First Time Buyer June/July 2024

EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754

Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk

Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk

Editorial Assistant and Head of Special Events KATIE WRIGHT

Editorial and Special Events Assistant SOPHIE MUNNERY

Creative Director RYAN BEAL

Sub Editor KAY HILL

Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY

Contributors

CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, KAY HILL, STEVE HIRD, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN-OSGOOD, CORALIE PHELAN, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, STEPHEN WARD, KATIE WRIGHT

ADVERTISING

020 3488 7754

Director of Advertising/Exhibition Sales LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk

Special Events KATIE WRIGHT – National Home Buying Week – First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards katie@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk

Accounts accounts@ultimateguidecompany.com

Managing Director SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS

020 3488 7754

SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754

All advertising copy for August/September 2024 must be received before 28 June 2024. 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 2008-2024. 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.

Welcome

We are very excited that after much debate and deliberation our expert panel of judges has decided on the shortlist for our FTB Readers’ Awards 2024. You will find the shortlist on pages 93-113 and it is now up to you, our readers, to vote – please take a moment to go to ftbawards.com and cast your allimportant votes – thank you.

If you live in London, or visit, you might well use the Overground. Recently, the various lines have been renamed and I am sure like me you will be fascinated to know the history and stories behind the new names. Do turn to pages 22-26 to find out and also to check out some very affordable homes along the lines.

If you are struggling to save for a deposit to buy your first dream home, then London Living Rent or Rent to Buy could help. On pages 28-35 we explain how they work and we highlight some great homes that are available through the schemes.

If you are planning to spend some time outside enjoying the hopefully better weather, then check out our top choice of bright and fun outdoor living accessories on pages 10-11.

I hope you enjoy this bumper issue which is packed with information, and if you are struggling to understand how the homebuying process works, then I am sure you will find the answers to your questions inside.

Until next time, happy house hunting!

@firsttimebuyermag

firsttimebuyeronline

EDITOR’S PICKS…

Since the dark days of lockdown(s), we’ve all embraced more outdoor living.

Steve Hird, Stepping into Summer: Designing Your Outdoor Space, page 36

The homes and location here provide us with the ideal balance we’ve been looking for.

Martha Clarke-Reid, House Hunter, page 14

A home is very special and there is nothing quite like it.

Raj Somaiya, At home with, page 12

Consider your location carefully, and how you can get to the places you need to be.

Markus KendallYoung, 20 Questions, page 142

Your mortgage rate will depend on the amount of deposit you have, your credit history, and your income and expenditure.

Rupi Hunjan, Agony Agent, page 126

What’s in…

8 FTB Loves...

Enjoy the outdoors with these vibrant fruit-inspired hot buys.

10 Living

Celebrate summer and soak up the sun with the help of these outdoor living accessories.

12 At home with:

Raj Somaiya

Events planner and CEO of Silverfox Events, Raj works all over the world running high-pro le weddings, parties and corporate

sale – the best

90

It is a dream come true for first time buyers Liam Barber, 28, his partner Lana Stoner, 26, and her daughter Isla, five, along with Daisy the dog, who managed to buy a three bedroom apartment through Hyde New Homes and shared ownership at Bluebell Heights in Sussex.

events. He talks to Lynda Clark about his fascinating career, his rst home and has some great advice for rst time buyers.

14 House Hunter

We go on the hunt with Martha and Ali Clarke-Reid who are on the lookout for their rst home in Kent.

16 Developer’s doctor

Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, answers your property question.

FEATURED

18 The View: Ashlee Jane

Ashlee Jane is an awardwinning home decor in uencer, entrepreneur and the founder of The Suffolk Nest. She talks to Lynda Clark about how her thriving oral business began and gives some top tips on how to add owers to your home without breaking the bank!

22 Going Overground

The highly successful London Overground has recently had a rebrand. Debbie Clark looks at the six new line names and highlights some affordable homes along the different routes.

28 Pay lower rent to save for a deposit

If you are struggling to save for a deposit then London Living Rent and Rent to Buy could be the answer to your problems. We explain how it all works.

38 Homes of the future

Lynda Clark talks to Chris Baxter from HOMErs who explains about these innovative, low-cost modular homes, which are fully furnished and very luxurious.

OR THREE OR FOUR STEMS THAT YOU LOVE. THEY DON’T COST VERY MUCH AND WILL LOOK SENSATIONAL

REGULARS

122 Finance

First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards – time to vote!

50 and 70 Hotspots

We look at Chichester and Hendon as places to live.

Don’t get despondent and keep working towards your dream, says Kay Hill, who looks at the options.

124 Market

As rst time buyers struggle to nd a home that they can afford, is the Government doing all it can to ensure that more new homes are being built? Ginetta Vedrickas looks at the problem.

126 Agony Agent

Jane 115 Competition

All your property questions answered by our panel of experts.

129 Buyer’s Guide

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

Four lucky winner have the chance to win two 2.5L tins of V33 Extreme Protection Woodstain, worth £92.

116 First home, rst meal

Richard Craven, Head Chef of the One Michelin-starred The Royal Oak creates this mouthwatering recipe for trout, fresh peas and elder ower blossoms.

117 Know How

Trying to save for a deposit? Then these money-saving tips should come in very handy.

118 Cause for Complaint

Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, explains what to do if a property transaction goes wrong.

120 The Conveyancing Process

Shared Direction Conveyancing explains how the process works and the timescales involved.

134 How shared ownership resales and staircasing work

Coralie Phelan, Head of Resales and Staircasing at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, explains the resales process along with the option to staircase In the future.

136 Directory

Check which scheme is right for you, plus some useful contacts.

142 20 Questions

We ask 20 quick- re questions to a property expert and in this issue Markus Kendall-Young, Director of Vibe Living, is in the spotlight.

Ashlee

Mailbox

LOAN-TO-VALUE

I keep hearing the term “loan-to-value” and know that it is important, but I’m not entirely sure what it means. What does it involve and how important is it?

Marvin West

FTB says: Loan-to-value (LTV) plays a pivotal role in mortgage transactions, affecting both lenders and borrowers. LTV is a measure, used when getting a mortgage, to show the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value or purchase price of a property. It’s crucial for assessing risk, determining lending criteria and setting interest rates. Higher LTV ratios signify greater risk for lenders and may lead to higher interest rates or the requirement of mortgage insurance. For borrowers, a lower LTV means more equity in the property, offering benefits such as better loan terms and easier access to home equity.

This issue’s star letter prize wins a copy of Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House from photographer Gilbert McCarragher, worth £25 and published by Thames & Hudson. This book invites readers into the personal sanctuary of the iconic artist for the very first time. While the gardens of Prospect Cottage in Dungeness are much visited and widely known, few people have seen inside his house. All of the doors have windows in them, etched by Jarman with flowers or poems. In the studio, paints and power tools are scattered across the work table and many of the decorative objects are beachcombed finds, testament to the way the local environment served as inspiration to him. Available from Amazon and leading book shops.

STAMP DUTY

What are the current Stamp Duty rates for first time buyers and what is Stamp Duty Relief?

Chloe Farrington

FTB says: First time buyers in England and Northern Ireland are exempt from Stamp Duty on properties up to £425,000. For properties costing between £425,001 to £625,000 you’ll pay 5% Stamp Duty, but only

WRITE TO US!

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

lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

CHILDCARE COSTS

My partner and I are wanting to get on to the property ladder but we are concerned that the high childcare costs we currently have could hamper our mortgage application. Will this be the case?

Will Dewdon

FTB says: Childcare costs can indeed impact a mortgage decision. When applying for a mortgage, lenders typically assess the borrower’s income and expenses to determine their affordability and creditworthiness. Childcare costs are considered a significant expense and can affect the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio, which is a crucial factor in mortgage approval. It’s essential for people such as yourselves, considering a mortgage, to thoroughly evaluate your financial situation, including childcare expenses, and work with lenders or financial advisers to determine a realistic budget and mortgage affordability. It’s best to speak to a mortgage adviser who can give you advice based on your circumstances.

LIFETIME ISA AND SHARED OWNERSHIP

on the value above £425,000. Properties over £625,000 follow standard Stamp Duty rates. First Time Buyer Stamp Duty Relief is a measure designed by the Government to make it easier for people get on the property ladder following the guidelines above. It’s worth noting that Stamp Duty is set to change again in April 2025 so it’s a good time to make use of this tax relief while it’s available.

I have spent a long time trying to save enough to be able to get on to the property ladder. I took advantage of a Lifetime ISA and I have managed to accumulate a total of £7,000, which falls short of what I really need. Consequently, I have been exploring the option of shared ownership. Can I utilise the deposit from my Lifetime ISA for the shared ownership scheme?

Bradley Waters

FTB says: Yes, you can use a Lifetime ISA (LISA) to help buy a shared ownership property. The funds saved in a LISA can be used towards

the purchase of a first home, including shared ownership properties, as long as certain conditions are met. Some key points to consider are: eligibility (you must be a first time buyer), property value limit (the property does not exceed £450,000) and that you have met any conditions set out in your LISA as well. Again, it’s advisable to consult with a financial adviser or mortgage broker who can provide personalised advice based on your specific circumstances.

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

At home with: Raj Somaiya

Raj is an esteemed events planner and CEO of Silverfox Events who works internationally and in the UK. Starting out selling balloon bouquets with his late mother, he now runs high-profile weddings, birthday parties and corporate events. He also owns GupShup in Hale, which is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the North West. He chats to Lynda Clark about his incredible career, his first home and gives some good advice to first time buyers

Photos: iproductions

FTB: Tell us about your first step on the property ladder?

RS: In 2002 we bought an amazing townhouse in Whitefield called The Square, which had been designed by the renowned property developer PJ Livesey. It was really very special and had a garage in the basement, a den, a lovely kitchen that led on to a conservatory, and four bedrooms with an en suite to the main one plus a family bathroom. The communal gardens were wonderful and we really loved it. My eldest daughter was four when we moved there and my youngest daughter was just six months old. We stayed until 2016 when my son was born and it began to feel a little cramped and we wanted more space. We sold it and rented for around four years until we decided where we really wanted to move to.

FTB: Where do you live now?

RS: We were keen that our son went to Manchester Grammar School and we loved

Hale as an area. We bought a house which is on the cusp of Hale and Bowdon. Bowdon is a very affluent town and at one point the homes there were more expensive than in Knightsbridge! It’s an old detached house and is gated and has a stunning garden. We have done a great deal of work to it and extended it and turned it back to brick. It’s over four floors and has six bedrooms all with en suites and we have created a little temple upstairs. We still have to finish the interiors of the main lounge and dining

room but we hope to complete them this year. We invested every single penny we had into the house and we pretty much gutted it. I copied the idea from our other house, The Square, and we created an orangery which leads off the kitchen. It’s all really very special and I think this will be our forever home.

FTB: How did you career begin?

RS: My mother had three Post Offices and card shops and I used to help her. It was the mid 80s but sadly in 1989 interest rates rocketed and we couldn’t afford to carry on with the shops and we went bust! It was very sad but my mother was an incredible woman. Luckily she had also started a helium balloon business and was the first person to offer balloon bouquets in the North. She had arrived in the UK aged 19 from Africa and married my father and she

“WE ARE WELL KNOWN FOR OUR GROUND-BREAKING DESIGN IDEAS, BESPOKE WEDDING CREATIONS AND IMPECCABLY HIGH STANDARDS OF FOOD, DRINKS AND SERVICE”

“I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD REALLY RESEARCH THE AREA THEY ARE LOOKING

TO BUY IN AND DO YOUR SUMS”

was very clever and a real entrepreneur. She then became the first Indian wedding planner in the country and she was highly successful. In 2002 she branched into catering for Indian weddings and parties and arranged around 300 weddings a year – it was very hard work! The company was called Payal, which is the Indian word for an anklet which has bells on, which are very popular at Indian weddings. I worked with my mum and was responsible for all the logistics and she did sales. It was the perfect duo as she was very creative and had great attention to detail.

FTB: You are now CEO of Silverfox Events, can you tell us about that?

and she is brilliant – she does all the PR run high-profile weddings for people of

me to be a judge alongside two celebrities, who were Fred Sirieix and Sara Davies. We got on really well and I love working on TV and I’ve been told I am very charismatic. I have also been on The Apprentice – You’re Fired on BBC2 hosted by Tom Allen. The first challenge on the programme was to put on an event and I was asked to comment on it. It was very funny to see what they all planned.

FTB: Tell us about your restaurant?

RS: I opened a restaurant called GupShup in Hale, which in Hindi means chat or

FTB: What are your plans for the future?

RS: During Covid we had to completely shut down, but 2022 and 2023 have been our best years so far. We love our work but we also want to spend more time with the children. We have an office in London and Paris but we are opening one in Dubai as that is a much bigger sea to swim in. There’s so much going on there and my philosophy is that you have to keep moving forward.

FTB: What advice do you have for first time buyers?

RS: We made a big mistake when we bought The Square. We paid £395,000 and when we sold in 2016 we only got £580,000, which considering the time we lived there wasn’t a great profit, so look at the capital growth in the area you are buying in and ensure you will make money when you decide to move on. I think everyone should really research the area they are

fazes us and we did another party on a

RS: I married my wife Sheetal in 1995 and she is brilliant – she does all the PR and marketing and is creative director. We run high-profile weddings for people of all faiths as well as bar mitzvahs, birthday parties and corporate events. We run and create every aspect of the occasion. We are well known for our ground-breaking design ideas, bespoke wedding creations and impeccably high standards of food, drinks and service. One occasion that stands out is an extravagant 50th birthday party at Palais Garnier in Paris. We brought a Mancunian twist to an iconic Marie Antoinette theme and everyone loved it. We also did a Great Gatsby-themed party, which was like building a film set. It took three weeks to build and was incredible. Nothing really fazes us and we did another party on a yacht off the coast of St Tropez and had to crane the infrastructure in. After my mum passed away in 2017 we sold the original company, Payal, to somebody we knew and now we just concentrate on Silverfox.

FTB: Tell us about your television work?

was great fun to do and I really enjoyed the experience. Then, during Covid, I was approached to be a judge on a show

RS: In 2014 I was approached to do a documentary called My Big Fat Asian Wedding for Channel 4. They documented everything I did, organising four weddings, around the country, for nine months. It was great fun to do and I really enjoyed the experience. Then, during Covid, I was approached to be a judge on a show for BBC2 they were planning called The Ultimate Wedding Planner. They were looking for three luxury planners but they only liked me! After the pandemic was over they approached me again and said they were changing the format of the programme and that they wanted

gossip. It is one of the best known and most popular Indian restaurant in the North West. We have recently changed the vibe and created a new menu. I have a great Italian general manager and we offer Pan-Indian food which is rather like tapas – lots of smaller dishes which are all very different and it’s worked very well.

looking to buy in and do your sums. A home is very special and there is nothing quite like it but you also have to think further down the line and look at the capital growth in say 10 years’ time.

silverfoxevents.com Instagram: @silverfoxevents and @rajsomaiyaofficial

The HOUSE HUNTER

This month FTB goes on the hunt with Martha and Ali who are looking to move from London to Kent and are seeking a new home with at least two bedrooms and good commuter links

What we found…

THE GO-TO DESTINATIONTHE COUNTRY CONNECTION

Names Martha Clarke-Reid, 37, Ali Clarke-Reid, 42

Occupations Recruitment Manager, Events Co-ordinator

Maximum budget £300,000

Requirements A home with at least two bedrooms and ideally a garden, in Kent, with good rail links to London and a range of local facilities close by

What they wanted…

We made the decision to leave London a little while ago and have spent a while trying to nd the right place for us.

We’ve settled on Kent as we’re both from the South – me from Kent, Ali from Surrey – and it’s possible to nd a great quality of life within easy reach of the capital. We live in a very busy and polluted part of London and though we love city life, we’ve fallen out of love with the area and would like to be closer to family as well as to all the countryside and coastline that Kent has to offer. We both have to be in London regularly, so would like rail links to be no more than one hour each way. We’d love some outdoor space and ideally to have local shops and facilities within walking distance.”

Whitstable Heights  Whitstable, Kent Spring Acres Sittingbourne, Kent

The ever-popular coastal town of Whitstable is a huge draw for homebuyers and holiday makers alike, charmed by its mix of pretty cottages, historic harbour and scenic sea views. The new homes at Whitstable Heights give rst time buyers the chance to be part of this lifestyle in brand new, quality homes. The development includes two, three and four bedroom houses and coach houses. The larger homes feature open-plan living/dining areas that open to turfed rear gardens, en suites to the larger bedrooms, and plenty of storage.

hydenewhomes.co.uk

*Shared ownership: based on a 40% share of the full market value of £285,000

Situated on the outer fringes of Sittingbourne, this new collection of two, three and four bedroom homes borders open elds and stunning countryside. The development is also set within a country park itself, while the Kent Downs and North Kent coast are reached in mere minutes. The three bedroom properties feature a separate living room and kitchen, while upstairs there’s an en suite from the main bedroom. Nearby Sittingbourne is great for schools and amenities and has a theatre and cinema. Trains reach London St Pancras in 69 minutes.

hydenewhomes.co.uk

*Shared ownership: based on a 40% share of the full market value of £415,000

What they thought…

I grew up in Kent and we visited the coastal town of Whitstable on a regular basis. I have some lovely memories of the area and it’s always been so popular. We visited a few years ago when a couple of our friends moved down and it really is just as lovely as I remember – they can’t recommend it enough. The properties are of a high quality and we’re super impressed that we can afford a house here; something we could only have imagined in London.”

Wow – what pretty surroundings this development has. We’d certainly never be short on places to explore for walks, and I can imagine the air is fresh and lovely – a big change from our current place. The properties are very attractive – we love that the three bedroom homes have a separate living room, and can barely imagine having so much space. The extra bedroom means we’d have enough room for guests as well as an of ce space, which is just amazing.”

THE LAKESIDE LOVELY THE COASTAL CHARM

These beautiful new homes sit in a pretty spot on the Kent coast, just 15 miles from the white cliffs of Dover. The properties available range from two bedroom apartments to four bedroom detached houses, all with outdoor space, and many with views out over lakes. The apartments feature open-plan living/dining areas with French doors leading to a private terrace. The bedrooms are well sized, with the main also featuring an en suite. London can be reached in under two hours – including a 20-minute drive to Ashford International.

barratthomes.co.uk

This is a beautiful development – the surroundings are just so different to what we’re used to – stunning lakes on the doorstep, and the sea literally minutes from the door. Hythe is very close by and has all the amenities you’d need on a daily basis, while Ashford is only a 20-minute drive, so we’d never be far from super-speedy travel. This is a real getaway-fromit-all location. It’s a bit far south for us at the moment, but it has given us serious pause for thought.”

First choice!

Ramsgate is among the Kent seaside towns that have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with increasing numbers of young professionals buying in or relocating to the area. These new three bedroom homes offer the perfect mix of coast, country and town. On the ground oor you can enjoy a spacious kitchen/dining area with French doors leading out on to the garden, a light- lled relaxing lounge, and a bathroom. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, with an en suite to the main bedroom, a single bedroom, and a modern family bathroom.

barratthomes.co.uk

There’s a lovely mix of country and coastal here: although you’re not right by the sea, it’s such a short drive, that we could really make the most of it without having to do a huge trip. We really like how the development includes green space and wildlife areas and that there are a range of properties, meaning a more diverse community around us. Ramsgate is a cool place - it’s got a lot of history but also has a growing arts and culture scene, which really is a piece of us.”

THE PERFECT BALANCE

Riverside Square Canterbury, Kent

This contemporary new collection of one to three bedroom properties forms part of the larger Riverside development, which runs alongside the River Stour in the centre of the city of Canterbury. Residents can enjoy the facilities of the new public square, all moments from the historic city centre, complete with restaurants, bars and cinema just a short walk away. A mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments and three bedroom houses is available. The houses are bright and spacious with modern features including EV charging points in the driveway. Trains from nearby Canterbury West reach London in 55 minutes.

hydenewhomes.co.uk

“To say we’re excited about the homes at Riverside Square is a serious understatement. We are very committed to making this dream a reality. We registered with Hyde New Homes right away, have our nances in order and a mortgage offer in principle for the right amount.”

The homes and location here provide us with the ideal balance we’ve been looking for – a taste of city life outside of London, with country and coastline all on the doorstep. We love the look of Canterbury, with its stunning historic sights and lots of entertainment and culture on offer, and the commuting time into London is so impressive. The houses are just perfect – very contemporary and stylish. The kitchens are just to our taste, and we would be so proud to invite friends and family over for dinner or to stay. There’s so much close by, too, with some absolutely amazing coastline within a 20-minute drive.“

Martello Lakes Hythe, Kent

Spit re Green Ramsgate, Kent

THE NEXT STEP

Marc Woolfe is the Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson’s North Thames division, joining in 2012 on the Barratt Aspire Graduate scheme as a Sales & Marketing Graduate. From specialising in the sales sector and beginning his career as a Sales Adviser, Marc joined the North Thames division in 2019 as a Senior Sales Manager before entering his current role in the summer of 2022. Marc is keen to encourage and help aspiring owners on to the property ladder as much as possible in 2024

Q Mypartner and I are both in our mid-20s and live and work in London, having been raised there and lived there all our lives. We are looking to escape the city to enjoy a quieter way of life and to get on to the property ladder but don’t want to move too far from our family, friends and jobs, which require us to commute into the office for most of the week. Do you have any advice about the process for first time buyers and are there any areas you’d recommend that are commutable to London?

AWell, you’ve made the first important step in deciding you are ready to buy your first home and move out of London, congratulations! Starting out can seem very daunting but there are plenty of options, locations and schemes available to first time buyers. The market for 2024 is looking seemingly better too, with interest rates not as high as they were in the peak of 2022.

The good news is that there are plenty of areas surrounding London that have excellent transport links in and out of the city and house prices that are a fraction of the cost of what you see in London.

We see first time buyers of all ages and demographics interested in our developments here at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, and, in fact, around half of our buyers are getting on the property ladder for the first time, so you are not alone in the process.

A number of towns in counties such as Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire have become increasingly popular post-pandemic as they offer a perfect blend of countryside living while still being within commutable distance of the city. My advice would be to look at the train lines that have regular services in and out of London and evaluate the affordability of those areas.

As an example, Leagrave station is a stone’s throw away from our Linmere development and is served by Thameslink. Services take just 36 minutes into the city – which is quicker than some underground services take to reach Zones 3 or 4 in London!

We see plenty of buyers from the north of London, from areas such as Bushey, Mill Hill and Finchley, so you would certainly not be alone in looking towards neighbouring counties to London.

There are also plenty of schemes available to help first time buyers at Barratt David Wilson North Thames. All of our homes come with best-in-class energy efficiency as standard, and our Deposit Unlock scheme allows buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit¹. We also provide a Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme which is available to people in a range of job roles and offers a £1,000 contribution for every £20,000 of the purchase price.

Most recently, we have launched the “Own New – Rate Reducer”² mortgage product, where Barratt Homes could contribute 3% or 5% and will see buyers benefit from reduced monthly mortgage repayments for the first two to five years.

Finally, my most important piece of advice is to research, research, research. To get the ball rolling, speak to a mortgage adviser, as you might be surprised by what you can actually afford, and they will help you to set financial goals and guide you through the process. Best of luck!

1 barratthomes.co.uk/offers/deposit-unlock/

2 barratthomes.co.uk/offers/own-new-rate-reducer/

We have many developments throughout Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, including our agship Kingsbrook development in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, which has a good mix of starter properties for rst time buyers...

Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director, Barratt David Wilson North Thames Kingsbrook, Aylesbury

CANAL QUARTER FROM £231,500 ORCHARD GREEN FROM £245,00

 This is a large, multi-phase development near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, comprising 2,450 new homes, three new schools and new community infrastructure.

 We’ve partnered with the RSPB, so sustainability is at the heart of this development. It includes a 250-acre area of wildlife-rich space, and we’ve installed a number of bat and bird boxes and created more than 100 allotments.

