular who you are not leaving the rest of your estate (otherwise known as the residue) to.

It is also extremely important if you wish to make a specific gift of your property within a Will to detail as to whether you wish for the gift to pass to the intended beneficiary free of, or subject to, inheritance tax.

Similarly, if there are any outstanding mortgages or charges secured against the property upon your death, it is crucial to detail whether the intended beneficiary is to settle these themselves upon receipt of the property; or as to whether your estate shall exonerate any charges levied against your property as at your date of death.

When it comes to owning property jointly, it is important to establish how your property is held with others.

There are two different ways in which you can own property jointly: » As Tenants in Common » As Joint Tenants When property is held as Tenants in Common a restriction is placed against the title to the property at HM Land Registry which, for the purposes of Wills and Inheritance, means that upon the death of the first owner their share

and interest in the property shall pass in accordance with the terms of their Will.

On the other hand, when property is held as Joint Tenants, upon the death of the first owner the property automatically passes to the surviving owner(s) irrespective of the contents of their Will. In summary, upon the death of the first owner, holding property as joint tenants ensures that the property is not an asset which passes in accordance with the terms of a person’s Will.

If you are unsure as to which manner you hold your property, it is advisable that you seek confirmation of such so that when you come to make your Will you are aware of whether the asset will pass in accordance with the terms of your Will; or not.

If you own property jointly as Joint Tenants, however do not wish for your share and interest in the property to pass to the surviving owners and instead wish for it to pass in accordance with the terms of your Will, it will be necessary for you to change the manner in which the property is held jointly from Joint Tenants to Tenants in Common. This can be done by severing the title to the property.

WHAT DOES THE WILL WRITING PROCESS INVOLVE? Writing a Will is not an exhausting task. There are many subsections to a Will which may or may not be applicable, and which you may wish to consider beforehand.

APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTORS AND TRUSTEES Your Executor(s) are the people who

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LEGAL

essentially take on the role of administering your estate upon your death. Their responsibilities include taking account of all of your assets and liabilities upon your death and obtaining date of death values of them, accounting to HMRC and attending to the settlement of inheritance tax (if applicable), as well as obtaining a Grant of Probate.

Once the Grant of Probate has been obtained, they are then responsible for settling all estate liabilities and taxes, transferring or liquidating assets and then holding the net estate upon trust to be distributed in accordance with the terms of the Will of the deceased.

FUNERAL DIRECTIONS You may or may not wish to express your preferences in relation to your funeral arrangements within your Will. These can be as simple as directing as to whether you wish for your body to be buried or cremated or can be as extensive as directing your organs to be donated and for your ashes to be scattered in a special place.

SPECIFIC GIFTS OF ITEMS You may wish to leave items of sentimental value to specific individuals on your death.

This can be included within your Will to ensure that it takes effect upon your death.

RESIDUE

In the unfortunate event that you were to pass away before any child or children of yours were to reach the age of 18, you can make provision within your Will for the appointment of guardians.

The residue of your estate is essentially what is left after the payment of all funeral, testamentary expenses, any taxes, gifts and legacies; the “net” estate.

It is possible within a Will to make provisions that if your beneficiary(s) in the first instance predecease you, the estate can then pass to alternative beneficiaries.

LEGACIES

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

You can make gifts of set sums of money within your Will to a family member, friend or charity.

While Wills are legal documents which take effect on your death, it is also important to consider having your affairs in order during your lifetime in the event that you no longer possess the requisite capacity to manage your property and financial affairs.

Lasting Powers of Attorney are legal documents in which you, in your capacity as the Donor, give power to your nominated Attorney(s) to manage your property and financial affairs if you become unable or unwilling to do so yourself.

GUARDIANSHIP CLAUSES

BUSINESS If you own a share or interest in a business, and the Company Articles do not direct what is to happen to it upon your death, you can make such provisions within your Will.

PROPERTY In the absence of any specific directions regarding your property within your Will it shall form part of the residue of your estate.

If you do not wish for your share and interest in a property to pass to your residuary beneficiary(s) then a clause to facilitate a specific gift of that property shall need to be inserted into your Will.