 Canal Quarter: two bedroom homes from £231,500 (Barratt Homes)

 The partnership has seen a number of conservation-concerned species increase in numbers such as house sparrows, starlings and whitethroats.

 Orchard Green: one bedroom apartments from £245,000 (Barratt Homes), three and four bedroom homes from £380,000 (David Wilson).

Find out more at barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev001701-canal-quarter-at-kingsbrook/

FLOWER POWER!

Ashlee Jane, an award-winning home decor influencer and entrepreneur, is the visionary founder behind flourishing floral e-commerce business The Suffolk Nest. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram, she talks to Lynda Clark about how her thriving business began and gives some tips on how to add flowers to your home without breaking the budget

Ashlee runs The Suffolk Nest with her husband Chris, and although business is booming and she is incredibly busy, she has time to chat and obviously loves what she does with a great deal of passion. She explains, “I had a very normal upbringing. My sister is only 15 months older than me and we were like two peas in a pod! I was actually born in Liverpool, but my parents moved to Suffolk because of my dad’s work. Then when I was five, we all moved again to Hong Kong because of my dad’s career. My mum stayed at home and looked after us all and made a lot of sacrifices for the family. It did instil in me that a career was very important, and I used my dad as a role model. It was about 30 years ago, so not many English people had ever visited Hong Kong and we were rather unique. We used to get stopped in the street and the local

"WE WORKED ALL HOURS AND IT WAS BOTH EXCITING AND CHAOTIC BUT THE SUFFOLK NEST WAS BORN"

people wanted to touch our faces or hold our hands –apparently for good luck – it was a very special time.”

Ashlee eventually went to university in Nottingham to study Fashion Management. “I was rather headstrong and always wanted to be the best at everything I did. I worked myself into the ground and set such high standards for myself. It really brought out the best and worst in me.” She got a first class honours degree and her dissertation on how online shopping was set to change the world won awards. Little did she know at the time that she would end up running her very own e-commerce business! “I then got a job at ASOS as a merchandiser, which again was a highly successful online fashion brand and tied in well with my dissertation. It was buzzing, busy, thriving and very exciting. We had goals to hit, and it was pretty full-on. I had to work on a lot of spreadsheets and numbers though and I missed doing anything creative. As a child I had always loved making things and I felt this creativity was lacking in my life and work.”

After two years. Ashlee decided to move on as the wages were low and it was difficult to get a promotion and move up the ranks, but also time to move closer to home. She moved back to Suffolk and got a job

"IT SEEMS INCREDIBLE THAT A HOBBY HAS BECOME MY FULL TIME CAREER AND WE ARE IN A PERIOD OF HUGE GROWTH AT THE MOMENT AND BEGINNING TO SCALE THINGS UP"

with Cadbury. “I stayed there for eight years and it suited me at the time. It was getting near to Christmas and I was due to go with some friends on a wreath-making course. I had a terrible day as I had been driving a lot and was very tired but I felt I had to turn up as there were only four of us going and I didn’t want to let anyone down. Thank goodness I did go as that night something clicked! I loved it and it sparked something in me to want to do more. I went home and made lots more wreaths and foraged shrubs and trees in my parents' garden to work with. Then I suddenly got requests from friends to make one for them and things started to take off.

“A friend then asked me if I could do the flowers at her wedding, which came as a bit of a shock. She wanted orchids and a trailing bouquet and I felt it was way out of my zone. I advised her that she needed a professional florist but Chris, my husband, encouraged me and said it might be my only opportunity to do something on such a large scale as this. I suppose I just needed someone to believe in me and I decided to go ahead. I spent hours and hours looking at orchids on the internet and how to work with them. I was terrified they would all die but everything worked out all right and the wedding was beautiful. She loved what I did and I must admit I was quite euphoric.”

Ashlee had been running an Instagram account detailing all the home renovations she and Chris were doing on their house. “I occasionally put up stories about flowers and wreaths and they were very popular. But, then the pandemic hit and while we were all at home I decided to launch my own Christmas wreath-making kit. People would buy the kit which I posted to them and then follow my video on how to make it. To my absolute surprise it went wild but we had no website and no way of taking anyone’s money and I had to go through each individual message on Instagram and get back to everyone.

"The other problem was where to get the flowers, as up until then I had only used a small local grower who just didn’t have the capacity to supply me with the amount I needed. It was very tough as my daughters were so young, Orla was two and Florence just six months, and I was working all hours trying to look after them and run the business. I was on maternity leave but Chris decided to come into the business and my parents thought I was crazy, but I couldn’t have done it without them. We worked all hours and it was both exciting and chaotic, but The Suffolk Nest was born.”

They created a website and at the start they only had three items for sale. One was an apothecary glass vase which they sold thousands of. They had a lot of hurdles

"INSTAGRAM IS MY BABY AND WE GET AROUND 100 TO 200 MESSAGES A DAY, WHICH IS A LOT TO DEAL WITH. IT IS AN INCREDIBLE PLATFORM AND IS A HUGE PRIORITY TO ME"

to jump through as they needed to find more suppliers and sort out packaging. Then Ashlee was at a supplier and saw a eucalyptus stem which she was convinced was real but was actually faux. She said, “I asked how many stems they had and they came back and said just 80, so I bought them all. I packed them into the boot of my car and when I got home Chris was very surprised and asked how I proposed to sell them! They are still extremely popular today and three years on we work with different manufacturers and many different types of stems – it’s just grown and grown!”

Chris came into the business full time around a year ago. It was a very big decision for them both as they have two young children and a mortgage. “I had a real inner belief that we would make it work. At the time we rented a warehouse, but within a year we had run out of space. We used to pack everything ourselves and often had to work nearly all night to get through the orders but we now employ someone to do it and we have a warehouse manager and executive. Chris looks after logistics and I look after everything else – I literally have a different hat on throughout the day!”

They stopped dealing with fresh flowers a couple of years ago as shipping them created multiple problems. For starters they are perishable and hot weather can cause real problems, plus once they are with a courier anything might happen. “I didn’t want to get a reputation for sending dead flowers to our customers. I used to panic and not sleep just imagining what might go wrong and that made me resent the flowers, which was awful. We don’t do weddings any more either as they take up so much time and at weekends too and we really want to spend some family time with the girls as we are always so busy.

“It seems incredible that a hobby has become my full-time career and we are in a period of huge growth at the moment and beginning to scale things up. I pride ourselves on our customer service though, as that is very important – some days I think we will take over the world and others I just go with the flow, but I am so happy and proud at what we have achieved.”

Ashlee and the family live in Suffolk and have recently moved into a new home.

“We moved at Christmas which was a bit of a nightmare but I love Christmas and I managed to decorate the new house and put up a gorgeous garland on the fireplace mantle, and make it homely and cosy for our girls' first Christmas there.”

Ashlee has some great advice for first time buyers who are working on a small budget but would still like faux flowers in their dream home. “My advice would be to buy just one arrangement or three or four stems that you love and arrange them in a simple vase. They don’t cost very much and will look sensational on a coffee table, in the kitchen, or bedroom. Buy something you really can’t resist and I know it will make a very big impact and you won’t have the expense of buying fresh flowers every week which can be pricey.”

She looks after all the social media and has just hit over half a million followers on Instagram. She explained, ”Instagram is my baby and we get around 100 to 200 messages a day, which is a lot to deal with. It is an incredible platform and is a huge priority for me and sometimes Chris will help me with content to put up but it’s very precious to me – it’s where it all started! We are also on TikTok which is great too.”

As if Ashlee wasn’t busy enough, she has also written a book, House of Flowers, published by Quercus, £25. It features 30 floral project ideas across each season and was published in March 2023 and hit the bestseller list on multiple occasions. “It was quite chaotic as I am not a writer, but I loved the creative side of it and all the wonderful photoshoots we did. It’s sold around 11,000 copies which is great and I am very pleased that I did it, even though it was tough.”

Ashlee and Chris enjoy their holidays with the girls and even though they are both passionate about The Suffolk Nest, they try to spend as much family time as possible. The world-class faux flowers, arrangements and home decor pieces are stunning, but after talking to Ashlee I truly think her favourite is the Christmas wreaths she makes – it was, after all, where it all began.

thesuffolknest.com

@The_Suffolk_Nest

GOING OVERGROUND

Carrying more than three million customers a week and serving 113 stations and all nine London fare zones, The London Overground is one of the most successful railways in the country. In 2024 it is undergoing an exciting rebrand! Debbie Clark explores how the six new line names – and colours – will strengthen and celebrate the identity of the areas they serve, and identifies some of the best new developments for first time buyers in those areas

The London Underground map, designed by Harry Beck in 1931, is widely recognised as a design classic. However, as sections of the London Overground have been added since 2007, the parallel orange lines (that now represent over 100 miles of railway!) have proved confusing in comparison to their stylish underground counterparts. Responding to research by Transport for London (TfL), which indicated customers would find the Overground network easier to navigate if it wasn’t one colour and name, an independent research and naming process was undertaken by DNCO, a creative agency specialising in place branding and naming.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said, "This is a hugely exciting moment, transforming how we think about London's transport network. Giving each of the Overground lines distinct colours and identities will make it simpler and easier for passengers to get around. In reimagining London's tube map, we are also honouring and celebrating different parts of London's unique local history and culture. The new names and colours have been chosen through engagement with passengers, historians and local communities, reflecting the heritage and diversity of our amazing city."

THE WEAVER LINE: LIVERPOOL STREET TO CHESHUNT/ENFIELD

TOWN/CHINGFORD

SO, WHAT ARE THESE NEW NAMES AND WHY ARE THEY SIGNIFICANT? FROM £298,000

The Weaver Line runs through Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, Bethnal Green and Hackney – areas known for the textile trade, and shaped by different migrant communities at different points in history. The Huguenots in the 17th century established a flourishing silk trade, and in the next century, Irish weavers arrived searching for work after the collapse of the Irish linen trade. At the end of the 19th century and during the second world war, Jewish families fleeing antisemitism in eastern Europe moved to the area, revitalising the garment industry and maintaining the market at Petticoat Lane. By the 1960s, Bangladeshi immigration increased due to the area’s low-cost housing and work opportunities in the textile and garment industry. The Weaver Line also weaves its way up to Walthamstow, home to William Morris.

WALTHAMSTOW – THE WEAVER LINE Forest Road E17

There are 90 one bedroom, energy-ef cient apartments available at a 20% discount to the local market. Situated within minutes of Lloyd Park and opposite the Grade II* listed William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 has a host of communal spaces for residents to enjoy, including two roof terraces. Here, residents can make use of the shared allotment beds to grow fruit and veg, use the space to exercise, or relax with neighbours.

pocketliving.com/projects/development/32-forest-road-e17-waltham-forest 020 7291 3683

THE LIONESS LINE: EUSTON TO WATFORD JUNCTION

Running through the heart of Wembley, The Lioness Line honours the historic achievements and lasting legacy created by the England women’s football team. The Lionesses enjoyed their greatest triumph when they won the UEFA Women’s EURO final in 2022. Their success in this tournament, along with their memorable run to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final a year later, have attracted millions of fans and had a significant impact on the sport’s participation numbers; 2.3 million more women and girls were inspired to play football. The Lionesses continue to inspire and empower the next generation of women and girls in sport.

ALPERTON – THE LIONESS LINE

Liberty Wharf

Liberty Wharf in Alperton offers a collection of one, two, and three bedroom apartments available through shared ownership, by the historic Grand Union Canal. Liberty Wharf is ideal for city lovers seeking a home with easy access to leisurely towpath walks, runs and bike rides. It has the added bonus of being close to popular local parks and green spaces.

Liberty Wharf is just an 18-minute walk to the Overground and a 10-minute walk to Alperton station, where the Piccadilly Line takes just 24 minutes to South Kensington or 34 minutes to Leicester Square. Alperton is packed full of neighbourhood cafes and culinary hotspots, with a diverse and welcoming community. Homes offer high-speci cation interiors, oorto-ceiling windows and secluded communal gardens and kitchens include an integrated fridge-freezer, oven and electric hob. The two and three bedroom apartments have secure underground car parking available, and all homes are kitted out with a video entry system.

liberty-wharf.co.uk 0300 100 0308

THE LIBERTY LINE: ROMFORD TO UPMINSTER

Eastman

Village

Diego, a Technical Account Manager, purchased his two bedroom shared ownership apartment (including parking) in November 2023. He paid a deposit of £11,500 for a 25% share of the £460,000 home at Harrow and Wealdstone Heights.

Diego explains, “I had previously been privately renting a two bedroom home in north London. Before that, I had owned a property in Bedford but had relocated back to London to be closer to my kids.” He was keen to get back on the property ladder.

HARROW – THE LIONESS LINE

Eastman Village is a regeneration project on the site of the former Kodak factory which will provide over 2,000 new homes, a school, shops, leisure and community facilities, a new medical centre and commercial space. The development will offer electric car charging points, free car club membership for residents and plenty of cycle storage. Commuters will be able to reach Euston in just 13 minutes via Harrow & Wealdstone station, on the Lioness Line, which is only a 14-minute walk away.

barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev002159eastman-village 0343 253 8918

The Liberty Line celebrates the freedom that is a defining feature of London. It runs through Havering and the name is indicative of the unique independence of the area, reflecting its past, present and future. Liberty references the motto of the London Borough of Havering, and its historical status as a royal liberty, which also gives its name to the Royal Liberty School in Gidea Park and the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford. It also reflects the independent spirit of the Havering community. The line links the borough to the rest of London by connecting it to the Elizabeth Line, and enables residents to enjoy the freedom and independence that public transport provides; it gives them the liberty to explore the capital now and in the future.

Diego was aware of the shared ownership scheme but was unsure as to whether he would qualify having previously owned a property. Upon enquiring with the Origin team, he quickly learnt that he would be, as his income fell under the £90,000 threshold for London and he did not own a property or part of one at the time of application.

Diego searched online for north London homes. “I hadn’t previously considered Harrow,” he admits, “but when I came across Origin Housing and its new development, the apartments looked really great, so I knew I had to check it out!” He researched journey times and found it was an easy journey to both his son in Burnt Oak and his daughter in En eld. “I took both of them to see the apartment,” he says, “and they loved it as well, so I knew it was the place for me.”

Diego was really impressed by how much he would get for his money. He says, “The apartments were really spacious and I could easily t two single beds with a desk in the second bedroom for my kids.” Diego was also attracted by the local amenities and transport links. The development is also pet friendly, which was important to Diego as he has an eight-month-old puppy, Elvis.

Diego is delighted with his new investment. “The whole process was really quick,” he reports. “I had a positive experience from start to nish.” Looking ahead to his future, he says, “My long-term plan is de nitely to staircase in the future – I’d like to own a greater share in my apartment. For now, I’m enjoying settling into a routine and having my kids come to stay – it’s fantastic to have more space as they get older.”

Yerin and Alex have purchased a 25% share of a £497,500 one bedroom apartment at L&Q’s Silk District in Whitechapel, with a deposit of £18,500. The couple were also able to take advantage of an exclusive L&Q deposit-match incentive.

Having met in Spain eight years ago, the couple had been in a long-distance relationship for three years before settling in London in 2017. Yerin explains, “Alex and I had been in a long-distance relationship while I was living in New York, so when I decided to move to London, we were excited by the prospect of nally being able to start our lives together. However, buying a property simply wasn’t an option for us, as prices were far too expensive, and the deposits required for homes in good locations were really high. We couldn’t call upon our parents for any support either, so renting really was the only option for us, we thought, for the long-term.”

However, by 2022, frustrated by in ated rental prices, Alex and Yerin began to research whether an alternative homeownership route could offer them the stability they craved. Having worked in the social housing sector, Yerin was already familiar with shared ownership and L&Q. She recalls that they began looking to see whether shared ownership could offer them a stepping stone on to the property ladder. “Privately renting in London means that building savings is a real challenge, so we needed a lowdeposit option,” she explains.

Prioritising areas with good connectivity to their jobs in west and central London, the couple soon discovered L&Q at The Silk District. Alex says, “The Silk District really stood out to us because of the fantastic on-site amenities that were included – no other developments we had seen had such large communal gardens or a gym, cinema or concierge service. The location was also ideal – the Elizabeth Line has made the whole capital easily accessible.”

Re ecting on their experience, Yerin says, “Shared ownership gave a chance that we thought simply not possible. It’s enabled us to get on to the property ladder, be independent and nd a lovely home in a well-connected and vibrant area!”

THE WINDRUSH LINE: HIGHBURY & ISLINGTON TO CLAPHAM JUNCTION/ NEW CROSS/CRYSTAL PALACE/ WEST CROYDON

The Windrush Line runs through areas with strong ties to Caribbean communities today, such as Dalston Junction, Peckham Rye and West Croydon. The arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in June 1948 marked the start of the "Windrush generation", which included Caribbean communities who migrated to help rebuild Britain after the second world war in critical industries such as construction, healthcare and transport. Sadly, these immigrants were often met with intolerance and denied access to housing, shops, pubs, clubs and even churches on account of their race. In addition to bringing vital skills, these communities enriched and expanded London’s music scene at the time, and influenced more recent genres such as hip hop, rap and grime, which play an important part in our vibrant, multicultural capital. The new line celebrates the Windrush generation and the wider importance of migration that continues to shape and enrich London’s cultural and social identity today.

WHITECHAPEL – THE WINDRUSH LINE

L&Q at The Silk District

Available exclusively through shared ownership, these contemporary one and two bedroom apartments are located moments from Whitechapel station and within walking distance to the City. Each home has been nished to the highest standard, with fully integrated appliances, a contemporary speci cation, and its own private outdoor space. The development also bene ts from impressive residents-only facilities including access to a private on-site cinema, gym with high-spec Technogym equipment and Peloton spin studio, as well as 24-hour concierge with communal areas and podium gardens for socialising.

lqhomes.com/thesilkdistrict 020 8189 7504

CROYDON – THE WINDRUSH LINE

Aspect Croydon

Aspect Croydon offers one, two and three bedroom shared ownership homes set within a 26-storey development. The homes support ef cient living, with A-rated kitchen appliances, LED lighting and under oor heating throughout. Each apartment also offers its own private winter garden, many of which are dual aspect, with far-reaching views from oor-to-ceiling windows. The development also bene ts from a concierge service, set within an impressive entrance lobby with  exible mezzanine communal space. Aspect Croydon is a 10-minute walk from West Croydon station, on the new Windrush Line. Wellesley Road tram stop is also right on the development’s doorstep and East Croydon station is a ve-minute walk away.

nhghomes.com/aspectcroydon 020 3432 4974

THE MILDMAY LINE: STRATFORD TO RICHMOND/CLAPHAM JUNCTION

The Mildmay Line, which runs through Dalston, honours the small but crucial NHS hospital in Shoreditch, most notable for its pivotal role in the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Mildmay has a long charitable history. It opened in the 1860s as an informal help centre and when cholera broke out in 1866, two Mildmay deaconesses volunteered to assist in the East End’s poorest slums. In 1892, the first purpose-built Mildmay Hospital opened in Shoreditch. In 1982, Mildmay was closed owing to its small size and a lack of funding but, after a six-year battle, it reopened as Europe’s first hospital for people with HIV- and AIDS-related illnesses. Mildmay was visited by Princess Diana numerous times and the press coverage of these visits is credited with helping break the stigma at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. It is still an internationally renowned centre for the rehabilitation of and care for patients with complex HIV and is a valued and respected place for London’s LGBTQ+ community. The name embraces the wider role of the NHS, and particularly its smaller healthcare centres, in caring for all Londoners.

WHITE CITY – THE MILDMAY LINE

The Acer Apartments

This impressive development, set within eight acres of green spaces, offers studio homes and one bedroom apartments with 24-hour security and concierge. The homes feature the latest energy-saving measures to keep bills low. The Acer Apartments are located in a vibrant community close to a vast array of entertainment, leisure and retail options. They are conveniently located a 15-minute walk from Shepherd’s Bush station on the Mildmay Line.

landgah.com/shared-ownership/properties/the-acer-apartments-at-white-city 0808 256 1473

THE SUFFRAGETTE LINE: GOSPEL OAK TO BARKING RIVERSIDE

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £505,000

The Suffragette Line celebrates the working-class movement in the East End that fought for votes for woman and paved the way for women’s rights, paying particular homage to the East London Federation of Suffragettes who campaigned for the rights of working-class women. They held public marches and meetings, produced a weekly newspaper and formed a small People’s Army to defend themselves from police violence. The line runs to Barking, home of the longest surviving Suffragette Annie Huggett, who died at 103. A key member of the movement, she was a pioneer who fought for votes when she was just a teenager. She even held tea for the Pankhursts, a family of leading suffragettes, at her home. Women in the area continue to campaign for equal rights today, from the Women Activists of East London to The Fawcett Society based in Bethnal Green, which campaigns for equal rights at work –such as closing the gender pay gap – as well as at home and in public life.

CASE STUDY

Hono, an IT Consultant based in London, recently purchased a one bedroom apartment at Acer Apartments with Legal & General Affordable Homes.

Hono purchased his new home through the shared ownership scheme and was pleasantly surprised by the costs. Having lived in a private tenancy prior to his purchase, he was surprised to nd that buying a shared ownership home cost him the same each month as renting had, with the added bene ts of property ownership. Hono says, “I used to rent in West Ealing and the funniest thing is the amount I paid for rent and the amount it costs to get a property with shared ownership is actually the same – I’m now paying towards a property that I love, live in and I actually own.”

Hono was attracted to the Acer Apartments initially primarily for their location; he continues, “Shared ownership has de nitely helped me to buy, and indeed in the west London area – without it, it’s pretty much unaffordable to live here. With shared ownership, it just makes it happen.”

As for the future, Hono would love to buy a dog one day – he recalls the second question he asked was if the ats were pet friendly! But, for now, he is just settling in and enjoying buying new furniture. He concludes, “It’s a new leap, but it’s a good one I believe.”

BARKING – THE SUFFRAGETTE LINE

Barking Riverside

L&Q is currently marketing one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments in this community-spirited neighbourhood. A perfect place for families, the development is home to an array of outdoor areas and play spaces, including a recently opened Wildlife and Wellbeing Trail. There are also ve schools already open on-site, including Riverside School which is Ofsted-rated Outstanding. For commuters, Barking Riverside has both a London Overground station and an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Pier.

lqhomes.com/barkingriverside 020 8617 1747

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £270,000

If you are planning to buy in London, now is the time! Take a trip on the Overground, choose your new neighbourhood and be a part of our capital’s history.

PAY LOWER RENT TO SAVE FOR A DEPOSIT

We know that renting with all its very costly implications can make getting on the property ladder an impossible dream. But, with these renting opportunities including Rent to Buy and London Living Rent, it means you save at the same time as renting and eventually can get the keys to your own front door

LONDON LIVING RENT AND RENT TO BUY

HOW IT WORKS

Funded by the Mayor, the idea behind London Living Rent is to help people switch from renting to shared ownership. It is designed for people who want to build up their savings to eventually buy a home through shared ownership.

London Living Rent offers affordable homes for private rent on shorthold tenancies for up to three years.

Simply:

 Find a London Living Rent home that suits you and your needs

 Rent the home at a discount

 Save the discount for your deposit

 Buy shares in your home through shared ownership.

Discounted rental contracts can be renewed, if needed, for up to 10 years after the launch of each scheme; during which time, you will be able to gradually build up your deposit. When you’re ready, you have the option to buy the home you’ve been renting (or

another eligible property) on a shared ownership basis.

The good news about the scheme is that when you buy is flexible, and the housing association will support you to save during your rental stay, so you can buy at your own pace.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Do I qualify for London Living Rent?

To qualify for London Living Rent you must meet all of the following criteria:

 Your annual household income must not exceed £60,000

 You must live or work in London

 You must be unable to buy a home, including shared ownership, in the local area

 You must not own a residential property in the UK or overseas

 You must meet the minimum income required for your preferred property

 You must meet lenders’ general criteria to obtain mortgage finance.