Should you have any queries in relation to Wills or your property Prince Evans specialises in all aspects of Private Client and property matters. Please contact Prince Evans’ Wills, Trusts and Probate Department for a friendly, no obligation chat on 020 8567 3477 or ben.davies@prince-evans.co.uk

CONCLUSION While drafting a Will gives you a lot to consider it is of upmost important to have one in place, especially if you do not wish for your estate to pass in accordance with the intestacy rules.

Having a valid Will in place is the only way to give yourself peace of mind and to ensure that your wishes will be adhered to upon your death.

It is important to ensure that you seek sufficient professional legal advice when making a Will and to steer clear of Will making kits to avoid any possibilities that your Will is not legally binding or in line with your wishes.

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Directory HELP TO BUY - NORTH PlusDane Tel: 0300 790 0570 helptobuyagent1.org.uk Cheshire Cumbria Durham East Riding of Yorkshire Greater Manchester Lancashire Merseyside North Yorkshire Northumberland Tyne and Wear South Yorkshire West Yorkshire

HELP TO BUY - MIDLANDS AND LONDON bpha Tel: 03333 214 044 helptobuyagent2.org.uk

ZONES, HELP TO BUY AGENTS, HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS AND MORE...

HELP TO BUY - SOUTH Radian Tel: 0800 456 1188 helptobuyagent3.org.uk Bedfordshire Berkshire Bristol Buckinghamshire Cambridgeshire Cornwall Devon Dorset East Sussex Essex Gloucestershire Hampshire Hertfordshire Isle of Wight Kent Norfolk Oxfordshire Somerset Suffolk Surrey West Sussex Wiltshire

Derbyshire Herefordshire Leicestershire Lincolnshire London Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire Rutland Shropshire Staffordshire Warwickshire West Midlands Worcestershire

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USEFUL CONTACTS

ZONES, HELP TO BUY AGENTS & HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS – RECEIVE ADVICE ON PROPERTY FUNDING OPTIONS

NORTH

Shropshire Staffordshire

PlusDane

Warwickshire

Tel: 0300 790 0570

West Midlands

helptobuyagent1.org.uk

Worcestershire

Cheshire

SOUTH

Cumbria Durham

Radian

East Riding of Yorkshire

Tel: 0800 456 1188

Greater Manchester

helptobuyagent3.org.uk

Lancashire Merseyside

Bedfordshire

North Yorkshire

Berkshire

Northumberland

Bristol

Tyne and Wear

Buckinghamshire

South Yorkshire

Cambridgeshire

West Yorkshire

Cornwall Devon

MIDLANDS AND LONDON

Dorset East Sussex Essex

bpha

Gloucestershire

Tel: 03333 214 044

Hampshire

helptobuyagent2.org.uk

Hertfordshire Isle of Wight

Derbyshire

Kent

Herefordshire

Norfolk

Leicestershire

Oxfordshire

Lincolnshire

Somerset

London

Suffolk

Northamptonshire

Surrey

Nottinghamshire

West Sussex

Rutland

Wiltshire

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS – OFFERING NEW BUILD SCHEMES, INCLUDING HELP TO BUY (SHARED OWNERSHIP) AND RENT TO BUY PROPERTIES