The full eligibility criteria and priority policy for a particular development can be found on the advertised listing.

Can I move to an alternative London Living Rent apartment once my term has ended?

You can’t move to an alternative if you’ve completed the stated London Living Rent term (usually five to 10 years).

Must I save a minimum amount each month?

You are the best judge of what amount is affordable for you to save each month. By renting through London Living Rent you benefit from a below-market rent so will have the ability to save based on the minimum income requirement for your London Living Rent home.

The more you save, the quicker you will be able to raise the deposit required to buy your first home.

RENT TO BUY

Rent to Buy helps tenants in England save for a deposit to buy a home by offering properties at a discount. This is normally 20% below market rent. The scheme is available in England, apart from London. Properties in London are covered by a separate scheme called London Living Rent.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for Rent to Buy, you must be:

 In full or part-time employment

 A first time buyer

 Able to pay your rent and save for a deposit at the same time.

You may also be eligible for Rent to Buy if you are returning to homeownership following a relationship breakdown.

A landlord may check your income and credit history to decide if you’re eligible.

HOW THE SCHEME WORKS

You apply to rent a property that is in the scheme. If you’re considered eligible, and the property is still available, it will be offered to you.

Your initial tenancy agreement will be for up to two years. After that, if you need more time to save for a deposit, your landlord may agree to extend your tenancy.

If you do not pay your rent on time or you don't follow the terms of your tenancy agreement, you may not be allowed to stay in the scheme.

You can buy a home as soon as you have saved up enough deposit and are able to get a mortgage.

HOW TO APPLY

If you live in England (excluding London), you can search for organisations that have Rent to Buy homes using the shared ownership scheme service.

Properties in London are covered by a separate scheme that is called London Living Rent.

COUNCIL AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION HOMES

Some local councils and housing associations advertise Rent to Buy homes. Check the shared ownership scheme service or with your local council or housing association for more information. There may be extra eligibility requirements to apply.

BUYING A HOME

You can use the deposit you’ve saved to buy any home, including those available using an affordable homeownership scheme.

IF YOU WANT TO BUY THE HOME THAT YOU ARE RENTING

You may be able to buy the home that you’re renting if your landlord agrees. If your landlord decides to sell while you’re a tenant they must give you the option of buying your home first. The price

TICKING EVERY BOX

Greenhaus – the largest Passivhaus Classic Certified development in the North West – has completed, bringing 96 highly sustainable, affordable homes to Chapel Street in Salford.

The monthly cost of heating and hot water at Greenhaus is expected to be less than half that of a similar sized new build home with a gas boiler. Built to Passivhaus Classic Certified standard, the leading low-energy design standard, the nine-storey development provides homes that offer high thermal comfort and improved air quality, enabling a healthier living environment as well as lower bills. The homes incorporate a range of benefits for occupiers, including triple glazing, air source heat pumps and the latest in insulation technology, which contribute to higher thermal comfort and improved air quality. These features, in turn, contribute to a healthier living environment by reducing the risk of damp, mould and condensation.

Outside, residents will also benefit from electric vehicle charging points and a public square complete with landscaping to foster and encourage community spirit.

Greenhaus is a mixed tenure development of one and two bedroom homes, including two accessible apartments on the ground floor. It comprises 11 homes for social rent, 13 homes for affordable rent and 72 homes available as part of the Rent to Buy scheme.

CASE STUDY

Kya Jones is one of the first residents to move into Greenhaus. The 29-year-old is a Senior Business Analyst in the tech sector and moved to Salford in 2019 from her home town of Liverpool to be closer to her job in Manchester city centre.

Kya had previously lived at another Salix Homes development – Artifex in the Trinity area of Salford –but was attracted to the green credentials, affordability and location of Greenhaus.

She explained, “The whole idea of Greenhaus with its eco-credentials, cheaper bills, health benefits, and not to mention the great location, really appealed to me. It ticks every box and I’m really excited about making Greenhaus my home.”

Kya has opted for a two bedroom apartment under the Rent to Buy Scheme. Rent to Buy is a Government scheme designed to ease the transition from renting to buying a home by providing a subsidised rent at around 20% below the market rate.

People are able to rent the properties for five years at the reduced rate, leaving room for them to save towards a deposit and then have the option to buy their home after the five-year period.

Kya works from home regularly, so is using her second bedroom as a home office, but is also just a 20-minute walk from her workplace in Manchester city centre.

Kya added, “I like city centre living – I like being able to walk to work and to the shops – it suits my lifestyle, but the cost of an apartment in the city centre is just not affordable. With Greenhaus and the Rent to Buy scheme, I’m getting the benefits of the location, so close to Manchester city centre, but without the city centre prices.

“The cost of living in general has gone up such a lot, so I jumped at the opportunity to have a home where the outgoings will be significantly less. For me, Greenhaus is about thinking ahead for my future – if I do have a family and children one day – the thought of living in a healthier home, where the air is cleaner and greener, is also a real benefit.”

There are 44 two bedroom and 28 one bedroom apartments available through Rent to Buy with prices starting from £920 per month.

Contact Willo Homes on hello@willohomes.co.uk, call 0161 537 3123 or visit willohomes.co.uk

you pay will be the property’s market value. This may be more or less than when you first rented your home.

Check with your landlord whether buying the home you’re renting is an option.

BUYING THE HOME YOU’RE RENTING THROUGH SHARED OWNERSHIP

You may be able to buy the home you’re

renting through the shared ownership scheme if:

 Your landlord agrees

 You’ve saved enough deposit to buy a share

 You can get a mortgage

 You meet the eligibility requirements.

Check with your landlord whether buying the home you’re renting through shared ownership is an option.

RENT, SAVE AND BUY WITH SOVEREIGN NETWORK GROUP

London is an amazing place to live, with great career opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene and entertainment and activities that cater to every taste

But for many, getting on the property ladder is out of reach and renting all too often means that trying to save the deposit to buy somewhere is all but impossible. London Living Rent can offer a solution. The first London Living Rent development was completed in Harrow in 2018 and a number of residents have benefited from affordable rents and have managed to save the deposit needed to move on to homeownership.

WHAT IS LONDON LIVING RENT?

With the help of funding from the Mayor of London, Sovereign Network Group is building new homes that are available to rent on stable three-year tenancy agreements and at affordable rents. This helps residents to save the deposit needed to move on to homeownership.

WHY DO WE NEED LONDON LIVING RENT?

The Office for National Statistics reported that rents in the capital increased 6.9% in the 12 months to November 2023 and tenants are often paying between 35-45% of their income on household costs. This reduces their ability to save a deposit for a house purchase.

London Living Rents will vary according to where you live and are published each year for every neighbourhood. They are based on a third of average local household incomes and adjusted for the number of bedrooms in each home.

WHO IS IT FOR?

London Living Rent homes are targeted at middle-income households who want to save for a deposit to buy shares through shared ownership or the open market.

These households don’t qualify for social rented homes but are unable to save due to the high level of rent charged in the private sector.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR LONDON LIVING RENT?

To qualify for London Living Rent your annual household income must not exceed £60,000, you must either live or work in London, be unable to buy a home, including shared ownership, in the local area and not own a residential property in the UK or overseas. There will a minimum income requirement depending on the home suitable for you and you will meet lenders' general criteria to obtain mortgage finance.

HOW DO I MOVE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP?

Because London Living Rent tenancies can run for up to 10 years, you have time to save the deposit you need to buy a home. When you’re ready you can speak to your landlord and your financial adviser about buying shares in your home or shared ownership homes elsewhere in the capital that are

affordable to you. Some London Living Rent residents have looked further afield to buy a home outright.

WHERE CAN I FIND A LONDON LIVING RENT HOME?

There are several housing associations in the capital that build new London Living Rent homes or have an existing stock of London Living Rent homes that become available from time to time. You can search online through their websites or property portals like Share to Buy, Keaze and Love to Rent.

Sovereign Network Group is a leader in the construction and management of London Living Rent homes with developments across London. We have recently let homes in Burnt Oak and Isleworth with new apartments due to be delivered in Acton, Edgware and Hayes in the second half of 2024.

networkhomes.org.uk

Juliana Goode, Senior Build to Rent Manager

LONDON LIVING RENT SCHEME IN WEST LONDON HOTSPOT

Affordable housing provider SO Resi (part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing) has ventured into the London Living Rent sector offering 57 one, two and three bedroom apartments in Acton. The scheme will be available through its new dedicated SO Flexi brand, which offers a host of affordable rental schemes and operates as an offshoot of SO Resi, MTVH’s existing shared ownership arm

All brand new apartments at SO Flexi Acton will be available through the London Living Rent scheme and for those who live or work in the London Borough of Ealing. The scheme offers rents at a discount of approximately one third of the local median household income on a three-year contract, with rents starting at £1,107 per month for a one bedroom apartment. Tenants will be encouraged to use the savings from the discounted rent to save up for a deposit, to purchase the property using shared ownership at the end of the rental term, with the view that all homes will be sold in 10 years.

To qualify for SO Flexi Acton and London Living Rent, residents must either live or work in the London Borough of Ealing, have a current formal tenancy agreement, not own a home or be able to buy a home on the open market, and have a household income that is below £60,000.

Located in the strategic and desirable location of Acton Park Conservation Area, the homes are surrounded by leafy streets, green open spaces and historic architecture.

Each apartment benefits from its own balcony or terrace, carefully designed interiors to maximise space and natural light, and integrated Zanussi appliances to kitchens. All homes also have access to covered secure cycle stores and key fobs for peace of mind.

Acton offers a host of amenities appealing to a range of buyers from young professionals to families. From a plethora of cafes and restaurants for a rich social life, to local parks for a slower pace of life, Acton offers something for everyone. Perhaps the biggest benefit to Acton is the excellent transport links, offering a total of eight stations on underground and Overground lines and National Rail too. SO Flexi Acton is located between Acton Main Line station, on the Elizabeth Line with services to Zone One in under 20 minutes, Acton Central station on the Overground, and East Acton station on the Central Line. By road, the M4 is just under 10 minutes' drive with links further afield to Reading and Bristol.

To find out more, visit soflexi.co.uk or call 020 8607 0550

We have been met with incredible demand with previous affordable rent schemes, which reinforces that schemes like London Living Rent are not just a want for potential homeowners –but a need. Our SO Flexi brand offers solutions to the one major obstacle in the housing market of today, which is unattainable rent stopping people from saving for deposits. We will be working alongside our residents throughout their tenure to help them achieve homeownership at the end of the contract.

Acton is also a hugely exciting location for London Living Rent and we will be working towards Ealing Council’s target to deliver 4,000 affordable homes over the next five years. Our scheme isn’t just here to meet targets, however, it is here to meet the genuine needs of Londoners and help as much as possible with the housing crisis in the capital. We launched our first SO Flexi site over the summer in Slough, that was inundated with demand, and we expect Acton to be much the same.”

Kevin Sims, Director of Sales & Marketing, SO Resi

EXPERT COMMENT

LONDON LIVING RENT WITH L&Q

Londoner Olauria Mafura’s experience of the capital’s property market had consisted of years of private rentals in the east of the city. It wasn’t until she had to move back to her parents in Romford that she began to consider longer-term options.

Olauria, 27, explains, “Everything has become more expensive in recent years, especially London rents. I’ve lived alone, leasing via private landlords. However, after my stint back home, it was becoming increasingly apparent that I would struggle to find anywhere affordable to rent on my income – let alone to buy.

“I came across L&Q, a housing association offering homes through an initiative called London Living Rent. I wasn’t aware of it, so did some research and learnt that it is an affordable rental scheme designed for those living and working in London. I could put aside my savings while saving for a deposit to buy a home of my own in the future.”

Eager to stay in east London, Olauria started her search by viewing LLR homes in Rainham. However, upon discovering a new development from L&Q in Hendon, that would offer her excellent transport links, Olauria decided it might be time for a change.

“Location was the number one priority for me,” Olauria explains. “I needed to find a home that had good connections into my work near St Paul’s and to reach friends and family. I hadn’t considered leaving east London, but when I saw Rookery Grove on the L&Q website, the apartments looked so beautiful, I knew I needed to see it.”

Impressed by the interior spec of the homes and the location, Olauria began the process to secure her new one bedroom LLR home at Rookery Grove. Ideally positioned in one of north London’s best-connected areas, Rookery Grove offers a brand new collection of 46 London Living Rent homes. The development comprises studios as well as one and two bedroom apartments and is situated within the Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme, one of the biggest regeneration projects in Europe.

Olauria says, “I like the idea of moving into a new build – they are more energy efficient than older properties and L&Q’s homes all came with integrated appliances so I wouldn’t have to worry about them breaking or buying new ones. I also needed space to work from home, and the open-plan layout of the apartments at Rookery Grove really worked for that.”

Since relocating to north west London, Olauria describes what she likes most about her new neighbourhood. “Hendon is really green,” she comments. “It’s rare in London to feel so close to green outdoor spaces. Plus, we’ve also got the convenience of nearby shops – there’s a Sainsbury’s and a cafe on the corner of the road. My main consideration was my commute; the development is really well connected via Hendon Central and Colindale underground stations on the Northern Line and there are also Thameslink services into central London.”

“Having lived alone for a few years, I ultimately didn’t want to go back to sharing and the private market no longer felt like an option for me. London Living Rent has allowed me to start planning for the future and longer-term investments, with my savings going towards a deposit for a property.”

Olauria put down a deposit of £1,320 on her one bedroom apartment and her monthly rent is £1,056. On average she is saving between £200-£300 a month.

For more information, please visit lqhomes.com

BARKING Barking

Riverside

L&Q offers one, two and three bedroom

London Living Rent homes at one of Europe’s most ambitious new developments, Barking Riverside – a landmark neighbourhood bringing new homes to east London. Increasing connectivity and providing quick routes for commuters, the development benefits from its own Overground station on the newly renamed Suffragette Line and an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Pier.

The apartments benefit from flexible open-plan living spaces, spacious bedrooms and contemporary kitchens complete with integrated appliances, and each home also has a private balcony or terrace.

Families are well catered for, with seven schools outlined in the masterplan, five of which are already open; this includes Riverside School, an Ofsted-rated Outstanding secondary school. Prices start from £1,154pcm for a one bedroom apartment.

lqhomes.com

HENDON Rookery Grove

Nestled among a wealth of green spaces in the popular north London neighbourhood of Hendon, is Rookery Grove, an L&Q development where a collection of one, two and three bedroom London Living Rent apartments has recently launched.

A range of features are included with L&Q’s homes, including bicycle storage, integrated kitchen appliances and generous internal storage. Every home offers either a large private balcony or a terrace.

Residents also benefit from excellent transport links including two Northern Line stations, Hendon Central and Colindale, both within walking distance.

Prices for L&Q’s London Living Rent homes at Rookery Grove start from just £1,120.76 per month for a one bedroom apartment (minimum household income of £29,050 required). Eligibility criteria applies.

lqhomes.com

STEPPING INTO SUMMER: DESIGNING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

As the weather warms up and evenings get longer, our attention turns to gardens and outdoor spaces. Steve Hird, Director and Co-Founder of show home interior design specialist Edward Thomas Interiors, shares how to maximise your space and the summer trends to watch...

In the past few years, there has been a significant shift in how homeowners view gardens; they’ve become an extension of our home. Since the dark days of lockdown(s), we’ve all embraced more outdoor living and the boundaries between inside and outside have well and truly blurred.

But just as our homes are now multifunctional spaces, so too are our gardens. Add cosy corner furniture with a fire pit and they’re a dining room; a sand pit or mud garden and they’re a child’s playroom; a built-in pizza oven or barbecue and they’re a kitchen; a vegetable patch or greenhouse and they’re a hobby space. Yet how does this work without appearing chaotic?

If you’re not afraid of hard work, consider how your garden could be zoned by adding physical differences such as split levels or gabion walls. For more budget-friendly alternatives, there are some excellent temporary options such as bamboo screens, reed fencing, wood slatting, even outdoor wall paints can all aid differentiation.

Of course, not all first time buyer properties have a garden, so if you’ve opted for an apartment, how do you maximise any outdoor space?

With balconies and terraces, there are plenty of inventive and stylish options. The key is making it somewhere you want to spend time, so start by identifying what the primary purpose of the space should be. Entertaining area? Reading nook?

Herb garden?

Styling can then follow suit, and don’t limit this to just furniture. Add wall art, outdoor mirrors, rugs, throws, hanging lights and you’ll soon have developed another room! Other creative solutions we’ve seen are making doorstep gardens with plenty of hanging and potted plants. Or thinking vertically and adding window box storage you can use for vegetable and herb growing.

For gardens or balconies, remember the splurge/save split. Splurge on the best quality furniture you can afford – not only will this be more comfortable but it will withstand the changing UK weather! Then save on your accessories. High street,

online and supermarket retailers often bring out a great, affordable selection of outdoor accessories, particularly rugs, cushions and lanterns. Not forgetting the upcycling trend that’s evolved into outdoors now too. Think wheelbarrows as bar carts, wine or spirit bottles as candle holders, old trellising to hang lights from, and pallets as pot plant holders.

Having planned your design for a garden or outside space, you can then think about trends you want to replicate. So, what’s popular this summer for outdoors (and indoors)?

TOP TREND #1 – STRIPES

One of the most versatile patterns, stripes offer an excellent way to inject personality. They can be bold and bright or sweet and subtle, and we expect to see these a lot this summer on outdoor rugs, cushions, upholstery and other fabrics. Not least

Outdoor spaces

Edward Thomas Interiors

because they’re a super-effective illusion for making rooms look longer, taller and more spacious!

TOP TREND #2 – MARVELLOUS MEDITERRANEAN

Drawing inspiration from adventures abroad, Mediterranean colours will make a splash this summer. Azure blues, sunshiny citruses and earthy terracotta are set to appear on tableware especially, creating that al fresco dining vibe. Similarly, Moroccan or Spanish-inspired tiles remain fashionable and are appearing as splashbacks, wall art or as a statement floor for outdoor dining/patio areas.

TOP TREND #3 – QUIET LUXURY

This trend is all about exuding an appearance of luxury without being a show off! Think good-quality, timeless furniture that is arranged in a minimalist design and can have many lives or evolve through reupholstery. Quiet Luxury celebrates subtlety, restraint and has an understated elegance. It’s not dissimilar from the Japandi trend of last year, so think muted, natural colours where everything has a place.

TOP TREND #4 – COLOURFUL KITCHENS

In new build homes, the kitchen typically offers access to any outside space, whether that’s through French doors from the dining area or a personal door off the utility room. This presents an opportunity to unite your indoor/outdoor styling and this summer, it’s all about being bold with colour. Kitchen design that embraces warmer shades such as red, purple and rich brown is becoming popular, and you can include outdoor accessories or even window frames to match. This trend also encourages a deliberate mix of metallics for handles and taps.

TOP TREND #5 – DRAMATIC LIGHTING

People are less sheepish with their interior design choices now, preferring to take risks and make statements that showcase individuality. One area where this is becoming evident is lighting. We all know the right lighting can transform the look and feel of a room, but trends indicate that lighting design is becoming increasingly decorative, even sculptural. Think base lamps in quirky or bold shapes, opulent chandeliers, pendant lighting and designs inspired by nature.

HOMES OF THE FUTURE

Imagine

as a first time buyer living in

a

brand new, lowcost, innovative modular home, which is luxurious and fully furnished? Sounds pretty tempting... Lynda Clark talks to Chris Baxter from HOMErs to explore what it’s all about

HOMErs was actually born out of the Ukrainian crisis by technology entrepreneur Alexander Stepura, who began producing modern modular homes with galvanised steel for people who had been made homeless by the war, repurposing his Kyiv-based vending machine factory to accelerate production.

Chris, a Surrey-based investment expert and great friend of Alexander, explains how this incredible project came about. “I was a UK-based investment banker for 30 years, initially working for major league US banks. In 2003, I was headhunted to move from Merrill Lynch in London to go to live and work in Moscow in what was then a booming market across Russia and Ukraine. It was a very exciting time, we had an office in Kyiv and I made many good friends there.

“I then came back to London in 2015 and set up my own investment business. As I know the markets in the UK and what works in the former Soviet Union, the idea for me was to continue to connect these worlds. A former colleague married a Ukrainian girl and stayed in Kyiv and he introduced me to Alex Stepura. Alex is a brilliant engineer and a real entrepreneur, with a curious and creative mind. I had an engineering background before I went into

banking which helped me to understand and appreciate what he did and what his plans were.

“The war in the Ukraine broke out in February 2022 and one Sunday evening I had a call from Alex around 11pm. I remember I was watching TV at the time and when I answered the phone Alex asked to talk while humbly apologising for calling so late. I told him that it was 1am where he was and he was in the middle of a war – so of course I could talk!

“Alex is really into high-tech robotics and AI so he said, ‘I never thought I would get into real estate as it’s never been my thing, however 500,000 homes have already been destroyed here since the start of the war (it is now over a million) and I want to find a solution to help.’ He explained that he had invented a modular house and sent me a video; it was pretty basic at the time but did the job and provided a fully furnished liveable home with power and water. He had an existing factory making vending machines and had sat down with his team and come up with this modular structure to put his V1 house together. Since then, the product has gone from strength to strength and 18 months down the line we are making these homes which are high

quality, luxurious, and dramatic in style –like nothing else I have ever seen.”

Chris has lived in a large house in Surrey for the past 26 years and has never done any serious renovations on it. He said, “It was an old house when we bought it so it’s not surprising that after all this time the pipes burst and we needed all new plumbing and the roof needed replacing plus lots more work. In order to do all this major renovation work, the builders said we must vacate the property. It occurred to me that as I have a large garden we could assembly the V3 modular home in our garden and live there. Four trucks arrived from Kyiv with the home on board and in

just two weeks it was assembled and ready for us to move in – they were even able to connect it to all our utilities. Now, we have been living there for eight months and it has been amazing. We also use it as an exhibition home for anyone to come and see it when they are interested in the business and the product, so it works very well indeed. One of the beauties of the concept is that when our renovation is finished we can easily disassemble the house and move it somewhere else, or sell to someone who can best use it next.”

The factory in Kyiv now makes about 10 homes a month, which are sold in the Ukraine to displaced families often via a charity with funds to re-house displaced people. HOMErs has recently commissioned a new factory in Eastern Slovakia, which is in a great location as it is within Europe and so easier to raise investment. A good friend of Alexander has moved there to run the business which is moving fast.

“We are starting to sell to businesses and have been in contact with large developers and landowners. There is a lady who lives nearby to me and has a few acres of land. She used to keep horses and have a livery but she converted one of the stables into an Airbnb which has been very successful. There are a lot of people who want a

weekend away in the countryside especially if they are in central London all week. We are also near to Chessington World of Adventures, so it’s ideal for visiting families as well. She was going to convert other barns but she saw our home and decided that it would be a much better investment to buy our modular homes which are very quick to build and also very practical. Most importantly they cost half of what the stable renovations would require, so it all makes perfect business sense.

“The UK has a huge demand for housing, whether that is for first time buyers, second steppers or for an elderly relative, as care home costs are so expensive and many people would like their loved ones close by but not living in the family home. Plus, what makes it even better you can sell the home on when you want to move it and free up the land for what’s next.”

The frame is made of galvanised steel with wall panels that are light and made from thermally efficient polyurethane. They are also energy efficient, with solar panels and a soon-to-be-added battery and energy management system. Each module of the home plugs together like Lego. Chris lives in a six module version, which is 6m x 9m and 3m high plus extensive covered outdoor terraces. There is an open-plan

living/kitchen/diner, two bedrooms and a bathroom/shower.

“Every inch of space is used very cleverly,” explains Chris. “There are no corridors and the galley kitchen comes with an oven, hob, integrated microwave and lots of storage. The windows are triple glazed and one thing that we are wanting to encourage is for people to embrace the natural world. So there are big French windows and wonderful terraces. We hope people take advantage of the great outdoors as it is so much better for your health and mental wellbeing. The product is luxurious and totally unique. You certainly get a good bang for your buck as the homes come fully furnished too, and the furniture is specially made to suit the space. Then you can make it your own with accessories etc.

“HOMErs is set to revolutionise the property market by providing affordable and sustainable homes. It started when Alexander wanted to support those left homeless by the war and restore as many homes for Ukrainian families as possible, but it has grown and grown. We plan to sell around 100 homes in 2024 and then grow dramatically with our Slovakian production in 2025 and beyond.”

For information visit homers-global.com

DESIGN AT ITS BEST

On the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, a stone’s throw from Salford Quays, Plumlife Homes is developing Worrall Street, a new neighbourhood that is unlike any other

Worrall Street marks a first for shared ownership specialist Plumlife as it is teaming up with BBC Interior Design Masters series two winner Lynsey Ford who has designed a bespoke brand for the 160-home development. Lynsey will also be designing the show homes and communal spaces, while providing design tips and inspiration on her Instagram account to her thousands of followers.

And she has a wonderful blank canvas to work with across 107 homes available for shared ownership, which include 96 one, two and three bedroom apartments and 11 two and three bedroom townhouses. There will also be 53 one and two bedroom apartments available with Rent to Buy.

Worrall Street is in an incredible location, whether you want to take a short walk to the iconic waterfront destination of Salford Quays, with its fantastic array of culture, bars and restaurants, or opt for a quick tram ride into the bright lights of Manchester city centre, you’re perfectly placed to do so at Worrall Street.

Shared ownership is a way to buy a share in a home now, with the option to buy more of it in the future. You can purchase the share of a home that you can afford, usually between 25% and 75% and pay rent on the share of that home that you don’t own. In the future, if you’re in a position to do so, you can increase your share through a process called staircasing.

a deposit to purchase your apartment in the future.

But it’s not only the location that will put Worrall Street on the map, but also Plumlife’s partnership with Lynsey Ford.

Homes at Worrall Street are due to be ready to move into in spring 2025, so you still have time to save for a deposit, because with shared ownership you’ll need a much smaller deposit than you would when buying a home on the open market.

That dream of owning a home in such close proximity to Manchester city centre really could become a reality with shared ownership at Worrall Street!

And if you’re not quite ready to commit, Rent to Buy is a scheme which essentially allows you to “try before your buy”. You can rent your apartment at a discounted rate, giving you the opportunity to save for

Since winning Interior Design Masters three years ago, Lynsey, who previously worked for Plumlife’s parent company Great Places, has created her own successful interior design agency working with clients both domestic and commercial to create some incredible spaces.

With a background in architecture, Lynsey and her team know better than anyone that the quality of build and design is fundamental and influences how the interior space can then be dressed. She said, “I know first-hand the quality of the Plumlife product, so going into partnership with them is a brilliant opportunity.

“Worrall Street has everything you could want in a home and the prospect of being able to create some amazing

living spaces, which we hope will inspire others to create their own, is really exciting. Creating design with purpose that responds to the unique nature of every space is important to me and this exciting project gives me the opportunity to do something purposeful and different. At the heart of our approach will be a focus on demonstrating that beautiful design can also be affordable.

“Me and my team can’t wait to show off how these homes could offer inspiring living spaces on a smaller budget. We’ve created a new brand for the development and we can’t wait for it to take shape and start welcoming residents into these fantastic new homes.”

If you’re interested in a new home at Worrall Street, you can visit the Plumlife website, plumlife.co.uk, where you’ll be able to find out more information. Here you’ll also be able to register your interest, meaning you’ll be the first to receive any updates about the development and when homes become available.

You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram, as well as Lynsey Ford on her channels

Computer generated image is indicative only.

Inset: Interior designer Lynsey Ford

NEW SHOW HOME OPENS AT HORLICKS QUARTER

Located in Slough, recognised by The Telegraph as the UK’s top commuter town*, Abri Homes’ Horlicks Quarter development is ideally placed for those looking to commute to the capital while enjoying London-style living at a fraction of the price

Consisting of 75 one and two bedroom apartments, Abri’s collection of high-quality homes offers residents access to a range of on-site amenities, including a concierge service, cinema room, gym, rooftop garden and co-working space.

Available via shared ownership, the new apartments offer first time buyers the opportunity to step on to the property ladder for a more affordable cost. Requiring a 5% deposit of £6,475 (for a 35% share) and monthly payments of £1,456, including £698 mortgage payment, £551 rent and a monthly service charge of £207** – the new range of Abri apartments will open up the market to a wider range of buyers.

Abri has now launched its new show home in Aquifer House, located at the heart of Horlicks Quarter close to the old Horlicks Factory clocktower, to give aspiring homeowners a taste of what life is like in this historic landmark location.

The spacious two bedroom ground floor apartment, expertly designed to provide bright open-plan living, features Bosch appliances and high-quality specifications throughout, while benefiting from an outdoor terrace and views over the beautiful surrounding landscaped gardens.

Designed by Focus, the interior design of the show home has been inspired by the industrial history of the factory. Featuring a warm and inviting neutral colour palette, burnt orange has been used to reference the colour of bricks, complemented by black elements to create a dynamic and dramatic feel and touches of green to mirror the vibrant colours of the outdoors inside.

A wide range of materials has been used to create a layered design scheme, with natural materials bringing warmth to the colour palette and metal furniture, such as a bronze coffee table, adding to the industrial feel of the space. Recycled materials such

as linens, faux leathers and soft velvets feature in soft furnishings throughout the apartment, to make the space feel relaxing and comfortable.

The interiors have been finished with industrial clocks and striking black and white artwork for a stylish and homely feel.

The wider development features beautiful gardens with tranquil water features, which serve as the green heart of the community, with plans for artisan markets, music events and art exhibitions to feature in the green spaces over the coming years. A convenience store, cafe and nursery also feature in the development, ensuring all the amenities residents need are right on their doorstep.

Stuart Hensby, Sales & Marketing Director at Abri, comments, “The former Horlicks factory is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Slough and to the west of London. The reimagination of this awardwinning development offers high-quality apartments with premium facilities and outdoor space available on the doorstep, with superb transport links into London.

“The launch of our new show home means that we can bring this opportunity to life, providing inspiration for aspiring homeowners and helping them see how they can make the space their own. We are now looking forward to opening the doors to visitors and providing more opportunities for homeownership in this popular location.”

Mandy Oakley, Lead Visualiser and Interior Designer at Focus, said, “When considering the design for Horlicks Quarter, the surrounding area and history of the former factory played a significant role in our process. We wanted to capture an industrial

yet luxurious feel, which was achieved by bringing together a neutral yet rich colour palette and standout furniture items such as rattan and bronze pieces. We hope the inviting space will provide inspiration for future residents looking to create their perfect home at the Horlicks Quarter.”

Abri’s collection of homes is located only half a mile from Slough railway station and the Elizabeth Line, which offers services into London in under 20 minutes. Heathrow airport is a short 15-minute train journey away, and less than half an hour by car, adding convenience to any travel plans.

With its fantastic travel links to the north and south, plenty of open space and places such as Windsor Castle and Great Park right on its doorstep, Slough offers a brilliant work-life balance. Abri’s shared ownership at Horlicks Quarter adds to this superb locality by offering high-quality apartments and amenities – making it the perfect choice for first time buyers.

For everyday life, Slough’s bustling town centre is a short eight-minute walk, providing a range of shops including a large supermarket and a selection of pubs and restaurants for local dining.

Prices start from £100,625 for a 35% share in a one bedroom apartment [full market value: £287,500].

To find out more, please visit abrihomes.co.uk/properties/horlicksquarter

*telegraph.co.uk/money/best-commuter-towns-londonhouse-prices-travel-time-schools

**Based on a two bedroom apartment. Costs correct at time of publishing but subject to change or increase

NEW BUILD VERSUS OLDER HOMES

Three fantastic reasons to call Higgs Yard home

Providing an exciting new opportunity for buyers in London’s vibrant SE24 postcode, Peabody New Homes’ latest collection of homes at Higgs Yard is certainly making a statement. Tucked between Brixton and Herne Hill, boasting contemporary designs, high-spec interiors and private balconies, Higgs Yard is already leaving a lasting impression on local homebuyers and showcasing the value in buying new in this south London neighbourhood.

HOMES THAT WORK FOR YOU

Older properties may have their charms, but are also heavily influenced by the design choices of previous owners, which can limit the opportunities to personalise the space. The one, two and three bedroom apartments at Higgs Yard embrace contemporary living, offering flexibility and space to cater for a wide range of lifestyles. While homes come complete with highquality kitchen appliances, sleek flooring and clever storage throughout, walls are kept neutral to allow buyers to reflect their own unique sense of style and get creative with interior design.

A home should be more than just a place to live. “At Higgs Yard, residents can enjoy a range of amenities all designed to enhance the lifestyle on offer, including a podium garden, children’s play area, and an impressive rooftop terrace that

captures panoramic views across the city,” says Steven Midgley, Head of Sales and Marketing for London South at Peabody New Homes. “For getting out and exploring, Higgs Yard will feature secure cycle storage on-site, as well as offering car club access and proximity to Loughborough Junction station just a two-minute walk away, giving direct access to Blackfriars in nine minutes.”

COST-EFFECTIVE HOMES

When settling into a home, additional expenses can be a real nightmare. At Higgs Yard, buyers can enjoy peace of mind

knowing their property is covered under a 10-year build warranty and a two-year defect period.

All homes at Higgs Yard are also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Making use of air source heat pumps, buyers can benefit from a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy bills in comparison to older properties.

HOMEOWNERSHIP MADE EASY

Purchasing a property can be daunting, but buying a new build home can help to simplify the process. New build homes are chain-free, removing the risk of frustrating delays and stress while waiting for others in the chain to progress.

Private sale homes start from £460,000 for a one bedroom home.

To find out more and to book a viewing, visit peabodynewhomes.co.uk/higgs-yard or call 020 4587 2117

PUT DOWN ROOTS AT HEYBOURNE PARK: COLINDALE’S NEWEST COMMUNITY

In the heart of Colindale, NHG Homes is delivering new homes for Londoners looking to put down roots in a vibrant, revitalised community

In partnership with Barnet Council, NHG Homes is helping to transform the neighbourhood as part of one of north London’s biggest regeneration schemes. Over 15 years, 2,088 new homes will be built at Heybourne Park, along with new retail spaces, landscaped areas and a park, a library, a community centre and a new health centre.

The first phase – set to be completed by autumn 2024 – is now available to buy and includes 149 one and two bedroom shared ownership homes, alongside 60 homes for social rent.

At Heybourne Park, urban lifestyles meet suburban charm. Set within a leafy oasis, high-quality apartments offer modern interior design with versatile kitchen space, integrated appliances and woodeffect flooring throughout the kitchen and living areas. Homes have been crafted with contemporary living in mind, complete with private outdoor space and features to boost energy efficiency including underfloor heating and double-glazed windows.

Two bedroom homes are also available with parking, a rarity for house hunters in the capital.

Set on the historic grounds of the former

Hendon Aerodrome, the development has a storied history and distinct character. Claude Grahame-White created Hendon airfield in 1910. This was taken over by the Royal Air Force during the second world war, becoming an important base for the allies. With a long-standing legacy and strong local spirit, the community has been front and centre in bringing this regeneration project to life. Residents at Heybourne Park can already enjoy the library, cafe, outdoor gym and supermarket conveniently located on-site. This up-and-coming urban hub will also include a communal garden, central plaza and diverse programme of cultural activities for everyone to enjoy.

For nature lovers, the development is surrounded by green, open spaces including Heybourne Park, Colindale Park and Watling Park, which are perfect for a jog or a dog walk along tree-lined paths. Residents are also a stone’s throw from Colindale’s eclectic mix of charming, independent restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques.

Thanks to excellent transport links, residents can enjoy the comforts of home within easy reach of all the capital has to offer. Heybourne Park is just a 15-minute walk from Colindale station (which is set

to be renovated in summer 2024) or a 20-minute walk from Burnt Oak or Mill Hill stations. Connections via the Northern Line mean the vibrant markets of Camden are reachable in just 20 minutes, as well as the buzz of central London in under half an hour.

Amie Triphook-Cole, Head of Sales at NHG Homes, said, “With plenty of redevelopment happening across Colindale, buyers should be encouraged that now is the time to buy here. The area is emerging as an exciting part of north west London, and shared ownership homes at Heybourne Park provide an ideal balance between tranquil parkside living and the buzz of city life. Colindale is set to be the next hot location for first time buyers.

With shared ownership, buyers purchase a share of the property and pay subsidised rent on the remaining value. A much smaller deposit is required than when buying on the open market, which makes buying a home in London more accessible – ideal for first time buyers trying to get on the property ladder.

Homes at Heybourne Park start at £88,125 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment with a 5% deposit of £4,407, and £117,500 for a 25% share of a two bedroom apartment with a 5% deposit of £5,875.

Visit nhgsales.com/heybourne-park for more information, or speak to the sales team on 020 3504 8909

TOP NEW BUILD DEVELOPMENTS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

Embarking on a journey to owning your first home can evoke a mixture of excitement and worry. How do you know what considerations need to be made before buying a home? What support is there available for first time buyers?

Abbey New Homes started as a family business three generations ago. The homebuilder, based in south east England, is on hand to help you make informed decisions and take your first step on to the property ladder. The company offers a scheme, the Abbey Saving Solution, which is designed to give homebuyers tips and tricks for money-saving ideas, as well as the opportunity to tailor an incentive package to help you get moving. This could be a deposit contribution, Stamp Duty contribution or even your estate agency fees paid.

Whether you’re eager to embrace the vibrant pulse of city life or are seeking tranquillity in the suburbs, Abbey New Homes’ developments have the best of both worlds.

ARCADIA PARK, BERRYFIELDS

The first phase of Arcadia Park provides 60 new homes, consisting of one and two bedroom apartments – ideal for people stepping on to the property ladder.

Berryfields boasts strong connections with London and the Midlands, with the new Aylesbury Vale Parkway station within walking distance. Major cities and towns in southern England – including Oxford, Reading and Milton Keynes – are accessible

within a one-hour drive, and trains reach central London in just over an hour.

While you have the amenities of Berryfields and Aylesbury on your doorstep, Arcadia Park also offers the classic landscape of the Chiltern Hills. This National Park contains some of the best hiking and biking trails in the UK, offering hidden hilltop vistas, historic rural lodges, and pubs.

London and the South, as well as being just a 10-minute drive away from the historic market town of Bedford. For commuters, direct trains from Bedford to London St Pancras get you into the city in 45 minutes.

Beyond the amenities of Bedford nearby, Royal Gardens also offers the tranquillity and picturesque scenery of the Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit Nature Reserve, just a 20-minute drive away.

SHOLDEN PASTURES, SHOLDEN

HAVILLAND PARK, HATFIELD

There are 29 new homes on offer at Havilland Park, consisting of two, three and four bedroom houses, including charming coach houses, perfect for working professionals and families. Hatfield boasts strong connections with London, with trains from Hatfield station into London King’s Cross taking just 25 minutes, and the station is less than a 10-minute drive from Havilland Park. With the railway station being centrally located, Hatfield town centre is just as easily accessible.

ROYAL GARDENS, WIXAMS

Royal Gardens is a contemporary collection of 57 new homes in Wixams, consisting of one and two bedroom apartments and three, four and five bedroom houses.

This brand new community offers a central location between the A1 and M1 corridors, providing easy and fast access to

There are 29 new homes on offer at Sholden Pastures, consisting of two, three and four bedroom houses – perfect for couples and young families.

Sholden Pastures enjoys a scenic yet convenient location, less than a 10-minute drive away from the charming seaside town of Deal. The quintessential English seaside town brings you the best of both worlds, with a gorgeous seafront and pier, as well as an award-winning high street full of pubs, cafes, independent shops and household names. Living at Sholden Pastures means you can choose a lifestyle, not just a home.  As well as being a stone’s throw from the seaside, Sholden also offers beautiful country walks, with Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty being less than a 25-minute drive away and Betteshanger Country Park just a 10-minute drive away.

To find out more about Abbey New Homes’ schemes and developments, visit abbeynewhomes.co.uk, call 01707 651 266, or email sales@abbeydev.co.uk

Chichester HOTspot

Nestled between the white sandy beaches of West Wittering and the stunning South Downs, the cathedral city of Chichester is so idyllic it is easy to envisage it as a desirable destination for a long weekend. What if we told you it’s also the perfect place to live?

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

5 REASONS WE LOVE… CHICHESTER

1 The cathedral, complete with its Chagall stained-glass window

2 The incredible range of quality independent shops and restaurants

3 Chichester Harbour; designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

4 Glorious Goodwood – always a fantastic day out, whatever the occasion!

5 The relaxed pace of life and community feel

Chichester is located on England’s south west coast; West Sussex’s only city. This small city with a big (medieval) heart is encircled by original Roman walls and oozes charm. The largely pedestrianised Georgian city centre has been well preserved and is dominated by the famous 900-year-old Chichester Cathedral and its gardens. Four main streets head north, east, south and west from the market cross, each offering an impressive mix of independent and mainstream shops and eateries.

Chichester is well connected. The A27, which connects Eastbourne with Southampton, passes to the south of the city and connects to the M27, M3 and M275, while Chichester railway station offers regular services to Brighton, Littlehampton, Portsmouth and Southampton. Planning to commute? The journey to London Victoria takes 90 minutes, while Gatwick is an hour away. Portsmouth International Port is also conveniently within a 30-minute drive, with ferry services to France, Spain and the Channel Islands.

Chichester’s desirable location, coupled with its unique blend of history and culture, make it an attractive prospect for those looking to escape the rat race. For families, the high standard of schools is an added incentive.

The property market in Chichester is vibrant and varied. The entire centre is a conservation

OUT AND ABOUT

area, and the house prices re ect this, with North, South, East and West Pallant, off South Street, offering some of the most desirable homes. If period properties are your thing, you’re in the right place; streets around the city boast Grade II listed Georgian townhouses and terraces with period features including sash windows. Head out of the city for more variety and more reasonable prices. In the suburbs you’ll nd 1930s and post-war homes, in addition to modern builds. There are some great new developments popping up to meet the demand for more affordable homes.

It is well worth taking a day or two to explore the villages around Chichester, to identify areas that suit your lifestyle and budget best. Summersdale, about a mile north of the city, is popular for its green spaces, while Fishbourne, to the west, offers a more rural setting with easy access to the harbour. Tangmere, to the east, is best known for its historical community spirit. Woodgate has everything you need – a supermarket, Post Of ce, friendly pub (with excellent Sunday roast!), community centre and gym, with the peace and quiet you'd expect from its rural setting.

The unspoilt natural beauty that surrounds Chichester is the biggest draw for many would-be residents. The South Downs National Park is on the doorstep and covers a massive 1,600 sq km, stretching across to the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Love to be near the sea? Head to Chichester Harbour, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – 55,000 birds visit the saltmarsh and mudflats at this wildlife Haven – or the sandy dunes of beautiful West Wittering. You are also in the perfect spot to enjoy outdoor pursuits, from walking and cycling to more adventurous activities on the water. Clubs such as Chichester Yacht Club have a full calendar of events. The Westgate Leisure Centre is another excellent facility for fitness enthusiasts. Explore the city walls walk – Chichester’s incredible Roman walls were built 1,800 years ago and 80% are still standing. Make your way from there to Chichester Cathedral, where free guided tours are

harbour. Tangmere, to the east, available. The building has a rich history and boasts original features, next to artwork by John Piper and Marc Chagall.

Average property price in Chichester (February 2024)* – £438,589

Property breakdown*

Detached – £694,982

Semi-detached – £431,198

Terraced – £362,118

Flat – £217,650

*According to the Land Registry House Price Index

FAMOUS RESIDENTS

• Astronaut Tim Peake

• Singer-songwriter Tom Odell

• Comedian Alex Horne

• Author and broadcaster Kate Mosse

• Cricketer Andrew Hodd

Chichester is big on culture, from The Novium, a museum above a Roman bath house, to the Chichester Festival Theatre which hosts large musical and theatrical productions. Both offer a host of events and experiences, with a clear commitment to providing something for everyone. Families will particularly enjoy this year's Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings exhibition at the Novium, and the Festival Theatre’s backstage tours. The Pallant Gallery also runs workshops throughout the year.

Chichester has the standard high street stores, but the focus is firmly on high-quality independent businesses –Hansfords Menswear has been trading for over 100 years while Crane Street is the goto destination for vintage wares. There's a market every Wednesday and Saturday and a fortnightly farmers' market.

There are plenty of eating out options, the obvious choice is to head to a country pub. Alternatively, local favourites are 64 Restaurant & Bar at Chichester College, with all meals prepared and served by the students and The Cockpit Café at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.

Finally, for a special day out, head to The Goodwood Estate. Famous for its sporting events including the Festival of Speed and the Qatar Goodwood Festival, it also boasts an organic farm, four restaurants, two golf courses, a private members’ club, a health club, a hotel, and an aerodrome, set in 12,000 acres of countryside!

HOMES ON THE MARKET...

FROM £133,000*

WOODGATE, CHICHESTER Wings Wood

The nal two and three bedroom homes available through shared ownership at Wings Wood are selling fast, so it is advisable to book a viewing as soon as you possibly can.

Launching soon is a new phase of two, three and four bedroom homes located in leafy Woodgate, part of the rolling Sussex countryside, offering a balanced village lifestyle and a brand new community, with wider connections into London, Brighton and Portsmouth.

The homes are nestled in a beautifully landscaped neighbourhood with a variety of green locations to enjoy on family walks, while a good-sized turfed private garden will provide an ideal oasis to relax.

Each home comes with allocated parking, some with EV charging points, and as standard at Southern Housing, fully tted streamlined kitchens come with integrated appliances including a dishwasher and washing machine. There is an attractive bathroom with modern ttings and wellproportioned bedrooms that provide generous storage space. Plus, the latest eco-features ensure that energy bills are kept to a minimum.

The Local Area

Woodgate forms part of a cluster of beautiful countryside villages located just over six miles to the east of Chichester city centre, with good connections to the A27 road and M23 motorway network, as well the A259 coastal road. The closest railway station is located in the neighbouring town of Barnham, which provides routes to London, Portsmouth, Brighton and Southampton.

The development is located within walking distance of parks, local amenities and a number of bus stops providing services to the neighbouring towns of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and the city of Chichester. There is a grocery store, pub, Post Of ce and Aldingbourne primary school located right on the doorstep, while Ormiston Six Villages Academy Secondary and a medical centre are just over a mile away.

West Sussex really offers the best of all worlds. There are beautiful country walks right on the doorstep and wonderful beaches all along the coast, with Bognor Regis just over three miles away and Littlehampton only seven miles away. The historic city of Chichester is also nearby and offers just about every amenity you could wish for. The Festival Theatre is one of the most famous live venues in Europe or, if you prefer, you will nd cinema, tenpin bowling, a trampoline park and leisure centre. There is a fascinating choice of independent shops, a shopping mall, and you will be spoilt for choice with a great selection of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.

shnewhomes.co.uk

WORKING FROM HOME? DISCOVER WESTON HOMES’ ELEVATED FLEXIWORKING SPACES

Flexible working, post-Covid, was a life changer bringing about significant transformations in work patterns and lifestyles. Employers and employees grappled with different methods and approaches, but over time, a clearer pattern has emerged

In the UK, 50 of the biggest employers including Meta and Amazon have plans to return staff to the office as they are concerned about a decline in social skills and learning opportunities, particularly for new employees. Some staff are returning for part of the week while still enjoying the flexibility of working from home, offering a better work-life balance.

With two years’ experience interviewing buyers who have purchased a new property from Weston Homes, journalist Janice Morley has looked at the lifestyles emerging from Covid, and discovered that young professionals who want to work flexible hours buy homes that accommodate their choices to easily work from home and go into the office.

THE CRITERIA OF A FLEXIWORKING HOME

Weston Homes has studied the needs of this new type of workforce and discovered what scored highly for first timers on the Perfect Property List.