LONDON Catalyst Housing

Octavia Housing

BMA Property Group

Hastoe Housing

Optivo

octaviahousing.org.uk

bmapg.com

Association

optivo.org.uk

020 8354 5500

020 8942 4062

hastoe.com

0800 012 1442

catalyst.homes 0333 444 3500 Clarion Housing

Southern Home Ownership shosales.co.uk

0300 123 2250 Optivo

Chelmer Housing Partnership

optivo.org.uk

chp.org.uk

Home Group

originhousing.org.uk

0800 012 1442

0300 555 0500

homegroup.org.uk

0300 323 0325

myclarionhousing.com/

01235 515 900

Origin Housing

0300 555 2171 Sovereign Housing sovereignliving.org.uk

0345 141 4663

0300 500 0926

sharedownership

Origin Housing

CHS Group

020 7378 5638

originhousing.org.uk

chsgroup.org.uk

Housing Solutions Group

Association

0300 323 0325

0300 111 3555

housingsolutions.co.uk

orwell-housing.co.uk

Stonewater

0800 876 6060

0345 601 0030

stonewater.org

Estuary Housing Association

Orwell Housing

01202 319 119

estuary.co.uk

Paradigm Housing

Clarion Housing

0300 304 5000

paradigmhousing.co.uk

myclarionhousing.com/

Hyde New Homes

PA Housing

0845 337 4877

sharedownership

hydenewhomes.co.uk

pahousing.co.uk

Swan Housing Association

Fabrica

Peabody

020 7378 5638

0345 606 1221

0300 123 2221

swan.org.uk

fabrica.co.uk

peabodysales.co.uk

0800 783 2159

020 7021 4842

Crown Simmons

L&Q

Paradigm Housing

crownsimmons.org.uk

lqhomes.com

paradigmhousing.co.uk

Thames Valley Housing

Gateway Housing

Places for People

01372 461 440

0300 456 9997

0300 303 1010

Association

Association

placesforpeople.co.uk

gatewayhousing.org.uk

01772 667 049

Estuary Housing

Metropolitan

Peabody

Association

metropolitansales.org.uk

peabodysales.co.uk

020 3535 2555

020 7021 4842

Moat

Places for People

Fabrica

moat.co.uk

placesforpeople.co.uk

0300 323 0011

01772 667 049

Notting Hill Genesis

Rosebery Housing

Flagship Homes

nhgsales.com

Association

0333 000 4000

rosebery.org.uk

020 8709 4300

0300 303 2500

tvha.co.uk

Sanctuary London

estuary.co.uk

Guinness Partnership

sanctuary-homes.co.uk

0300 304 5000

guinnesspartnership.com

0800 916 1444

0303 123 1890 Site Sales

fabrica.co.uk

Hexagon

site-sales.co.uk

0800 783 2159

hexagon.org.uk

020 8502 5758

020 8778 6699 Shepherd’s Bush Housing

flagship-homes.co.uk

Home Group

sbhg.co.uk

0808 168 4555

homegroup.org.uk

020 8996 4200

020 8607 0550 Town and Country Housing tchg.org.uk 01892 501 480 Worthing Homes worthing-homes.org.uk 01903 703 108

SOUTH WEST

01372 814 000 Aster Group

Nu Living Guinness Partnership

nuliving.co.uk

Sanctuary South East

buyanasterhome.co.uk

Southern Home

(South)

0800 819 9390

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

01380 735 480

Hyde New Homes

Ownership

guinnesspartnership.com

hydenewhomes.co.uk

shosales.co.uk

0303 123 1890

0345 606 1221

0300 555 2171

0345 141 4663

Islington and Shoreditch

Swan Housing Association

Housing Association

swan.org.uk

isha.co.uk

0300 303 2500

0800 131 3348 Cornerstone Housing

One Housing Group onehousing.co.uk

Soha Housing

cornerstonehousing.net

0300 123 9966

Soha.co.uk

01392 273 462

0300 131 7300 Thames Valley Housing L&Q

Association

lqhomes.com

tvha.co.uk

0300 456 9997

020 8607 0550

Metropolitan

Wandle Housing

metropolitansales.org.uk

Association

020 3535 2555

wandle.com 0300 200 0120

Newlon Living newlonliving.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

0800 058 2544 Accent Group Notting Hill Genesis

accentgroup.org

nhgsales.com

0345 678 0555

0333 000 4000 Aster Group Nu Living

buyanasterhome.co.uk

nuliving.co.uk

01380 735 480

0800 819 9390

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS CURO

Rooftop Housing Group

Accord

Friendship Care & Housing

Nottingham Community

South Staffordshire

curo-group.co.uk

rooftopgroup.org

accordgroup.org.uk

fch.org.uk

Housing Association

Housing Association

01225 366 000

0800 042 1800

0300 111 7000

0300 123 1745

ncha.org.uk

ssha.co.uk

0800 013 8555

01785 312 000

Elim Housing

Sanctuary Southwest

Acis Group

Home Group

elimhousing.co.uk

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

acisgroup.co.uk

homegroup.org.uk

Orbit

Waterloo Housing

01454 411 172

0800 131 3348

0800 027 2057

0345 141 4663

orbit.org.uk

Association

0800 678 1221

waterloo.org.uk 0800 435 016

Green Square

Severn Vale Housing

Bromford Group

Guinness Partnership

greensquaregroup.com

svhs.org.uk

bromford.co.uk

(Northern Counties)