Location is key. Weston Homes builds a wide range of developments in locations across London and the South East. From cool city areas to leafy sites further afield, most are on sustainable, brownfield recycled ground within a 15-minute walk or a few minutes’ cycle ride from fast transport links and nearby facilities.

Essential for home working, they all have

super-fast broadband which makes working from home a breeze. High-tech, modern luxury living is a Weston Homes speciality.

Apartments are designed with floorto-ceiling windows for maximum natural light and spacious live/work, ultra-modern kitchen and living rooms that allow for office areas to be created in niche areas. Desks and office furniture have become so fashionable and flexi-clever that they can even be folded into a cupboard at the end of the day.

Outdoor space has become a must for home working. Weston Homes provides rooftop and podium gardens on many sites, and in its latest sought-after Barking site, Abbey Quay, there are luxury community spaces where owners can take their laptops for work, share a coffee, chat or just escape to join in a yoga class.

Above all, buyers quote their big outdoor balconies as their go-to place for their private take-a-break time. Or as many say, their chance to watch the sunset.

Couples, it seems, often coordinate their diaries and commute to their offices on alternate days so that they have the whole apartment to themselves, and psychologically look forward to the end of the day for meeting up.

Sustainability and high insulation are a passion with Weston Homes. Not only are its homes energy efficient, they are also low cost. So, home working will not push up your bills.

High quality new homes have made flexi-working the choice of many young professionals – as can be seen from the empty streets leading up to the London stations on a Friday.

Weston Homes is an award-winning developer building new and converted one to five bedroom luxurious homes across London and the South East from £216,995.

For more information contact Weston Homes on 01279 873 300 or visit weston-homes.com. Marketing suites are open daily 10am to 5pm

Dylon Riverside, Sydenham

Abbey Quay, Barking

INTRODUCING GUINNESS’ TWO NEW DEVELOPMENTS

The number of budding buyers looking to move home has risen, with Bloomberg UK reporting that 42% of prospective purchasers are looking to speed up their moving plans this year alone. Responding to the growing number of hopeful house hunters, are two new developments from Guinness Homes

Introducing The One Hundred and Woodlark Place – two brand new developments, set at opposite ends of the country, each providing high-quality and contemporary shared ownership homes for first time buyers. The new developments will bring over 70 affordable homes to two sought-after areas, Alperton in London and Finningley in Doncaster, where property prices have been on the rise over the past year as the popularity of these areas grows.

London Sales Manager at Guinness Homes, Hellyn Fairbrother, comments, “We’ve seen that demand for contemporary homes is growing, with increasing numbers of first time buyers coming through our doors every day. We’re very excited about these new developments in London and Doncaster, which offer such varied and diverse housing solutions for so many different types of buyers – singles, couples and families alike.”

THE ONE HUNDRED, ALPERTON

The One Hundred is an attractive collection of 100 one, two and three bedroom contemporary apartments set within a vibrant waterside community, with 51 homes available to purchase through shared ownership. Located in the heart of Alperton, Brent, homes at The One Hundred have been designed with residents in mind. Finished to a high specification throughout, contemporary kitchens feature integrated Zanussi appliances, while bathrooms are complete with sleek chrome features. Featuring an extension of the

living space, the apartments offer private balconies with expansive views over the Grand Union Canal – the perfect spot for an al fresco morning coffee. The One Hundred’s desirable waterside location not only offers peace and quiet, but also means residents can enjoy tranquil strolls and bike rides along the river towpath.

For those buyers seeking a bustling local area, The One Hundred is situated close to a broad range of amenities. BOXPARK Wembley can be reached in less than a 25-minute bus ride, where residents can enjoy a diverse range of street food and onsite events. Those in search of some retail therapy can reach Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, where there are over 350 shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy, in less than 35 minutes from Stonebridge Park underground station.

Perfect for daily commuters and weekend explorers alike, the apartments are situated just a 15-minute walk to Alperton and Stonebridge Park underground stations, with direct services into central London in under 30 minutes.

WOODLARK PLACE, FINNINGLEY, DONCASTER

Woodlark Place will offer a range of two and three bedroom homes in the heart of Finningley, Doncaster. A collection of 23 new build homes, the open-plan properties at Woodlark Place offer space for the whole family. From fitted kitchens, complete with integrated Zanussi ovens, and sleek bathrooms with suites by Sandringham,

to private landscaped gardens, the homes at Woodlark Place have been thoughtfully designed for a range of different residents.

A South Yorkshire gem, Finningley is ideal for young professionals and growing families alike. Perfectly placed, buyers can enjoy a range of parks and green spaces on their doorstep, such as Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Finningley Park. For those looking for weekend inspiration, The Dome is located a 10-minute cycle away, and offers a swimming complex, a selection of bars and a sports arena. A short walk from the development is Finningley village, with a local pub, convenience store and takeaway restaurant – ideal for Sunday morning strolls into town. A range of Ofsted-rated Good schools are also located in less than a 15-minute drive time.

Offering the perfect blend between countryside and city living, Woodlark Place is well connected by nearby Doncaster railway station, just a 20-minute drive away. Offering frequent services into York, Sheffield and Leeds in under 35 minutes, both commutes to work and days out with the family are within reach.

The One Hundred is set to launch this summer, with a range of one, two and three bedroom homes available to buy off-plan. Homes at Woodlark Place have already launched, with move-in dates for the two and three bedroom homes set from summer 2024.

To find out more and make an appointment call our sales team on 0300 456 0522 or visit guinnesshomes.co.uk

Shared ownership terms and conditions apply

Woodlark Place

The One Hundred

GET ON THE PROPERTY LADDER WITH SHARED OWNERSHIP

Are you looking for your next place to call home? A space to rest after a busy day, host and entertain loved ones, and somewhere to make uniquely yours? With the rising cost of living making it difficult to save for a deposit, getting on to the property ladder may seem increasingly out of reach. However, through shared ownership, you could make your dream of getting on the property ladder a reality

Shared ownership is a Government-backed scheme where you buy a share of a home’s full value and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder. The deposit required is typically much smaller because it is calculated against the percentage of the share you purchase, meaning you can find your new home with a deposit of as little as £5,000*. Through a process called staircasing, you can incrementally increase your share of the property to 100% over time should you wish to.

From studio apartments in the heart of London to three bedroom town houses in the countryside, Legal & General Affordable Homes has a variety of shared ownership homes across the country, catering to a range of lifestyles, to help you find the home you’re looking for.

Whether you’re a first time buyer, hoping to start a new stage of life in a fresh location, or even thinking about downsizing, Legal & General Affordable Homes could have the home you’re looking for.

So if you fit the eligibility criteria – including being over the age of 18, not currently a homeowner and meeting the financial requirements – you could get moving into a home that’s yours and start decorating and shaping it into the home of your dreams!

Find out more at landgah.com

*Based on current availability for a one bedroom apartment at specific schemes

A SELECTION OF SOME OF OUR TOP PICKS AVAILABLE THROUGH SHARED OWNERSHIP

The Chase Collection at Trent Park, Enfield, London EN4 0PS

The Chase Collection of homes sits at the heart of Trent Park, north London, which encompasses over 400 acres of ancient woodland and natural grassland, along with lakes and ponds. Enjoy a unique living experience cocooned in nature, offering opportunities for long walks, cycling or picnics. There’s an 18-hole golf course nearby for a round of golf, and horse riding at the local equestrian centre. You’ll find spacious rooms finished to a high specification that are full of natural light, and apartments with private balconies, all while still in touching distance of central London. A perfect mix of city and country living.

Prices start at £110,625 for a minimum 25% share.

The Moorings, Brentford, London

TW8 8FU

A stone’s throw from the Grand Union Canal and surrounded by plenty of green space with Syon Park, Kew Gardens and Richmond Park nearby, The Moorings is an ideal place to put down roots in south west London while being next to nature and remaining in the capital. The two bedroom homes at The Moorings come with their own private balcony and access to a communal roof terrace, just for residents. If you’re after a bit of city buzz, its proximity to Westfield London offers endless high-quality retail, entertainment and leisure options.

Prices start at £131,250 for a minimum 25% share.

East River Wharf, Royal Wharf, London E16 2AX

Situated in Royal Wharf, quickly becoming one of east London’s hottest locations, new residents at East River Wharf can experience a full taste of the capital’s culture as well as benefit from the many transport hubs connecting to central London and surrounding airports. One, two and three bedroom apartments are built with contemporary living in mind – with streamlined and well-equipped kitchens, elegant bedrooms and private balconies. East River Wharf’s amenities include a full-sized swimming pool, spa, state-of-the-art gym and sky lounge, providing a luxurious living experience. Prices start at £96,875 for a minimum 25% share.

Cavalier Court, Gillingham, Kent ME4 4SW

Perched on the Medway waterfront with its rugged coastline, wildflower areas and tranquil setting, Cavalier Court presents the perfect escape from the rush of city life. At the same time, Chatham’s waterfront revitalisation promises to usher in a new wave of activity in the area that will see it become a regional hotspot in the coming years. Homes here feature open-plan living areas, the latest energy-saving measures to keep bills low, and excellent transport links to London. What’s more, Gillingham railway station is serviced by the country’s only high-speed rail line, making Cavalier Court’s homes even more attractive. Prices start at £54,000 for a minimum 25% share.

PERFECTLY PLACED: CASSIA – OAKWOOD, N14

In the heart of Oakwood, a charming north London suburb just over 30 minutes from the buzz of central London, lies Cassia, a new build development by Newlon Living. Now offering a collection of one and two bedroom apartments available through the shared ownership scheme, this is an exceptional opportunity for first time buyers to secure their first home in a perfect location

Seamlessly blending with the established houses, Cassia has been crafted to offer community focused homes in a peaceful location. Architecturally inspired by the Georgian era but reimagined for 21st century living, each apartment boasts its own outdoor space, high-specification fixtures and fittings, and up-to-the-minute environmental credentials.

RETAIL THERAPY

A short stroll takes you to Chase Side high street, where you’ll find cafes and brasseries alongside patisseries and restaurants. Homeware stores, health food shops and a large superstore cater to your weekly grocery needs. Further afield, explore Barnet’s shopping centre, sample village life in Winchmore Hill or visit Cockfosters, another leafy suburb with a distinctly Hampstead vibe.

THE IDYLLIC OAKWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD

Oakwood, a leafy suburb in the London Borough of Enfield, is renowned for its highly rated schools, pristine parks and a strong sense of community. The area boasts a rich history, with traces of its past evident in the charming architecture and quaint village atmosphere.

One of Oakwood’s crown jewels is Grovelands Park, a vast green space that offers a tranquil respite from bustling city life, the perfect setting for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor recreation.

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

Nature enthusiasts will revel in the myriad of natural green spaces surrounding Cassia. This picturesque area offers endless opportunities for cycling, running and sporting pursuits.

Nearby, Trent Park beckons with its 413 acres of parkland, walkways, lakes and woodland. For those seeking a wider range of activities, an equestrian centre, golf course and even a Go Ape treetop adventure park await.

A short trip to Southgate Leisure Centre unveils a gym, swimming pool and over 150 fitness classes per week, catering to every fitness enthusiast.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The area is also home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Brunswick School and Southgate School, both within a 20-minute walk and renowned for their academic excellence and commitment to holistic education.

Cassia’s prime location ensures access to excellent educational institutions nearby. From early years provision to A-levels and beyond, a wide selection of quality community-based and independently run nurseries, schools and colleges is conveniently close to your doorstep.

SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY

Whether travelling by road or rail, convenience is paramount. Cassia affords its residents this luxury with easy accessibility to major roads. Both Oakwood and Southgate underground stations are in close proximity, offering direct routes into central London via the Piccadilly Line, enabling you to reach the West End in just 30 minutes. With Oakleigh Park and New Southgate Overground stations also a short distance away, you have ample transport options at your disposal.

EMBRACE THE CASSIA LIFESTYLE

Cassia by Newlon Living presents an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that harmoniously blends luxury and community. You’ll find an open-plan living area and your own outdoor space, complemented by a stylish fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, a contemporary bathroom suite, and good-quality carpets in each bedroom.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in the area’s natural beauty, and experience the perfect mix of city living and suburban calm.

One bedroom apartment, monthly outgoings from £1,275 pcm: £105,000 for a 30% share, with a full market value of £350,000. Two bedroom apartment, monthly outgoings from £1,555 pcm: £127,500 for a 30% share, with a full market value of £425,000.

To register your interest in Cassia or for more information about the range of homes available from Newlon Living, please visit newlonliving.co.uk

UNLOCK YOUR DREAM HOME WITH SNUGG HOMES

The journey to homeownership may feel like a daunting task, especially with property prices on the rise. But fear not, there is a solution that opens the door to your own slice of paradise – shared ownership – now made even easier with specialist Snugg Homes by your side

WHAT IS SHARED OWNERSHIP?

Shared ownership is an innovative scheme that allows you to purchase a share of your chosen property – typically ranging from 10% to 80% of its market value – while paying rent on the remaining portion.

To be eligible, you simply have to meet a certain criteria which extends to individuals with a household income below £80,000 and is the perfect option for first time buyers, homeowners wanting to downsize or existing shared owners looking to move. As your financial circumstances change,

so too can your ownership stake, through a process known as staircasing, wherein you gradually increase your share until you achieve full ownership.

WHY SNUGG HOMES?

Snugg Homes is committed to ensuring your journey towards homeownership is nothing short of seamless. Our seasoned property sales team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, from selecting your dream home to finally holding the keys in your hand.

And from the serene, green landscapes of Cheshire to the bustling cityscapes of Manchester, Snugg Homes has curated a portfolio of exquisite properties that can suit your every need.

STONECROSS VALE, WINSFORD, CHESHIRE

Nestled within the thriving town of Winsford sits Stonecross Vale, a stylish development boasting an elegant collection of two, three and four bedroom homes, each designed with modern living in mind. Featuring a large kitchen, diner and lounge with well-

The Seasons

Stonecross Vale

proportioned bedrooms and contemporary bathrooms, these homes exude both comfort and sophistication.

Winsford lies just 17 miles from the historical charm of Chester and has excellent transport links to the vibrant cities of Manchester and Liverpool, ensuring convenience is never compromised. Residents can also explore the picturesque countryside trails of Whitegate Way and roam through the majestic landscape of Delamere Forest, making Stonecross Vale the ideal setting for modern living amid natural beauty.

Get ready to embark on your exciting journey to homeownership at Stonecross Vale, as all properties are coming soon.

MILLERS WALK, KIRKBY IN ASHFIELD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

With its stylish selection of detached and semi-detached homes, Millers Walk is the perfect home for families to grow and thrive. Each of the two and three bedroom properties comes complete with a spacious living area, fitted kitchen and landscaped garden. Plus, the detached homes even feature main bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, adding a touch of luxury to everyday living.

Kirkby in Ashfield serves as an excellent commuter town with the nearby M1 and Mansfield railway station connecting residents to key destinations like Nottingham, Manchester, Derby and Leicester. The surrounding Derbyshire Dales mean you’ll also be spoilt for choice

with days out to the countryside and the breathtaking Newstead Abbey – the ancestral home of Lord Byron – is just six miles away, weaving together rich history and culture on your doorstep.

With all current properties sold and a waiting list in place at this popular development, Millers Walk has already captured the hearts of many.

THE SEASONS, WORSLEY MESNES, WIGAN

The Seasons offers a sophisticated collection of two and three bedroom homes,

each either two or three storeys high, in the desirable suburb of Worsley Mesnes, Wigan.

These properties champion contemporary living, with high-spec kitchens and living spaces perfect for entertaining guests, and the additional benefit of a large garden with additional off-road parking.

You’ll have perfect access to city life, with thriving Manchester less than 25 miles away and the iconic waterfront destination of Salford Quays a short drive from home. With 70% green space, Wigan boasts a beautiful green heart stretching from Leigh through to Haigh Woodland Park and includes beautiful parks, woodlands, wetlands, canals and green spaces for visitors to enjoy.

Homes at The Seasons are due in summer 2025, so stay tuned for your chance to be part of this extraordinary new community.

HERE TO HELP

The Snugg Homes team is on hand to answer any of the questions you may have about shared ownership or any of our impressive developments and will support you every step of the way in your journey to homeownership.

To register your interest, please visit our website snugghomes.co.uk. You can also follow us on @SnuggHomes on X/Twitter or @snugghomes on Instagram and TikTok

Millers Walk

Millers Walk

SETTLE IN TO COUNTRY LIVING

There are 35 two and three bedroom shared ownership and 18 socially rented homes at Orchard Close to offer a close community feeling.

The homes at Orchard Close have been designed to complement the village’s existing surroundings of nature. These homes allow for natural light to flow freely, giving them a sense of space and light throughout the interior.

A fusion of traditional and contemporary, the homes draw on the appearance of existing houses in the village, including brick detailing, building orientations, roof forms and entrance features, with solar panels incorporated into the roof line. The sleek kitchens have a range of integrated appliances, and the bathrooms are contemporary and elegant. Being situated on a sloping hillside showcases the impressive views and each unique garden comes with a terraced patio area from which to enjoy outdoor living. The homes have been designed with space and landscaping in mind to enhance visual links to the surrounding countryside, including private parking spaces between houses rather than along the street edge.

Cosy, country living with the convenience of modern life is embodied through the stylish shaker-style kitchens fitted by Premier Kitchens. Matt white kitchen cabinets perfectly complement the stoneeffect worktops.

LIFE IN UPPER GRAVENHURST

This small, rural village located in central Bedfordshire is also home to the Church of St Giles which has been established in the village since the 12th century. The village is an

outdoor-lover’s paradise, with endless green spaces to explore and just a short drive from the Barton Hills. Social lives are well catered for nearby, with relaxing country pubs to meet with friends and village halls serving the local community with clubs and sports activities for all the family’s talents and interests. You’ll feel a sense of nostalgia in nearby villages such as Shillington and Meppershall, with a range of village amenities from a Post Office to the local bakery.

Step into history and explore life in the 17th century as you discover the remarkable garden landscapes of Wrest Park. The breathtaking manor house follows the style of an 18th century French chateau. You’ll stand in awe at the idyllic architecture throughout the gardens; with activities for the whole family, Wrest Park is truly a highlight of local English heritage.

Meanwhile, the nearby towns of Bedford

Orchard Close, situated in the quiet but desirable village of Upper Gravenhurst in Bedfordshire, has been designed with the community’s best interests at heart. Set in an attractive location, featuring beautiful green landscapes surrounding the village, and a short car journey away from towns like Bedford and Hitchin, it’s perfect for quiet country living with access to town life when you want it

and Hitchin offer regular farmers’ markets, a range of nice local restaurants and, in the case of Bedford, a choice of two multiplex cinemas. So, when living at Orchard Close you certainly won’t be short of things to do at the weekends.

WHY BUY FROM SETTLE?

As the name suggests, we want to help you settle in a new community – by delivering new homes that meet local needs and creating diverse new neighbourhoods that let you live the life you choose. At settle we are proud providers of high-quality, affordable homes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. We provide a variety of different tenures to suit everyone’s needs, including offering affordable rent and shared ownership options.

For more information, including prices, oor plans and to arrange to view the show home, visit settlesales.co.uk/orchardclose

SHARED OWNERSHIP STORIES FROM HARROW AND WEALDSTONE HEIGHTS

Putting the pathway to homeownership in the capital within reach, Origin Housing’s flagship development, Harrow and Wealdstone Heights, is bringing modern shared ownership homes to north London.

Fast becoming a lively new community in the heart of Harrow, the attractive new homes are being delivered alongside play areas, landscaping, outdoor planting and commercial units. Ticking the boxes of new build London living, residents at Harrow and Wealdstone Heights enjoy contemporary, stylish apartments, with open-plan living spaces, integrated appliances and private outdoor space, perfect for the warmer months.

Now calling Harrow and Wealdstone Heights home, we heard from recent shared owners Stephen, a north London local, and dad of two, Diego, who recently found their new homes with Origin Housing.

Diego comments, “I was aware of shared ownership as a few of my friends had used the scheme as a way to get on to the property ladder, but wasn’t sure whether I would be eligible as I had previously owned a home.”

Upon enquiring with the Origin team, Diego learned that he would be eligible for shared ownership as his income fell under the £90,000 threshold for London and he did not own a property or part of one at the time of application.

For Stephen, his recent engagement prompted an eagerness to find a place of his own. “I knew I didn’t want to be living with my parents any more,” he explains. “My financial situation began to improve and this year I felt ready to settle down, find a property of my own and begin properly planning for the future. I knew it would be a good option for me for me to step on to the property ladder with a lower deposit.”

Describing what impressed him about Harrow and Wealdstone Heights, Stephen comments, “It was incredibly appealing to me to know I could have a new build apartment, in a well-connected north London neighbourhood close to a buzzing high street.”

For Diego, it was all about the location

Are you ready to embark on your homeownership journey and discover the perfect home in a thriving new community?

and transport links. He says, “I knew that the road links were good when I first found the development, but I’ve also been impressed with the nearby public transport – we’ve got Harrow and Wealdstone station on the doorstep from where you can get trains to Euston, and the Bakerloo Line runs to Paddington and Waterloo. My daughter is getting to that age where she can hop on the tube by herself, so that’s going to be really useful.”

Diego recalls his journey with the team at Harrow and Wealdstone Heights, “The whole process was really quick! I had a very positive experience from start to finish, including on my two viewings with Julian from Origin who was really helpful and informative.”

Reflecting on his experience as a first time buyer, Stephen says, “I had a really positive experience finding my shared ownership home with Origin and I’m excited for the future. There is lots of development happening in Harrow and it feels like an exciting time to be moving here – I’m looking forward to the future and life here.”

Giving a helping hand to first time buyers, Origin is currently offering its Kickstart incentive at Harrow and Wealdstone Heights, which enables purchasers to receive up to £2,500 towards costs of their choice, including covering legal fees, rent and broker fees, which reduces the costs required for buying a first home through shared ownership.*

Origin is marketing a collection of one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments at Harrow and Wealdstone Heights, which are available to move into now. Prices start from £81,250 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment (full market value of £325,000), with deposits from £4,469.

To nd out more, visit originhousingsales.co.uk/ harrow-wealdstone-heights

*Origin Kickstart scheme – T&Cs apply. Only applicable on selected developments. This offer includes legal fees, rent charges and broker fees; it cannot be used with any other offer. Incentives are redeemable upon completion and are limited to one per household. Please speak to a member of the sales team for more information

Diego

Stephen

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FIRST TIME BUYER HOUSES BY HOME REACH

Shared ownership provides a stepping stone on to the property ladder, and with one of the largest homeownership programmes in the UK, Home Reach is proud to partner with over 130 housebuilders across 200 local authorities – enabling house hunters across the country to realise their homeownership dreams

A key part of bringing affordable homes to buyers across the UK is to offer a broad range of homes, from apartments through to family-sized houses.

Melissa Toomey, Director of Sales at Heylo, explains, “We don’t want to just offer one bedroom apartments for shared ownership, because we know there are families looking for three and four bedroom houses who can’t afford to buy in their areas at full market value. We want to make a diverse range of homes available, to make buying affordable to everyone who wants to do so and work closely with some of the highest quality housebuilders to make this a possibility.”

One such partnership is with Vistry Group, whose brands include Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Properties. Home Reach has recently launched 100 new shared ownership homes in partnership with the Vistry Group, a large proportion of which are houses. From three bedroom properties in Peterborough to four bedroom homes in Stowmarket, Home Reach has a diverse range of options available, ensuring every customer can find their perfect place to call home.

FLETTON FOLLY, PETERBOROUGH

A collection of three bedroom detached and semi-detached houses, Fletton Folly is perfect for growing families or those looking for a little more space. Each home features open-plan layouts, fully integrated appliances and stylish French doors leading on to the landscaped garden, providing plenty of outdoor space for the coming summer months. Upstairs features a principal bedroom complete with en suite, an additional double bedroom, family bathroom and single bedroom space which could be used as an office – ideal for working from home.