PA Housing

01249 465 465

01684 272 727

0330 123 4034

guinnesspartnership.com

pahousing.org.uk

WM Housing Group

0303 123 1890

0116 257 6716

wmhousing.co.uk 0300 790 6531

Guinness Partnership

Sovereign Housing

Caldmore Accord

(Hermitage)

sovereign.org.uk

caldmoreaccord.org.uk

L & H Homes

Places for People

guinnesspartnership.com

0300 500 0926

0300 111 7000

landh.org.uk

placesforpeople.co.uk

0345 309 0700

01772 667 002

0303 123 1890

NORTH WEST Accent Group

Stonewater

Clarion Housing

Hastoe Housing

stonewater.org

myclarionhousing.com/

Metropolitan

Riverside Housing

accentgroup.org

Association

01202 319 119

sharedownership

metropolitansales.org.uk

Association

0345 678 0555

020 7378 5638

020 3535 2555

riverside.org.uk

hastoe.com 0300 123 2250

Westward Housing

Liverty

westwardhousing.org.uk

Derwent Living Housing

Midland Heart

dchliverty.com

0300 100 1010

Association

midlandheart.org.uk

Rooftop Group

derwentliving.com

0345 602 0540

rooftopgroup.org

0300 123 8080

MIDLANDS

0345 155 9029

01332 346 477

Places for People

Adactus Housing Group adactushousing.co.uk

0800 042 1800

0300 111 1133 Arcon Housing Association

Muir Group

placesforpeople.co.uk

Accent Group

East Midlands Housing

muir.org.uk

Sanctuary Midlands

arcon.org.uk

01772 667 049

accentgroup.org

Association

0300 123 1222

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

0161 214 4120

0345 678 0555

emhhomes.org.uk

0800 131 3348

0300 123 6000

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS CDS Co-operatives

0117 407 2415

0345 678 0555

cds.coop 0333 321 3030 Eden Housing Association

Equity Housing

Guinness Partnership

Acis Group

manninghamhousing.co.uk

Accent Group

muir.org.uk

acisgroup.co.uk

01274 771 144

accentgroup.org

0300 123 1222

0800 027 2057

0345 678 0555

Places for People

Broadacres

muir.org.uk

Bernicia

placesforpeople.co.uk

broadacres.org.uk

0300 123 1222

bernicia.com

01772 667 002

01609 767 900

Progress Housing Group

Crucible Homes

placesforpeople.co.uk

Castles and Coasts

progressgroup.org.uk

cruciblesalesandlettings.co.uk

01772 667 002

castlesandcoasts.co.uk

0333 320 4555

0114 241 3430

0800 085 1171 Together Housing

Regenda Homes

Equity Housing

togetherhousing.co.uk

Erimus Housing Ltd

regenda.org.uk

equityhousing.co.uk

0845 077 0027

erimushousing.co.uk

0344 736 0066

0300 123 4460

Home Group

0300 111 1000 Sanctuary North

homegroup.org.uk

Riverside Housing

Guinness Partnership

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

Guinness Partnership

0345 141 4663

Association

(Northern Counties)

0800 131 3348

(Northern Counties)

riverside.org.uk

guinnesspartnership.com

0345 155 9029

0303 123 1890

impacthousing.org.uk

guinnesspartnership.com Stonewater

0303 123 1890

stonewater.org Sanctuary North

Home Group

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

homegroup.org.uk

0800 131 3348

0345 141 1663

Association

01202 319 119

Home Group homegroup.org.uk

Wakefield and District

0345 141 1663

Housing

irwellvalleyha.co.uk

Your Housing Group

Leeds Federated Housing

wdh.co.uk

Karbon Homes

0161 610 1000

yhghomes.co.uk

Association

0345 850 7507

karbonhomes.co.uk

0845 618 5008

lfha.co.uk 0113 386 1000

Knowsley Housing Trust k-h-t.org 0151 290 7000

0300 111 1000

0344 800 3800

0303 123 1890

Irwell Valley Housing

Thirteen

Places for People

guinnesspartnership.com

0344 873 6290

0800 131 3348

thirteengroup.co.uk

Muir Group

(Northern Counties)