For those in search of wholesome family days out, the charming village of Yaxley is located less than a 20-minute walk away,

offering a range of restaurants, bars and independent shops to enjoy. Those looking to explore the country setting will find Crown Lakes Country Park is just a 12-minute drive away, with over 75,000 acres of open space set around a picturesque leisure lake, offering plenty to do for the whole family.

A range of Ofsted-rated “Good” schools is situated in proximity to the homes at the development, including two primary schools within a 20-minute walk, and a selection of secondary schools under three miles away. Homes start from £162,500 for a 50% share of a three bedroom home (FMV: £325,000).

OAK FARM MEADOW, STOWUPLAND

A collection of four bedroom properties in Stowupland, Stowmarket, the homes at Oak Farm Meadow have certainly been designed with families in mind – from the versatile layouts through to off-street parking and a good-sized garden. Perfect for both commuters and weekend explorers, Stowmarket railway station is located a mile away and offers regular services into Ipswich, and beyond, in under 15 minutes.

Homes start from £212,498 for a 50% share of a four bedroom home (FMV: £424,996).

GRANGE PARK, THURSTON

There is just one remaining four bedroom shared ownership home on this hugely popular development, which has plenty to offer families in search of space to relax and unwind.

For families looking to explore the area by foot, independent coffee shops, bars, restaurants and Ofsted-rated “Good” schools are situated less than a 20-minute walk away in the idyllic village of Thurston. Perfectly situated for both countryside and city living, Grange Park is located within a 15-minute stroll away from Thurston railway station, offering direct services into Ipswich and Cambridge. The last remaining four bedroom home starts from £230,000 for a 50% share (FMV: £460,000).

For more information on family homes available with Home Reach, visit homereach.org.uk

Oak Farm Meadow

Grange Park

SHARED OWNERSHIP IN THE CAPITAL

Is there hope for Londoners in the second half of 2024?

As we hit the midpoint of the year, heads are increasingly being turned to the looming General Election. With a raft of new policies which may be announced before we go to the polls, the parties are turning to housing as their wedge issue to attract young voters.

Although mortgage rates have somewhat stabilised with interest rates at around 4% to 5% according to Tembo, homeownership prospects are still somewhat gloomy for first time buyers, especially in areas with high price points such as the capital. However, we are putting homeownership in reach with our shared ownership schemes in London.

According to The Guardian, in March 2024 rents rose at an average of 9%. This is expected to be the biggest hike on record. What’s more, the biggest rise was seen in London, with the average monthly rental price of property now standing at £2,035 per month. This is not an issue which is going away any time soon as we continue to see more of a shift back to office and the attraction that people feel for London.

There is still a high demand to live in the city, and at SO Resi, we don’t believe

SO Resi One Nine Elms

that anyone should miss out on living in their dream location due to affordability. As such, we have invested heavily in our accessible homes offering in the capital, so as many buyers as possible can pursue their dreams.

As an award-winning provider of shared ownership, SO Resi’s aim is to allow all types of buyers to take a step on to the property ladder, with the long-term goal of staircasing to 100%. One of our newest developments, SO Resi One Nine Elms, which launched in January, comprises 52 one and two bedroom apartments all available on the shared ownership scheme. Affordable housing options in the capital are already limited, but in Zone One, they are truly a rarity.

With the market remaining hard to predict and house prices proving to be stubborn, it comes as no surprise that shared ownership is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for buyers, thanks to its flexibility and low 5% deposit requirement. These homes are located in London’s tallest residential building and all residents will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint on the 58th floor

Having launched in January, SO Resi One Nine Elms offers 57 homes in the heart of Wandsworth. This includes a range of one and two bedroom apartments with prices starting from £158,750 for a 25% share. Located in London’s tallest residential building, all apartments provide sleek and stylish living, with open-plan main rooms and some homes with river views and private winter gardens. Sandwiched between the two Zone One underground stations of Vauxhall and Nine Elms, served by the Northern Line and the Victoria Line, commuters are truly spoilt for choice with options to get into the City of London. soresi.co.uk/ nd-a-property/one-nine-elms

SO Resi Canning Town

Now available – a selection of 37 one, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments in the heart of Canning Town. SO Resi Canning Town launched off plan in May with properties ready to move into at the end of 2024. Perfect for new families, solo buyers, or young professionals – SO Resi Canning Town is suitable for anybody. Plus, with brilliant nearby facilities like Billingsgate Market, the O2, ExCel London and Royal Riverside Dock, the apartments are in a prime location for a sociable lifestyle.

soresi.co.uk/ nd-a-property/so-resi-canning-town

of the building, with stunning views over central London and the River Thames. When it comes to shared ownership in the capital – we are certainly not compromising on style!

The next couple of months are also looking hugely exciting as we have recently launched our SO Resi Canning Town development off-plan in May, with a show home due to open this summer. A total of 37 homes will be available to buy with shared ownership, with a mixture of one bedroom to three bedroom apartments available on-site, perfect for new families, solo buyers, or young professionals – SO Resi Canning Town is suitable for anybody!

We are proud to be offering yet another scheme in the capital for buyers, providing people with a range of options to kick start their homebuying journey. When the odds are stacked so highly against the next generation of first time buyers, we are proud to be delivering these homes to the people who need them the most.

1 tembomoney.com/learn/mortgage-rate-predictions-2024 2 theguardian.com/money/2024/mar/20/averagemonthly-uk-rent-up-9-the-highest-annual-increase-recorded

SO Resi Hendon Waterside

The development forms part of Hendon Waterside, situated next to the scenic Welsh Harp reservoir – a Site of Special Scienti c Interest where residents can enjoy exploring the surrounding woods, trails and footpaths. Available here are 42 studio, one and two bedroom apartments, and two and three bedroom duplex homes, all available on the shared ownership scheme. Prices start from £84,375 (5% deposits from £4,219).

soresi.co.uk/ nd-a-property/hendon-waterside/

Kevin Sims, Director of Sales and Marketing, SO Resi

Hendon HOTspot

With the Hertfordshire countryside and central London both reached in under 20 minutes from Hendon, it’s easy to see why this north west suburb of the capital is a hit with first time buyers

THE SPOTLIGHT

The north west London locale of Hendon, in Barnet, sits around eight miles from the centre of the capital. Its proximity to both the city centre (reached in 15 minutes by train) as well as some treasured leafy suburbs and home counties, makes it a popular spot for homebuyers. It has a particular draw for commuters seeking to balance city and suburban lifestyles.

Hendon’s population began a real boom in the late 1800s, when the railway line was created through the town. Direct travel into London or north to areas such as St Albans brought big interest, and new houses were created around Hendon, Cricklewood and Brent Street. A handful of factories attracted even more workers and residents.

After the extension of the London Underground to Hendon (Northern Line) in 1921, the population grew further and the area was named a municipal borough, which included the sought-after areas of Mill Hill, Edgware and Burnt Oak.

OUT AND ABOUT

The population is currently around 20,000. A good mix of period homes, tree-lined streets and new build developments means the area offers plenty of choice for both families and young professionals. New housing stock has also brought new businesses to the area, including cool independent stores and established names at areas such as Brent Cross Town.

Some great local adventures await nearby: the Welsh Harp reservoir, surrounded by green space and walking paths, is perfect for exploring. It’s also home to sailing clubs and the Sea Cadets – for a taste of seaside life in the city. The newly developed area of Brent Cross Town is a new favourite with locals. Two new parks – Claremont and Exploratory – have been created, along with cafes and retail units. Baker Tammy Isaac, who founded popular Karma Bread in Hampstead, has opened a second space on Claremont Way. Be sure to try the lovingly created baked treats including her legendary Challah.

The popular towns of Barnet and Finchley are among the highly regarded neighbours, while lovely green spaces are easy to reach by car or train.

Any mention of Hendon would be incomplete without the RAF Museum – a fabulous collection of military vehicles big and small, set across a number of huge aircraft hangars. With free entry, a good cafe and plenty to take in, it’s a great way to spend a day and worth return visits.

malls.

For shopping, Brent Cross is the natural first choice – with more than 120 stores, cafes and restaurants, as well as free parking, it’s one of the UK’s busiest malls. Its fabulous array of shops includes a huge John Lewis, Fenwick, MAC Cosmetics and all the expected high street names, including H&M and M&S. There’s also a giant soft play, seasonal fair and even a beach in the warmer months. Nearby areas to visit

fabulous array of shops

Average property price in Barnet (February 2024) – £583,647

Property breakdown*

Detached − £1,381,457

Semi-detached − £823,568

Terraced − £615,975

Flat − £421,380

FAMOUS RESIDENTS

• Singer Zayn Malik

• Singer Emma Bunton

• Presenter Johnny Vaughan

• Footballer Dele Alli

include leafy Barnet and Finchley as well as beautiful Hampstead with the historic Kenwood House, gardens and expansive heath – complete with glorious views out over the capital. Lovely Mill Hill, with a great range of quality cafes, eateries and a lovely park, makes for a perfect weekend day or evening out. Meanwhile, days out in London’s centre, to appreciate the city’s many and varied assets, are made simple with a short train ride home and frequent services throughout the day.

HOMES ON THE MARKET...

HENDON

Square Roots Hendon

Now there is an opportunity for rst time buyers to buy a home at an affordable price in the highly desirable borough of Barnet in north London –close to a stunning nature reserve.

Square Roots Hendon is a collection of studio, one, two and three bedroom high-quality apartments, near the picturesque Welsh Harp reservoir with its woodland walks, wildlife and watersports. The apartments are available through shared ownership. Starting prices are from £95,000 for a 25% minimum share of a stylish one bedroom apartment.

There are fast transport links from Hendon and Colindale underground stations and national rail links to King’s Cross St Pancras in 19 minutes. All the apartments have an excellent speci cation inside, with open-plan living areas and private balconies or terraces. Residents can also access attractive podium gardens, a play area, secure off-street parking and cycle storage.

The area has Ofsted-rated Outstanding primary schools at The Hyde School and St Robert Southwell Catholic School, plus highly rated secondary schools. The Welsh Harp nature reserve covers 340 acres and features a sailing and canoeing club, with paddle boarding and kayaking available. Hampstead Heath is a 15-minute drive, with its open-air bathing ponds and wild acres of woodlands and heath, and the great restaurants and bars in Hampstead village.

The monthly outgoings on an apartment where the buyer is purchasing a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment, with the full value of £380,000, are:

 Monthly mortgage

 Monthly rent

£859

£664

 Monthly service charge

£107

HELP IS AT HAND

*According to the Land Registry House Price Index *Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £380,000 FROM £95,000*

CASE STUDY

On the rst Thursday of the month, 5:30- 7:30pm, Square Roots Hendon hosts an information evening to help you navigate the property ladder, from understanding mortgage options to exploring shared ownership, plus a chance to view the new show home.

Square Roots is the independent housing provider established by awardwinning developer London Square, which now has high-quality affordable homes under way in the London Boroughs of Bexley, Lewisham, a second site in Kingston, and Barnet. This follows on from the success of Square Roots' inaugural site at Kingston. That development won two major awards, and has received outstanding feedback through customer surveys as well as support from the Mayor of London.

To visit the new show home and nd out more, contact Square Roots Hendon, call 0333 666 4242 or visit squareroots.co.uk

Looking to break away from escalating rental costs and step on the property ladder without compromising on space or location, rst time buyer Miguel Tercero purchased a one bedroom apartment at Square Roots’ rst development at Kingston. Miguel, 35, moved to London in 2013 and is a Senior Project Manager for a telecommunications company in Aldgate in the City. For the past four years, he rented a studio apartment in Surbiton, paying £1,200 per month in rent. Miguel, originally from Spain, decided to research his buying options when the rent was about to go up.

Miguel was delighted to nd a stunning rst- oor one bedroom apartment with a balcony at Kennet House in Square Roots Kingston, which was within his budget and in the area where he wanted to live.

He explains, “With my rent due to increase, I felt it was time to buy my own home and get on the property ladder. I really wanted to remain living in Kingston and was delighted to discover that by using the shared ownership scheme, I could afford a one bedroom apartment. I paid a £16,000 deposit for a 25% share of a property with a full market value of £430,000, paying a total of £1,400 per month on mortgage, rental and service charges. I also bene t from a parking space, with an electric car charging point for my Renault Zoe.

“I was really impressed with the spacious design of the apartment and the overall speci cation and nish. The rooms are all generously sized and there is an external balcony, great for dining outdoors when the sun is shining. There is built-in storage and integrated appliances, including energyef cient integrated Bosch appliances in the kitchen, and tted USB sockets in every room.”

Miguel adds, “The sales team at Square Roots has been really helpful throughout my buying journey, from when I rst saw the apartment through to moving into my new home.”

“A SPACIOUS, CONNECTED SPACE TO CALL HOME!”

Parkside, Garston, stood out to Samantha for a range of reasons, including affordability, its sense of community, proximity to nature and liveability

As a single person who has rented for most of her life, Samantha didn’t think she would ever be able to afford her own home. But the shared ownership scheme at Parkside gave her a spacious, connected place to call home. As a non-driver, Samantha now lives in an area with easy access to local shops and public transport connections. She works locally in Watford and now has a 35-minute walk to work that she finds pleasant and peaceful.

The level of thought that has gone into designing a liveable area also stood out to Samantha. Having considered other new build developments and conversions, she was impressed by the way the flats are designed, the layout of the homes and the communal garden areas. Parkside felt like “somewhere between a flat and a house” –big enough to have private space but close enough to neighbours to protect the sense of community.

The access to green spaces, both within the communal grounds and the adjacent parkland, has been a significant perk of Parkside. Having moved out of central Watford – which is dominated by terraced houses, tower blocks and congested roads,

the walk from Parkside is much better, with its proximity to greenery giving Samantha the sense of having more space. As an animal lover, Samantha was delighted to bump into her neighbour and his pugs on daily dog walks. The pleasant surroundings promote “milling as opposed to racing” – which encourages small moments of friendship between strangers.

The shared ownership model has significantly improved Samantha’s wellbeing, sense of security and feeling of independence. To have somewhere that she wants to live and to have done it by herself makes her feel very secure.

The effect of having a liveable, inviting home has spread into Samantha’s work life. Coming back to work after the move, instead of feeling stressed and under pressure from the move, Samantha was told that “her eyes were smiling”. The ease and comfort of Parkside has meant Samantha gets into work earlier, and is happier when there. The strains of renting and uncertainty over accommodation was having a bigger impact on Samantha’s life than she gave it credit for. She didn’t realise this until she moved to Parkside.

Samantha had a great experience with the sales team at Thrive Homes. She dealt with Thrive’s Development Sales Manager, Marc Jellis, who went “above and beyond” in a hard situation where eviction was looming. He was available at all times and was hands-on in offering advice, information and occasionally just some reassurance. “It felt like they were on my side,” she said.

In terms of advice for people moving to Parkside, Samantha says, “Just do it!”

Becoming a homeowner has become increasingly difficult in recent years and shared ownership is something that’s there to help you.

IS E16 THE NEW “IT” POSTCODE IN LONDON?

Well we seem to think so and here is why…

AQUA GARDENS – ROYAL DOCKS E16

Aqua Gardens is perfectly situated in east London’s impressive Royal Docks regeneration area, which boasts of being London’s next hub of culture, business and opportunity along the water’s edge. Aqua Gardens is a three-minute walk to Custom House station, offering fast options on the Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf, central London and beyond. The IFS Cloud Cable Car, previously known as the Emirates Air Line Cable Car, provides sky-high travel to Greenwich Peninsula via London’s only cable car, meaning the O2 Arena can be reached in just seven minutes with stunning views along the way

Aqua Gardens is such a special development, which creates a sense of immediate peace when you arrive due to it being surrounded by 5,000 sq m of landscaped communal gardens, and not forgetting the development itself is surrounded by ample amounts of open parks – 23 to be exact. The development is now in its second phase and each apartment is built to the highest standard of specification. They come with integrated appliances, en suites and open-plan living. Each apartment has its own private outdoor space and some boast amazing skyline views of central London.

When you buy at Aqua Gardens you can

opt in from as little as £40 to have access to a wealth of amenities within the development like the Peloton spin studio, gym, roof running track, heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam and much more.

Apartments start from £140,625 for a 25% share and with a deposit of as little as £7,031.25* required.

Why not speak to our sales consultants today? 020 8821 6599

MAKERS YARD – CANNING TOWN E16

Canning Town has seen much regeneration in recent years and now finds itself home to several new shops, restaurants and developments. Makers Yard is right in the centre and forms part of an exciting future, transforming the historic London Docklands. The £3.7bn regeneration is producing one of London’s most exciting districts to live in.

One Housing, part of Riverside, is heavily invested and is now in its third phase at Makers Yard, offering a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes. Each apartment is built to a high-quality specification with integrated Bosch appliances, spacious living areas, light interiors and outside space. The development is built around landscaped communal courtyards with many apartments offering stunning views across east London and the City.

Canning Town station is a stone’s throw away from Makers Yard and offers a fiveminute commute to Canary Wharf and Stratford, while the City, London Bridge and Westminster can all be reached in 15 minutes or less. London City airport is only six minutes via the DLR and with the Elizabeth Line available from Custom House you will be able to access faster connections to central London and beyond.

Prices start from as little as £98,000 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment with a deposit of as low as £4,900*.

Why not make London’s up-and-coming postcode your home? Contact SiteSales on 0344 892 0124.

* T&Cs apply

Aqua Gardens

Makers Yard

THE SIMPLE WAY TO BUY AND SELL SHARED OWNERSHIP PROPERTIES

“One of the best things I’ve ever done is getting on to the property ladder through shared ownership,” says Tom, who bought his first property in Wokingham in 2020 aged 26

Wokingham is notoriously expensive: with the average house price no less than £546,467 according to Zoopla, many first time buyers are forced to look elsewhere, away from family and friends.

But Tom, a Wokingham local, had heard of shared ownership and was pleased to find out that he was eligible. To qualify you must have a household income of no more than £80,000 (£90,000 in London), not own an additional property and meet some basic affordability checks as you would do with any mortgage. But that’s it.

“It was a huge weight off my shoulders to find that I could get on the property ladder sooner than I had expected to and I was able to buy a 50% share, which was fantastic,” says Tom. “If I wanted to staircase to 100% ownership I could do.”

Adrian Plant, Director of SOWN, explains the benefits of shared ownership, “When you sit down to work out whether you can afford to buy it invariably works out a bit tight. But with shared ownership it’s the opposite – shared ownership often allows people to buy a larger property than they expected, or one in a better area. It’s a way of avoiding compromise while also saving the considerable cost and trouble of moving again in a few years’ time.”

When Tom chose to move, he sold his shared ownership property. “It’s a complete myth that you get locked into shared ownership,” he says. “After contacting my housing association and going through the nomination period, I got in touch with SOWN and went through the detail, which was all very straightforward.

“Whenever I had a question they were there – at the end of the phone or with a quick response to an email. That took just 24 hours and within five days of my property hitting the market I’d accepted an offer – it’s just what everyone wants when they sell a property. Like buying, selling was much easier than I had expected.”

Buying a shared ownership home is simple. You can typically buy between 10% and 75% of the home’s full market value and pay rent on the outstanding proportion. But

over time, you’ll probably choose to increase, or “staircase up” your ownership to gain a greater equity and pay less rent until you achieve full ownership.

When it comes to selling, that’s simple too. If the property is still under shared ownership (you haven’t staircased up to 100%), before putting your property on the market you’ll need to review your shared ownership agreement. This is because sometimes the housing association has the right of first refusal. In this case, you’ll need to inform the housing association of your intention to sell. It then has the opportunity to find a buyer for your share within its nomination period before you are able to market it via an estate agent (although in some circumstances a housing association or provider will release you early from this period if they are unable to offer it to any buyers).

It’s no more difficult to sell a shared ownership property than a regular property – because you can sell it either as a shared ownership property or as a regular property. Any estate agent can market your property

but it’s best to choose one with a dedicated specialist shared ownership department which really understands the process of shared ownership. SOWN, part of property specialist Leaders Romans Group, has this expertise and more. We can deal with everything related to your sale in-house and even offer specialist mortgage advice on your next purchase.

SOWN has been selling shared ownership homes since 2018 and now sells over 600 every year. With a huge database of potential purchasers, we can reduce the stress and keep you up to speed every step of the way. With a presence of more than 300 high street branches, we have the reach to connect your property with the right buyers. And we don’t just list properties – we make sure people see them. Your home will shine on the top property portals like Rightmove, Share to Buy, Keaze, New Homes For Sale, as well as on social media.

So whether you’re looking to buy or sell, visit SOWN.co.uk today

DISCOVER HOW SHARED OWNERSHIP CAN HELP YOU FIND A HOME IN HOVE

Find your dream home in the heart of the city – and it’s more affordable than you think

Guinness Homes’ Lyon Quarter development brings a stylish and contemporary range of studio, one, two and three bedroom homes to Brighton and Hove. These shared ownership properties are designed with first time buyers in mind. With easy access to both Brighton and Hove railway stations, and only 15 minutes’ walk from the beach, this new development offers the very best of city living. Plus, you can move in straight away.

SPACE AT HOME TO FLOURISH

The brand new collection of 154 highspec homes will be spread across four contemporary blocks where you can make the most of the landscaped gardens featuring seating, pathways and gathering spaces. These complement the private space allocated to each apartment, with every home benefiting from a terrace or balcony. The incredible attention to detail extends to the sleek handleless pearl-grey kitchen cabinets, Indesit integrated appliances, elegant neutral colour schemes in the living areas, and light stone natural tiling in bathrooms and en suites.

SEE WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU

Brighton and Hove is known for its diverse and eclectic atmosphere, and the Seven Dials area is no exception; you’ll find a mix of independent businesses and larger chains, contributing to the neighbourhood’s unique character. Explore the buzzing bars and eateries of the area, relax in St Ann’s Well Gardens or Dyke Road Park, or take a stroll to Hove Lawns for a blast of sea air.

HOPING TO OWN YOUR FIRST HOME?

The Guinness Homes shared ownership scheme is another way to buy your home. You buy a percentage, pay rent on the rest and pay a service charge. Guinness Homes

owns part of it – but you’re living there, you decorate it and decide when to sell. Buying a smaller percentage means a smaller deposit and a smaller mortgage. It’s a great way to get on the housing ladder and, with a range of fantastic opportunities at Lyon Quarter in Hove, your ideal first home could be within your reach at last.

The share you purchase will be based on what you can comfortably afford. Plus, over time, you have the option to increase your share in the property through a process called staircasing. This means you can increase your share in the property by a minimum of 5% at a time. As you do, your mortgage payments will likely increase –but your rent payments will decrease, and it means you own a larger percentage of your home. If you can afford the recalculated monthly repayments required (as assessed by us), you can even carry on buying further shares to own it 100%.

To maximise affordability, at Lyon

Quarter, first time buyers can purchase shares in their preferred property from as low as 25%. Guinness Homes additionally offers a low 5% deposit to help more first time buyers achieve their dream property – lower than would be required for a traditional purchase.

Prices start from just £80,625 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment with a full market value of £322,500.

YOUR CHOICE, YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Find out more and apply at lyonquarter.co.uk today, and the knowledgeable sales team can guide you through the process of shared ownership and work out the best options for you

FIND YOUR PLACE IN LONDON WITH SOVEREIGN NETWORK GROUP

Looking to strike the right balance between living your best life in London and getting your dream home? Shared ownership might be the right option for you

London provides a treasure trove of hotspots for those aspiring to get on the property ladder, placing connectivity, convenience, and culture right on the doorstep. Sovereign Network Group’s (SNG’s) range of contemporary one bedroom shared ownership apartments could be perfect for those hoping to find their place in the capital.

All the developments feature contemporary kitchens complete with highquality appliances. In addition to carefully designed living spaces and modern stylish bathrooms, all apartments also benefit from private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or terrace. With high-specification interiors demonstrated throughout, all you need to do is decide which part of London you want to live in.