Impact Housing

Sanctuary North sanctuary-housing.co.uk

Muir Group

equityhousing.co.uk 0300 123 4460

NORTH EAST

Association

edenha.org.uk 01768 861 400

Manningham Housing

YORKS/ HUMBER

L&H Homes

0808 164 0111 Your Housing Group yhghomes.co.uk

Places for People

0845 618 5008

placesforpeople.co.uk

landh.org.uk Liverpool Housing Trust

Accent Group

lht.co.uk

accentgroup.org

01772 667 002

0345 309 0700

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20 QUESTIONS Adam Crawford is a Partner at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP and Head of its New Build Homes team who specialise in all aspects of new build and shared ownership conveyancing. Adam is vastly experienced in shared ownership and has worked in this sector for well over 10 years, acting not just for individuals but also for many housing associations and developers. His award-winning team at Prince Evans takes great satisfaction in helping hundreds of first time buyers achieve their dream of homeownership every year. Adam is a regular writer for First Time Buyer, writing articles to help explain the legal process of buying a home to ftbs

20 QUESTIONS th Wi

Adam Crawford

What room at home is your favourite?

It would have to be the family room. I live in a townhouse and the family room is on the ground floor and opens on to the garden, so it is a lovely light and airy room, but crucially it is where I watch all my football and sport on my 65in TV! My wife calls it my man cave!

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

I am a big gadget fan, so it's difficult to pick just one! I have almost every gadget going and it's what I waste most of my money on. The straightforward answer would be my iPhone as it is glued to me but my most recent toy is an Nvidia Shield streaming device, which I love.

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home?

I have a lot of greys in my house which has been through an "in" phase, but I like bright colours so I would say blues and purples – they are warm and inviting colours.

Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

David Attenborough as I am fascinated by wildlife and he would have so many stories. David Jason because who doesn’t want to have dinner with Del Boy? Finally, I would invite my mum as she wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t let her attend with the other two guests!

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

There were so many great memories but an overall favourite memory is our childhood dog, Paddy. He was a black collie and Labrador cross and just had the nicest nature. That or my late Dad’s antics – always making jokes and messing around.

What is your favourite song and why?

This is the toughest question ever! I am huge music fan and love nothing more than going to gigs and watching live music. Right now, I will say Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit and the reason is the raw emotion and power in the song and how it brings you down then brings you straight back with the powerful chorus.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

100% a garden; somewhere my dogs can play. I like the sanctity of plants and to feel like I can relax in my own little tropical paradise.

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I prefer the modern look, although I also have an appreciation of a period property with a modern interior. My ideal home would be a converted barn with high glass walls and ceilings and filled with lots of gadgets (and perhaps a swimming pool!).

Would you rather have a library room or media room at home?

Definitely a media room. I enjoy reading but because I read legal documents all day I am not minded to read outside of those times.

Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

I much prefer a daily shower over a bath. So, give me a power shower every day of the week.

Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

I like a compromise between the two. Right now, I live on the outskirts of a town; it’s two miles to town but if I leave my house and turn the other way then it is 10 miles or more of beautiful countryside, yet I can be in central London in an hour. Compromise!

If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

For me this is a very easy answer and would be a villa in Goa, India.

I have visited maybe 15 times – I got engaged there, I got married there, we have lifelong friends there.

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location?

When I was young I would say location. Now I am a little older it is all about the property. We spend so much time in our house that space is essential. Your home is your castle!

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home?

My two Chihuahuas! I know many of you will be laughing at my choice of pet but I don’t care! I love them and they bring so much joy!

What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work?

Work and home have blurred somewhat recently, but on those nights where I make myself log off to relax it would be to watch sport or a movie with a glass of wine or Scotch.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

It’s big and it’s mine! I was renting before and had a very nice but very small house. Owning my own home means I can make the changes I want, it is my investment and it is spacious.

Where did you buy your first home?

It was a small new build apartment in Knaphill, Woking, Surrey.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Save, save, save! You do not need that £4 coffee, have a free one at home! Do not rush into anything as it’s easy to go for viewings and get excited and reserve something on the spot without thinking it through. Finally, negotiate and ask about incentives.

What are your views on shared ownership?

It’s a fantastic product that allows people into homeownership who would otherwise be years away from achieving this. I would encourage anyone struggling to buy on the open market to research it.

What are your views on the property market?

One word – crazy!! The Stamp Duty holiday lit a fire under the housing market and it is yet to slowdown. Many buyers now want to live out of the major cities and somewhere they can have a garden and this is further fuelling certain parts of the market. At some point, it will level out but it is a guess as to when that may happen. prince-evans.co.uk

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