GREEN AT HEART

A picturesque, leafy retreat surrounded by Ealing’s vibrant and evolving neighbourhoods, Northolt is the ideal spot for those looking to blend the convenience of London living with vibrant green spaces. Incorporating soft tones, clean finishes, and good quality fixtures and fittings, the one bedroom apartments at Faber Green have been designed for those looking to enjoy a successful work-life-play balance. As well as a private balcony, the development is situated beside a local park, creating a space for the community to socialise and unwind.

WONDERS OF WEMBLEY

Benefiting from a prime position beside Wembley Park, Arc is an exciting

opportunity for those aspiring to enjoy stylish urban living at a more achievable price. With the neighbourhood the focus of over 15 years of regeneration, residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities on tap, direct links to the city centre, and the serenity of green spaces.

Hidden within a 1930s-inspired exterior facade, homes at Arc ooze cosmopolitan charm and style. Each apartment boasts spacious open-plan interiors, providing flexibility and practicality, while private balconies provide further space for savvy residents to enjoy.

ICONIC LONDON LIVING

Making a statement on Burnt Oak’s bustling high street, ICON’s innovative design creates a landmark building that elevates the local skyline. The outer London hub is the ideal spot to put down roots, with a range of community assets and amenities in Burnt Oak, as well as fantastic public transport links on the Northern Line for access into the city and beyond.

Offering light-filled and spacious openplan living areas, homes at ICON have been designed with modern living in mind. For a

truly iconic living experience, every detail has been carefully considered to enhance style and practicality, from the luxury vinyl flooring in the living/dining area to the chrome finishes in the bathroom. Creating an urban sanctuary, private balconies to each apartment feature alongside a communal landscaped garden.

LIVING IN HARMONY

With vinyl records a staple of 20th century culture, Hayes played a crucial role in music history with the UK’s first commercial record production facility located in the town until its closure in 1978. Part of the impressive Old Vinyl Factory redevelopment, One Vinyl Square is cleverly reimagining the former EMI pressing plant into a new home for London’s aspiring homebuyers.

Overlooking the vibrancy of Vinyl Square, the development is part of this exciting regeneration, with gramophone sculptures and a 20-foot statue of HMV’s famous dog “Nipper”, nodding to the site’s musical legacy. Inside, a beautiful specification creates an effortless flow throughout the carefully considered layout, with all homes also enjoying a balcony area.

Explore SNG’s latest range of one bedroom apartments at networkhomessales.co.uk/findyour-new-home

Sovereign Network Homes is a charitable organisation and a subsidiary of Sovereign Network Group

Faber Green

ICON

Arc

One Vinyl Square

FIRST TIME BUYER? THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE

Fast track your success with clear guidance and top tips from our property experts

So, you’ve decided to take the leap into homeownership – fantastic!

The property market can be a thrilling adventure, but let’s be honest, it can also feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. But, with a dash of insider knowledge and the right tools, you can transform this journey from complicated and stressful into super simple.

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Knowledge is power

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FACT FILE

Property: Three bedroom apartment

Full market value: £530,000

Share: £132,500 for a 25% share

Deposit: £13,250

Monthly costs: £1,391 (mortgage – £606, monthly rent – £497, service charge – £288)

Shared ownership: Royal WharfAlbert

She considered Tower Hamlets, or further east towards Ilford, but in the end Farhana chose to make a home in one of London’s emerging communities and most up-and-coming areas – the Royal Docks. She bought her home at NHG Homes’ Royal Albert Wharf with shared ownership, which enabled her to get on to the property ladder in a more accessible way and purchase a three bedroom apartment with a deposit of £13,250.

“I decided I was done losing my money on rent. I wanted to invest in a property and have a home I could make my own. Shared ownership really appealed to me because it meant I required a much smaller deposit than if I was buying privately. I’ve stuck to my roots as I grew up in east London, but the Royal Albert Wharf community has got a really modern and stylish twist to it.”

By putting down roots at Royal Albert Wharf, Farhana not only found a new home but a new, thriving community to be a part of. There’s an abundance of local amenities on her doorstep, and just an eight-minute walk away is Gallions Reach DLR station,

connecting with the Elizabeth Line via Custom House, so she can reach the City within 30 minutes.

“I do travel into central London but often I feel like I don’t really need to, because I’ve got so many things on my doorstep. If I am going into town then I’ll take the DLR as it has so many connections. I shop locally, including at Gallions Reach Shopping Park and also Beckton Triangle Retail Park, both of which are very close.

“We have created a great community here and that’s really rare to find,” she adds. “We have our own residents group, which is great as you can get to know other people living here. When I have friends or family visit, there is so much to do on the doorstep and there’s a children’s playground being built at the moment as well, plus there is a gym planned. So I feel like the area is constantly evolving.”

Farhana loves the waterfront location and family-friendly green spaces, but the design of her apartment was what appealed to her most. “I’m trying to get into my fitness these days, and living here has helped that

"SHARED OWNERSHIP REALLY APPEALED TO ME BECAUSE IT MEANT I REQUIRED A MUCH SMALLER DEPOSIT THAN IF I WAS

Farhana Mallic, 27, a history teacher, was raised in east London and has spent her early 20s living there. Now teaching at a school in Barking and Dagenham, she knew she wanted to put down more permanent roots in this part of the city

because it makes me want to get outside.” Other highlights of her home are the large windows, which have been designed to maximise natural light – she says this helps to create a sense of space, complemented by the roomy balcony – and the quality of the interiors of the apartment.

She also likes the flexibility offered by shared ownership. As a key worker, she has the stability of homeownership alongside the opportunity to increase her share as she sees fit, or to resell her property and buy another home through shared ownership.

“This home gives me great flexibility to either staircase or sell my share based on the market – I could definitely see myself raising a family here. If I were to move homes, I think my next purchase would also be with shared ownership – I can’t recommend it enough. In London, the house prices are now very high – if I hadn’t bought with shared ownership, I would still be renting or living with my parents. It gives you a lifeline, especially for someone in their 20s or 30s.”

One, two and three bedroom homes are currently available to buy through private sale. Prices for new homes start at £375,000 for a one bedroom, £494,995 for a two bedroom and £634,995 for a three bedroom apartment, with further apartments available with shared ownership from autumn 2024.

nhgsales.com

FOR SALE

THE CREAM OF THE CROP

Each month, FTB scours the market for the best starter homes for rst time buyers. So, whether you’re searching for a plush pad to enjoy city life in, or a starter home at a budget-friendly price, we hope you will enjoy our selection

AFFORDABLE HOMES

Whitsbury Green

Situated on the edge of the stunning New Forest, this new collection of family homes enjoys a fantastic location brimming with lush green scenery and beautiful English villages. The historic market town of Fordingbridge is less than a mile away, while the beauty of the New Forest lies on the doorstep, with so much to discover. The two, three and four bedroom houses here are available in a range of styles and include semidetached and detached properties. The larger homes have separate living and dining rooms, a downstairs WC, and an en suite from the main bedroom upstairs. All homes enjoy private rear gardens and off-road parking.

Pennyfarthing 01425 541 818 pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk

BURNLEY, LANCASHIRE

Brun Lea Heights

Convenience is king at this new development on the outskirts of Burnley, with countryside views and excellent facilities nearby. The three and four bedroom houses are ideal for families, with bright, open-plan living/dining areas that open to rear gardens, plenty of storage space, and a downstairs cloakroom. Many of the properties

also feature a private garage. There’s a great deal to explore in the countryside surrounding the area, while excellent road links ensure that day trips to Blackburn, Manchester and Preston are all under an hour by car.

Barratt 0330 057 5388 barratthomes.co.uk

This new collection of one, two and three bedroom properties sits in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, with access to everyday facilities in the pretty village of Long Marston, and historic Stratford-upon-Avon just a 10-minute drive away. There’s a great deal on offer in the local area, including the stunning

The Old Brewery

Abri Homes’ exciting new development, The Old Brewery, has seen the complete transformation of the former Ashton Gate brewery site into 98 contemporary and energy-ef cient one, two and three bedroom shared ownership homes, nestled in the heart of Southville. Ideally located off Bristol’s North Street,

*Based

the area is known for its range of independent shops. The homes are conveniently located with easy access to M32, M4 and M5, providing transport links to Birmingham, Exeter and Cardiff.

Abri Homes 01174 350 234 abrihomes.co.uk/properties/ theoldbrewery

sights of the Cotswolds, while the properties themselves are created to a high standard, featuring bright, contemporary living spaces, sleek, modern kitchens and good quality energy-ef cient features throughout.

St Modwen Homes 0330 058 5450 stmodwenhomes.co.uk

Convenience is key at this new collection of homes in soughtafter Esher. The new one and two bedroom homes lie just moments from the high street and village centre, which has a green and country feel to it and includes a theatre, supermarket and country pub. The apartments have been created with a period feel architecturally, with stunning

contemporary interiors. The beautiful Surrey countryside is moments from the front door, while trains from the nearby station reach London Waterloo in just 23 minutes. Popular Kingston upon Thames and Heathrow airport are easily accessible by rail or road.

Chancery Homes 020 8481 7588 chanceryhomes.co.uk FROM £229,000 FROM £93,625* FROM £169,995 FROM £400,000

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, WARWICKSHIRE

BRISTOL

ESHER, SURREY

Meon Vale

Luna Place

CITY LIVING

Bow Green

With a botanical garden, serenity pool and cinema lounge, Bow Green offers residents the ideal retreat in the heart of the buzzing East End. Bow is a hugely popular part of the capital, with a young and diverse population. Its Zone 2 travel links and accessibility to the City (a 10-minute bus ride to Liverpool Street or short DLR ride to Canary Wharf) seal the deal for many homebuyers. This new landmark development features a range of one and two bedroom apartments, all with private outdoor space, bright and contemporary living areas and fantastic communal spaces.

St James 020 3814 8110 berkeleygroup.co.uk

Old Brewery Bristol

The historic Ashton Brewery site in Southville is home to this new collection of properties just south of Bristol city centre. The 107 one, two and three bedroom homes are set in private, landscaped gardens and will be accompanied by on-site facilities including shops. The homes are bright and spacious, with high-quality xtures

and ttings. This is an excellent spot for enjoying the best of Bristol: Harbourside, the Old Vic and Castle Park are a 10-minute cycle ride, while Southville was named as the second best place to live in the South West.

Abri Homes 0800 145 6663 abrihomes.co.uk

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £267,500

The One Hundred

A vibrant new waterside community is being created in Alperton, north west London. One, two and three bedroom apartments will be available through shared ownership, all with spacious living/dining areas that open to private balconies or terraces. Wembley, with great shops, cafes and bars, is a short

FROM £93,625* FROM £TBC* FROM £100,000* FROM £316,995

bus ride away. From nearby Zone 3 Stonebridge Park station, trains reach central London in around 25 minutes. This part of the canal is undergoing regeneration, with the ambitious Old Oak Common scheme a few miles east.

Guinness Homes guinnesshomes.co.uk

*Shared ownership homes available

This boutique development in Sale comprises just nine three bedroom townhouses in a desirable location, close to amenities and outstanding schools. Sale is a favourite with families and young professionals alike, allowing for a great mix of laidback lifestyle and access to open spaces, all with easy links to the city centre

(around a 20-minute drive). The stylish properties are arranged over three oors, with open-plan living space that opens to a garden on the ground oor, and a main bedroom and en suite on the top oor.

L&Q 0161 968 0116 lqhomes.com

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £400,000

These beautiful lakeside homes offer the ideal location for families, with the serenity of the water and local countryside to the vibrancy of the local town just moments from the front door. The four bedroom homes have well thought-out living spaces, separate living and dining rooms as well as a study. Upstairs, there

are four double bedrooms and an en suite from the main. Whittlesey offers amenities including schools, health facilities, Post Of ce and independent retailers, while the city of Peterborough is just 20 minutes away by car.

Barratt 0371 454 3694 barratthomes.co.uk

SOUTHVILLE, BRISTOL

SALE, GREATER MANCHESTER

ALPERTON, NORTH WEST LONDON

WHITTLESEY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

The Willows

Whittlesey Lakeside

Shared ownership: Brighton

Bluebell Heights is a growing community nestled at the foot of the South Downs, and thanks to shared ownership, first time buyers Liam Barber, 28, his partner Lana Stoner, 26, and her daughter Isla, five, along with Daisy the dog, can now call Bluebell Heights home

For mum Lana, it’s a dream come true.

She said, “We’re over the moon. It was really exciting to be one of the first families to move in. We had been living with my mum, close by, trying to save. We drove past the development every day and saw how amazing the apartments looked. We’d seen a few other places but when we looked round we knew it was for us, and additionally, it’s just a 20 minute drive from Brighton.”

Their perfect home, a second floor, three bedroom, two bathroom apartment, has a large and beautiful terrace. The apartment is also double aspect, allowing natural light to pour in and create a feeling of even more space. As well as allocated parking for all homes, for added convenience, the home was purchased through shared ownership. This has not only enabled Lana and Liam to secure a 30% share of the property against a deposit of £12,000, but also made it possible for them to comfortably afford a home that would provide ample space for their family.

Lana said: “When the apartments were first released, we knew we really wanted to go for the three bedroom option. This would have been out of our budget if we’d have bought outright but it was more affordable because of shared ownership and it took less time to save for the deposit too.

“Our monthly outgoings, which include the rent to Hyde New Homes, our mortgage repayments and service charge, are the same as if we were renting, but we know that the money is going into something that is ours, which has given us a sense of security.

“I would recommend shared ownership to anyone. It’s made homeownership affordable for us. The team at Hyde New Homes was incredibly helpful at guiding us through the conveyancing process and made it a stress-free experience.”

Isla attends the nearby school, which was a real draw for Lana who works as a deputy manager at a residential children’s home. She added, “The fact that the school is so close means there’s no rushed school run, and we can even walk to school in the mornings, which makes getting to work easier too. There is so much natural light and space, and we even have a spare bedroom for when family or friends come

Property: Three bedroom apartment

Share: £123,750 for a 30% share with a full market value of £412,500

Deposit: £12,000

"WE KNEW WE REALLY WANTED TO GO FOR THE THREE BEDROOM OPTION. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF OUR BUDGET IF WE’D HAVE BOUGHT OUTRIGHT BUT IT WAS MORE AFFORDABLE BECAUSE OF SHARED OWNERSHIP"

to stay. Liam’s family are from up North and now they can stay in the spare bedroom instead of heading to a hotel. We also love the ample communal gardens, as well as the fact that they lead directly on to Stanmer Park, just behind the development. We walk our pug Daisy there every day."

The stylish homes at Bluebell Heights have been built to be both energy-efficient and cost-efficient, with superior insulation, double-glazed windows and solar panels on the roofs. With each new home, purchasers enjoy the comfort and convenience of a selected choice of contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances, and quality flooring as standard. On selected homes there are even high-quality en suites available, along with built-in wardrobes in the main bedroom, adding that extra sense of luxury.

It’s the kitchen that’s Lana’s favourite, she explained, “It’s open plan and just feels so spacious. This was always going to be an important space for us, it’s where everyone hangs out.”

Hyde New Homes prioritises sustainable transport options at Bluebell Heights, with cycle storage and electric car charging

points to selected plots. Every resident has access to a fantastic travel incentive, which includes a subsidised bus pass, car club membership and offers on cycle hire or purchase*.

Liam, who works in construction, said, “The location is perfect, it’s really easy to commute and it was of primary importance to me that where we ended up needed to be accessible. There are some really good public transport routes locally too.”

With a bus route from Coldean into Brighton and ready access to the A23 and A27 towards London, Worthing, Chichester and Eastbourne, residents will always be well connected. Or take the train from Falmer station to Brighton in just nine minutes for convenient access to central London and beyond.

For more information, please visit hydenewhomes.co.uk/bluebell-heights to make an appointment and visit the fully dressed show home on-site

*Please speak to sales consultants for more information on the subsidised bus pass, car club membership and offers on cycle hire or purchase schemes.

Best Sma/Medium Dev opment

THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING FOR SMALL DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE DESIRABLE, AFFORDABLE AND INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH PEOPLE WISH TO SET UP THEIR FIRST HOME. THIS AWARD IS FOR SCHEMES OF UP TO 80 HOMES.

NHG HOMES | CASTLE & VICTORIA

Bringing a piece of historic London back to life, NHG Homes’ Castle & Victoria is a boutique collection of 28 apartments set across four charmingly restored Victorian buildings. Offering homes through shared ownership, the development presents a unique opportunity to get on the property ladder in Westminster – one of London’s most sought-after areas. Attention to detail underpins the high-quality features of the open-plan apartments, including brushed gold kitchen taps and solid core timber flush doors. These are homes designed for the modern buyer, with style and quality at the forefront. Much of what makes London an iconic global city is right on the doorstep: Buckingham Palace, the River Thames, leafy Hyde Park, Westminster, the illustrious Royal Albert Hall and much more. The Zone 1 location and excellent transport connections mean that Castle & Victoria provides a pocket of tranquillity within grasp of the city’s boundless charms and magical history.

SETTLE | ORCHARD CLOSE

Situated in the quiet, desirable village of Upper Gravenhurst in Bedfordshire, Orchard Close comprises 53 affordable homes.

Thirty-five two and three bedroom shared ownership and 18 socially rented homes combine to offer a close community feeling. All homes were designed to complement the local landscape and make the most of the views of the rolling countryside. The traditional brickwork exterior and canopy entrance details, with some homes incorporating quoin detailing, create a neighbourhood that complements the existing homes in the village. Each home has something special to offer for those looking to be part of a community; the three bedroom houses are ideal for families, while the two bedrooms are perfect for both professional couples starting out and the more mature residents. Not only did Orchard Close improve the local community by adding 53 much-needed affordable homes to the area; the village school benefited from its outdoor areas being refurbished.

PEABODY NEW HOMES | HONEYBROOKE

With views across the rolling countryside, Honeybrooke by Peabody New Homes is nestled within the quaint Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Hammond. Comprising two, three and four bedroom shared ownership homes, Honeybrooke is expertly designed with sustainable and contemporary living in mind. An unmissable opportunity for aspiring first time buyers, this development is now fully reserved. Taking advantage of the sloping landscape, homes at Honeybrooke are carefully positioned to capture exceptional views of open countryside. For quintessential country living, breathtaking green spaces and traditional village pubs are moments away, while nearby Milton Keynes means buyers are not far from shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. More than just an affordable route to homeownership, Honeybrooke is creating a dynamic new community. New landscaped gardens mirror the surrounding greenery and establish space to meet and socialise. With families in mind, a new children’s play area means parents don’t have to venture far to entertain their children.

SOUTHERN HOUSING | OLD PORTSMOUTH ROAD

Old Portsmouth Road from Southern Housing is a boutique development of 12 beautifully designed two and three bedroom shared ownership houses, set in the heart of Guildford, one of the most affluent parts of the country, and surrounded by swathes of idyllic Surrey countryside and rolling hills. Sympathetically blending with Guildford’s historic architecture, all homes have been designed in the style of nearby 20th century properties. A rare offering for this expensive commuter town, shared ownership homes at Old Portsmouth Road launched off-plan at the end of September 2023, with five of the homes reserved in one day. Within just a few months, all shared ownership homes had been fully sold off-plan. Priced from £155,750 for a 35% share of a two bedroom house, the development has provided local first time buyers with a much-needed, affordable route on to Guildford’s property ladder, with all units going exclusively to local buyers.

Best Partn ship

THIS AWARD CATEGORY CELEBRATES A COLLABORATION OF TWO OR MORE COMPANIES WHICH HAVE WORKED TOGETHER TO DELIVER BOTH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS. IT WILL HIGHLIGHT BEST PRACTICE OF PARTNERSHIP WORKING WITHIN THE HOUSING SECTOR AND CHAMPIONS THE ETHOS OF WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER MORE.

HIVE HOMES

Hive Homes is a joint venture between 10 Greater Manchester-based registered providers (Great Places, Salix, Onward, Irwell Valley, Mosscare St Vincents, Bolton at Home, One Manchester, Southway, Wythenshawe and Trafford Housing Trust) together with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This established a traditional housebuilding company selling high-quality new family homes primarily for entry level open market sale, the profits from which are ring-fenced and recycled back to our investors to deliver much-needed additional affordable housing across the conurbation. Hive Homes has been working exclusively in partnership with various local authorities across Greater Manchester, as well as Homes England, to deliver high-quality, spacious family homes while delivering a range of socio-economic outcomes, often beyond policy requirements. Hive Homes now enjoys a pipeline of approximately 800 new homes across 10 outlets, working in partnership with Rochdale Council, Oldham Council, Wigan Council, Bury Council, Bolton Council and Homes England.

HOME REACH BY HEYLO HOUSING AND GLEESON HOMES

Bringing much-needed affordable homes to first time buyers across the Midlands and North of England without compromise on specification or service, housebuilder Gleeson Homes and shared ownership provider Heylo first partnered in 2020. With an aligned ethos, strong communication and a combined passion for delivering the best homes possible, the partnership has gone from strength to strength, transforming 348 private sale homes into shared ownership properties in the past four years – almost half of which have launched in the past 12 months, making up around 20% of Home Reach’s pipeline. Heylo offers shared ownership homes through its Home Reach product, allowing buyers to purchase a share of the house and pay rent to Heylo on the unowned portion. One of Gleeson Homes’ key USPs is its dedication to only building in communities where its homes will be genuinely affordable to those living and working in the area.

LATIMER BY CLARION HOUSING GROUP AND BELLWAY

Bellway and Latimer are committed to delivering sustainable communities which provide quality, affordable homes for first time buyers – values that are perfectly embodied at their Springstead Village development in Cambridge. Through a joint vision, Latimer and Bellway have created a development where every home is built with sustainability at its core. Homes are equipped with air source heat pumps and EV charging points, with most offering an EPC A or B rating to help keep energy costs manageable. Springstead Village also offers the affordable routes into homeownership first time buyers need. Latimer’s shared ownership scheme significantly reduces the deposit needed for many homes at the development, while the availability of the Own New Rate Reducer helps make new homes more affordable by offering cheaper initial mortgage term rates. This makes Springstead Village an exemplar of how an ambitious partnership can deliver the high-quality, affordable homes needed for the future.

Best First Time Buy Apartment

THIS AWARD IS FOR AN APARTMENT SUITABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER, WHICH IS AFFORDABLE AND ALSO OFFERS EXCELLENT DESIGN FLAIR, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT.

ABRI HOMES | HORLICKS QUARTER

Recognised as the Top Commuter Town in the UK by The Telegraph, the regeneration hotspot of Slough is proving popular with first time buyers seeking London-style living at affordable prices. Part of the creative reimagination of the original Horlicks Factory, Abri Homes’ Apartment 114 at Aquifer House is a spacious two bedroom ground floor apartment, expertly designed to provide bright, open-plan living. Featuring Bosch appliances and high-quality specifications throughout, the apartment also benefits from an outdoor terrace and views over the beautiful surrounding landscaped gardens. Available with shared ownership, residents have access to a range of first-class facilities including a concierge, gym, cinema room and rooftop garden, with the co-working space making working from home a breeze. Just a seven-minute walk from Slough railway station, residents have access to excellent rail links as well as the Elizabeth Line, which reaches London Paddington in just 19 minutes.

CITY & COUNTRY | FACTORY NO. 1

Once a thriving tobacco factory, Factory No. 1 is now a desirable and unique combination of restored historic buildings alongside five new build apartment blocks. Combined, these offer 284 spacious homes in Bristol’s up-and-coming Bedminster district. Leading heritage developer City & Country has converted and expertly restored the Grade II listed Victorian factory. Together with the new apartment blocks, these remarkable city homes are all set around a peaceful communal courtyard garden. With their all-inclusive, high-end specification, these award-winning new apartments are ready to move into. Offering features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies and spectacular views over the Bristol skyline, each apartment has been carefully designed to offer homeowners a luxurious oasis in the heart of this vibrant area of the city.

GUINNESS HOMES | MCARTHUR’S YARD DEVELOPMENT

Situated in the heart of Bristol’s historic harbourside, McArthur’s Yard offers luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses. The apartments are sleek and sophisticated, featuring large windows that maximise natural light, spacious open-plan designs for work and relaxation and modern, integrated appliances. The development has a vibrant community on its doorstep. With excellent regional, national and international transport links and a wealth of amenities and cultural attractions including shops, restaurants and museums, McArthur’s Yard is perfectly located for first time buyers looking to live in the South West. The development offers outright sale and shared ownership options, at a range of price points, while not compromising on specification, quality or location. As one of the last remaining spots along the enviable harbourside that offers housing, the apartments provide an opportunity not to be missed.

LATIMER BY CLARION HOUSING GROUP | HIGH DEFINITION

Latimer’s flagship High Definition (HD) development in MediaCity combines bespoke interior design with outstanding build quality as part of a stylish and affordable apartment scheme inspired by hit Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit. Apartments feature open-plan living spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows, which flood them with natural light. The scheme’s The Queen’s Gambit design concept oozes throughout, from chessboard floor tiles to luxurious furniture and statement pieces adorning communal spaces, which include a residents’ lounge and terrace, stylish co-working spaces and a private multimedia room. By working with strategic partner Homes England, Latimer has been able to provide affordable routes into this premium development. One hundred of the 280 homes are available through affordable means, far in advance of the 20% stipulated by Salford City Council. At HD, residents really can have it all. A spectacular home located at the heart of a thriving creative hub – without the need for a large deposit.

NHG HOMES |50 CALICO HOUSE, GADWALL QUARTER

Gadwall Quarter by NHG Homes is bringing contemporary, high-quality homes for first time buyers to this desirable north London neighbourhood through shared ownership. Connecting the great outdoors with the great indoors, 50 Calico House features an open-plan layout and high-quality design that mirrors the local landscape of Woodberry Down. With both a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, the surrounding acres of parkland can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Affordable luxury is key at Gadwall Quarter – with estimated monthly costs of £2,040, the two bedroom apartment doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality, with integrated appliances, energy-efficient features, custom-built storage space, and a neutral palette to make one’s own. With wetlands and wildlife on the doorstep, residents at Gadwall Quarter enjoy a true haven in the city. The well-established community and fast, easy travel connections to central London and beyond, make 50 Calico House the perfect solution for buyers seeking a first home.

SO RESI | SO RESI BRACKNELL

Not many first time buyers imagine their first home as a penthouse in the Home Counties – but the power of shared ownership and regeneration have combined to put the luxurious top floor apartments at SO Resi Bracknell within reach. Apartment 193, on the ninth floor, offers a superb dual aspect layout with two balconies. The spacious two bedroom apartment is cleverly designed, with ample storage and a high specification, including a boiling water tap and Bosch appliances. The lounge/ kitchen/dining area is oriented to make the most of the views, the main bedroom has an en suite, and there’s a good-sized second bedroom and family bathroom. Residents enjoy car and cycle parking and access to a beautifully landscaped first floor courtyard garden. Centrally located just two minutes’ walk from Bracknell station, with trains to London Waterloo in 55 minutes, the striking tri-coloured brick building is a home to be proud of.

Best Marketing Campaign

THIS AWARD WILL BE GIVEN TO THE MOST INNOVATIVE MARKETING CAMPAIGN THAT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT USING ANY FORM OF MEDIA. THIS CAMPAIGN CAN BE FROM A RANGE OF METHODS THAT DEMONSTRATES THAT IT HAS HELPED FIRST TIME BUYERS START THEIR PROPERTY JOURNEY.

FIRST HOME FEB | COUNTRYSIDE HOMES AND FOCUS AGENCY GROUP

Focus Agency Group partnered with Countryside East to approach the challenge of supporting first time buyers on their journey to purchase. This took place at two of Countryside East’s London developments that were offering apartments tailored to the FTB demographic. During a period of uncertainty in the market, our solution was a month-long series of expert-led events throughout February, with the overall aim of educating and guiding first time buyers through the property-buying process to support them on their journey to homeownership. Financial guidance included help from an independent financial adviser and market insight from the editor of First Time Buyer magazine, through to private show home tours with advice from Countryside’s experts, and a reservation weekend guiding buyers through the process of reserving their dream home. Our strategy delivered a supportive walkthrough experience, mirroring the stages of the buying journey.

A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER | L&Q

A campaign about people, for people, A November to Remember was a hit with first time buyers. During a worrying month of increasing energy bills and rising inflation, leading housing association L&Q created an emotive campaign that offered purchasers up to six months of rent paid at selected L&Q developments and helped more first time buyers on to the ladder than any other campaign L&Q has ever delivered; making it A November to Remember for the people who matter most – its buyers. The multi-channel campaign had a staggering reach – with social media impressions up 250% and a 43% increase in leads year-on-year. High-impact imagery captured the seasonality and sentimentality of the momentous decision of buying your first home, while tone of voice was simple, easy to digest, and concentrated crucially on monthly outgoings – a key focus of the campaign.

COULD YOUR RENT BE BETTER SPENT? | NHG HOMES

Aiming to demystify the process of shared ownership and empower first time buyers to choose their own path to homeownership, NHG Homes launched an innovative marketing campaign called Could Your Rent Be Better Spent? This campaign leveraged a multi-channel approach, using social media content, mailers and advertising on third-party platforms to target renters and first time buyers with a digital monthly cost calculator. This gave buyers the knowledge to decide which route to homeownership was most suitable for them, with the aim of promoting shared ownership. The campaign generated 15,000 website visits and 750 new customer registrations at a 45% lower cost than NHG Homes’ average, while activations on Zoopla boasted two of the three best-performing ad-reach campaigns across the platform. It drove awareness for shared ownership and the developments available through this scheme, providing invaluable insights into buyer profiles that will elevate the effectiveness of NHG Homes’ future strategy.

ORIGIN KICKSTART

Recognising that the journey to homeownership is not a one-size-fits-all experience, Origin Housing launched Origin Kickstart in September 2023. More than just a marketing strategy, the campaign empowers individuals and families to help them achieve their property dreams. Carefully crafted incentives delivered as part of the campaign have been utilised by an impressive 60% of Origin’s buyers since the launch. The campaign exemplifies targeted marketing, utilising a blend of social media adverts, print adverts, and editorial features in renowned publications including First Time Buyer magazine. The imagery used throughout the campaign placed people at the forefront, showcasing the transformative power of shared ownership. A dedicated web page served as a hub of information, presenting the available support in a clear and easily digestible format. A well-thought-out campaign, Origin Kickstart is an example of what can be achieved when a housing association truly listens to its customers – helping them find a home of their own.

FAIRVIEW’S SAVE TO BUY SCHEME | ROOSTER, AF OLIVER AND SPACE AND TIME

For many, renting can feel like a black hole, with ever-increasing accommodation prices blocking their pathway to homeownership. That’s why, in January 2023, Fairview New Homes launched Save to Buy in a bid to help renters save for a house deposit while living in their new home. Under this scheme, an initial 1% deposit is all that’s required and 100% of the fixed monthly payments go towards their final deposit. There’s no doubt about the initiative’s effectiveness as a solution to a desperate first time buyer housing market, but how effectively could messaging be devised that resonated with a target demographic as wide and varied as this? Eighty pieces of press coverage, two million social media views and an upside-down tortoise later, there aren’t many left in the industry who don’t know the concept behind Save to Buy thanks to a creative, targeted and fully integrated PR and marketing campaign.

WAYS TO BUY | WESTON HOMES

When the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme closed in March 2023, first time buyers were left uncertain about the way ahead, with little information about alternatives. Weston Homes and The Media People created a successful social media and paid search campaign and assets that raised awareness of the developer’s reasonably priced new homes and explained the schemes available to help with buying a first home. The Ways to Buy campaign, that ran across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger, used bright colours, positive messages and fun imagery to reassure first time buyers that buying a new home was not only possible, but it could be simple and straightforward as well. The campaign, which started in September 2023, reached more than 1.5 million users on social media, drove a 22% increase in direct traffic to Weston Homes’ website and led to a 76% increase in direct enquiries to one of the company’s developments.

Best Show Home

THIS AWARD GOES TO THE COMPANY WITH THE BEST SHOW HOME ALLOWING BUYERS TO SEE THE PROPERTY TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL, GIVING THEM A REALISTIC INSIGHT INTO THEIR NEW HOME.

BLOOR HOMES AND FOCUS AGENCY GROUP | WINSLOW PARK

Focus Agency Group collaborated with Bloor Homes to design and style a show home at Winslow Park in Buckingham. With homes from two bedroom to five bedrooms, the objective was to connect with first time buyers, regardless of age. We wanted to inspire first time buyers by emulating the aspirational lifestyle associated with living at Winslow Park through a personable show home. Drawing from its surroundings, the home encapsulates the essence of rural living. Contemporary, attainable furniture sits alongside elements of upcycled/charity shop styling and botanical references to create a welcoming home on a realistic budget. To capture that “lived in feel” we ensured that new was mixed with old. Every corner included a knick-knack that reminded you of your childhood home and we considered sustainable purchasing where possible, capturing childhood memories through home baking set-ups, and mixing traditional florals with modern stripes to create an aspirational home for first time buyers.

EDWARD THOMAS INTERIORS | THE BRIDGET AT WEST WORKS

West Works is a major regeneration of the former MG Rover factory site into a vibrant new community in Longbridge, Birmingham. Its two bedroom, semidetached The Bridget show home was designed by Edward Thomas Interiors (ETI) for St Modwen Homes. At 752 sq ft, it is an ideal first time buyer home and offers an affordable alternative to nearby apartment living. Briefed to attract a millennial/ Gen Z demographic and honour the site’s manufacturing heritage, ETI designed striking, industrial-inspired interiors. Varied styling techniques and impactful colour combinations illustrate how first time buyers can achieve eye-catching, realistic finishes, while furniture and artwork were deliberately sourced from retailers that are established ports of call for first time buyers. ETI installed The Bridget in January 2024. Only two have been released to date, with both selling quickly. A further 15 are due for release and there is a high level of interest from the first time buyer market for these.

GATEWAY HOUSING ASSOCIATION | LUMINESCE

Occupying a prime east London position moments from the River Thames, Luminesce by Gateway Housing brings a collection of nine luxury one and two bedroom apartments to Canary Wharf. A showstopping one bedroom apartment with views of the east London skyline, 401 Vetro Court presents buyers with an insight into exactly what they can expect from a home at Luminesce. Designed to blend this quirky east London district with modern practicality, the show apartment demonstrates Gateway’s attention to detail with open-plan internal layouts and a first-class specification. Thoughtfully dressed by Think BDW, the apartment’s furnishings reflect a first time buyer budget using high street brands that are easily accessible and affordable, such as Habitat, Homesense and Hobbycraft. The price of 401 Vetro Court was £125,134 for a 25% share through the shared ownership scheme, offering a luxury home on an affordable budget, providing a much-needed route on to the property ladder for first time buyers.

BELLWAY HOMES

BY INVESTA | HARBOUR VILLAGE

Working with Bellway Homes, we were asked to create an inspired and innovative show home at the brand new Ebbsfleet Garden City development in Kent. The interiors needed to target a range of first time buyer personas including working professionals, young families and couples planning on extending their family. Speaking to what matters most for first time buyers we reflected the location throughout the design, made space-saving furniture choices, showcased flexible living, and used low-cost yet stylish decor resulting in a show home that encompasses an inviting, homely feel speaking to families, and an elegance and style speaking to the city workers who want escapism.

PEABODY NEW HOMES | HIGGS YARD

At the crossroads of some of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods, Higgs Yard in Loughborough Junction is a landmark development by Peabody New Homes offering stunning shared ownership properties. Collaborating with renowned interior design agency Clare Morton Interiors, apartment two is a beautiful one bedroom show home that does so more much than just demonstrate the development’s quality offering. Showcasing clever furniture placement to maximise space and flattering window dressings that frame urban views, apartment two demonstrates how buyers can create a sophisticated space whatever the budget. With “scroll-stopping”, on-trend limewash walls and stunning aromas also used to dress the space, the show apartment brings a new layer of warmth to anyone who enters and inspires prospective homebuyers with its creative yet replicable vision. Crafted with first time buyers in mind, apartment two serves as a must-see space and masterclass in show home interior design.

ONE HOUSING | MAKERS YARD

Makers Yard, Canning Town, E16 offers one, two and three bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom duplex’s. Buying your first home is a really big deal and a major milestone. So, it’s only natural customers want their new home to look eye catching!

At the same time, the huge expense involved in acquiring a property will also mean finding additional funds for the latest interiors trends may be easier said than done. Etch, our interior designers, have helped create an eye catching show home in a growing area, whilst using affordable products that first time buyers and customers have the opportunity to purchase on the high-street at affordable prices!

Maker’s Yard is part of Hallsville Quarter, an exciting new development that reflects the spirit of change in Canning Town. It’s a five-phase development, with an enviable location directly next to Canning Town station – which makes it instantly appealing to commuters.

Best First Time Buy Fam y Home

THIS AWARD IS FOR A FAMILY STARTER HOME WHICH IS AFFORDABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER. IT SHOULD OFFER A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT, AT A REALISTIC PRICE, WHICH IS IDEAL FOR FAMILY LIVING.

HIVE HOMES | WEAVERS FOLD

Weavers Fold features the wonderful The Hollinwood home, which has everything you could want from a family home. Blending traditional styling and fresh, contemporary features, The Hollinwood provides the perfect space for a growing family, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living room provides enough space for entertaining guests and socialising with friends and family. The kitchen and dining area more than doubles that space, as well as opening up to the back garden through the French doors to give the perfect fusion of indoor and outdoor hosting. Upstairs offers three spacious bedrooms ideal for resting after a long day, as well as ample room for storage on the landing. An en suite to the main bedroom allows for a fully immersive environment for relaxation, and the sleek family bathroom completes the first floor. All properties are fully turfed front and rear, fully fenced and have a flagged patio area.

HOME REACH | THE TEN50, KELD

Named after its expansive floorplan, the Ten50 is a 1,050 sq ft, three bedroom home at Keld – a contemporary collection of 239 two to four bedroom homes. Built around traditional family-friendly street scenes, interspersed with pockets of greenery and pedestrian-led paths, Keld has been created with families in mind. Priced affordably with no compromise on quality, Home Reach is delivering shared ownership at the Northstone development, meeting its ethos of offering the very best privately built homes for just a fraction of the usual cost, making them more accessible to a range of buyers. Often reported as one of the key priorities for families searching for their dream home, sustainability is especially valued at Keld. Every home is eco-friendly, with the intention of helping families to keep their energy bills down and lower their carbon footprint. Homes feature triple-glazed windows, an intelligent heating system called Wondrwall, hyper fast broadband and SKY, as well as an iParcelbox.

L&Q | THE PENRITH, BEAUCHAMP PARK

Designed with families in mind, L&Q’s Beauchamp Park is a major new residential neighbourhood in Warwick. The development is creating 450 homes here, plus new public open space and children’s play areas, all surrounded by pockets of woodland and lush English countryside, with views towards the historic Warwick Castle. The epitome of a family home, Beauchamp Park’s The Penrith doesn’t compromise on quality or space. A large four bedroom detached house, complete with an exterior garage and a driveway, the impressive property truly offers the breathing space, legroom and privacy every family needs. Most significantly, these larger shared ownership homes offer local families a much more affordable route on to the property ladder in this affluent area – they are priced from £185,500 for a 35% share.

PLUMLIFE HOMES | THE POPLARS

The Poplars in Heaton Mersey delivered 106 new homes, including 54 for shared ownership, with a selection of two, three and four bedroom house types. Alongside the shared ownership homes, a range of homes is being delivered for market sale and for social rent by our parent company Great Places, creating a mixed tenure development in response to the housing needs of the local community. The former golf driving range lay derelict for several years prior to the acquisition of the site and presented an opportunity to deliver a thoughtfully designed development that enhanced its enviable location. With excellent transport links into Stockport and Manchester city centre, and with easy access to the beautiful Peak District, the development is tucked away alongside Heaton Mersey Common. Residents enjoy a pedestrian and cycle path which runs the length of the development, providing easy access to the surrounding area.

SNUGG HOMES | ABBEY SPRINGS

Abbey Springs, Burscough, is at the heart of West Lancashire. Burscough is a popular town served by excellent local amenities – and with Ormskirk´s pedestrianised town centre and historic market on the doorstep, residents can enjoy the vibrant mix of independent retailers, popular high street stores and celebrated restaurants. The Hewitt is a three bedroom, five-person property that offers exceptional affordable quality. Designed to very high standards, these homes include varied architectural styles that have been carefully incorporated to reflect the existing homes in the area. They feature modern open-plan fitted kitchen/diners and separate utility areas, with French doors leading to private gardens, providing functional spaces for daily living. EV charging point, carpets throughout, a garden shed and parking for two cars all come as standard. Abbey Springs’ standout feature is its expansive ecological pond, designed to foster biodiversity and provide a communal space for residents to relax, chat or play. A new footway along Abbey Lane and a pedestrian crossing ensure safe local access.

SOUTHERN HOUSING | THE GREENFINCH, WINGS WOOD

A fantastic property for first time buyer families looking to find their forever home, The Greenfinch at Wings Wood is a high-specification, semi-detached three bedroom house, available to purchase through shared ownership with Southern Housing. The Greenfinch represents outstanding value for money for a family home in southern England, and as such, 12 of the 18 have been sold or reserved so far. Designed by award-winning architect MH Architects Ltd, the development is complete with an open green space, created for community value, which is home to a LEAP space that accommodates a safe play zone for children of early school age. The Greenfinch is priced at £133,000 for a 35% share, meaning families can secure this home with a deposit of just £13,300 and are able to step on to the property ladder for over three times less than the local area average price paid for a semidetached three bedroom house.

Best Large Dev opment

THIS AWARD IS FOR DEVELOPMENTS OF 81 OR MORE HOMES THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE AN AFFORDABLE, DESIRABLE AND INSPIRATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND THAT HAS PROVIDED ADDITIONAL FACILITIES TO BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS. THESE HOMES ARE ON LARGE DEVELOPMENTS IN A MIXED-TENURE ENVIRONMENT OR STAND-ALONE DEVELOPMENTS.

CITY & COUNTRY | FACTORY NO. 1

Once a thriving tobacco factory, City & Country’s landmark new scheme, Factory No. 1, comprises a combination of 284 conversion and new build apartments in Bristol’s up-and-coming Bedminster quarter. City & Country has converted and painstakingly restored the iconic Grade II listed Victorian factory, all arranged around an attractively landscaped communal courtyard garden, together with the five new build blocks. With help available on deposits, this high-end scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to first time buyers looking for an attainable way on to the property ladder – whether for a classic period home, or a contemporary one. Factory No. 1 is ideally located for access to Bristol city centre, and has acted like a magnet to a generation of first timer buyers, eager to live in a development that is quite unlike any other in the area.

COUNTRYSIDE PARTNERSHIPS AND TAYLOR WIMPEY | GREENWICH MILLENNIUM VILLAGE

Greenwich Millennium Village (GMV), is a joint venture between Countryside Partnerships and Taylor Wimpey, in association with the Mayor of London. The past 24 years have seen the 300-acre brownfield site transform into a major new sustainable community at the heart of the capital. With more phases to come, once complete, the site will deliver 2,800 new homes. Offering a truly unique residence for first time buyers, 30% of the one to three bedroom homes at GMV are affordable. Offering an opportunity to purchase a home in a prime London location for less, currently private sale apartments in The Galleria start from £449,995, with deposits from as little as £22,500 through Countryside’s 5% deposit contribution. Aiming to reconnect the local community with the outdoors, GMV residents enjoy an expanse of green space including 50 acres of parkland, an idyllic setting beside the River Thames, an Ecology Park and the picturesque Southern Park.

FAIRVIEW NEW HOMES | BRENTWOOD ACRES

Set within green belt woodland, Brentwood Acres by Fairview New Homes is a thoughtfully considered collection of 22 one and two bedroom apartments and 81 two, three and four bedroom houses that capture the essence of a diverse, vibrant and sustainable community. Every home at Brentwood Acres is designed for sustainability and comfort, with features such as electric car charging points, solar panels, air source heat pumps and spacious rear gardens or balconies. These eco-friendly features contribute to an EPC B rating for all the homes and enable homeowners to make long-term savings on their energy bills, while helping to reduce their home’s carbon footprint. As well as providing a wide range of homes for people at all stages of their homeownership journeys, the development frames a brand new 1.7-hectare public park, provides new pedestrian walkways linking key community facilities, and delivers a new state-of-the-art care home.

GUINNESS HOMES | SIGNAL PARK

Guinness Homes’ Signal Park development brings 112 stylish shared ownership apartments to Tolworth, giving first time buyers the chance to own an aspirational property in one of south London’s most dynamic communities. The development was built with affordability in mind, offering one, two, and three bedroom apartments to suit a variety of budgets. Each home is built to the highest standards to provide the very best in modern city living, including ample space for work and leisure. Designed to offer affordable living without compromising on location or interior quality, Signal Park is situated in the heart of Tolworth, blending modern living with the vibrant culture of the area. With quick rail access to central London in just 31 minutes, and a host of entertainment and essential amenities within easy reach, this large development encapsulates the perfect solution for first time buyers looking to get on the capital’s property ladder.

SQUARE ROOTS LEWISHAM

Available from affordable housing provider Square Roots, supported by awardwinning developer London Square, Square Roots Lewisham includes a stunning collection of 116 shared ownership homes. With many homes enjoying sweeping views across the London skyline, the development includes a rooftop terrace and retail and office spaces, while positioned in a new riverside quarter with relaxing spaces, landscaped gardens, play areas and waterside walkways. This modern development stands out due to its striking aluminium-clad exterior design and architecturally selected brick. It has been created to provide buyers with an exceptional first home in a truly up-and-coming area of the city. What’s more, Square Roots not only builds homes buyers want, but also focuses on building and enhancing a sense of community, with exciting ongoing programmes of resident events. Pets are also welcome.

WESTON HOMES | ABBEY QUAY

Abbey Quay is a development by Weston Homes of 1,089 one, two and three bedroom apartments set between the banks of the River Roding and the picturesque ruins of a historic abbey. Perfectly located within a short walk of Barking station, a supermarket and an array of highly rated schools, the homes here are particularly desirable for first time buyers looking for a well-connected location at an affordable price. Just 15 minutes by tube to Fenchurch Street, open market sale apartments start from £262,500, with Discount Market Sale, shared ownership and First Time SecureBuy available. All apartments enjoy a private balcony and access to landscaped podium gardens and the residents’ hub with concierge and workspace. Inside, they feature floor-to-ceiling windows with fabulous views, a range of layouts, and contemporary kitchens with quality appliances including a boiling water tap. Two new public squares with shops, cafes and art exhibitions provide a lively buzz.

Best Law Firm for Conveyancing

THIS AWARD CELEBRATES LAW FIRMS WITH OUTSTANDING CONVEYANCING PACKAGES FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS.

PCS LEGAL

Life is a series of firsts – first steps, first words, first job, first love and among all of these, buying your first home features prominently. Buying a property is more than just an investment, it represents hard work and is often a nest for new beginnings. This is where PCS Legal comes into our own as we guide first time buyers through this monumental “first” in their lives. PCS Legal adopts a forward-thinking approach to simplify the legal process, provide transparent communication and a clear pricing structure incorporating our core values: quality service, personalised experience, valuing family and relationships, achieving results efficiently and sharing our knowledge and expertise. We go beyond the transaction by providing a first time buyers’ guide, podcast series called PCS Pods, and YouTube and TikTok videos to help first time buyers navigate through the buying process in bite-sized pieces with advice and tips along the way.

At PLS Solicitors we are committed to providing excellent customer service to everyone looking to purchase a property, especially first time buyers. Our innovative approach and dedicated teams make us stand out in the sector. We recognise that exemplary customer service is paramount in the conveyancing process, particularly for first time buyers navigating the complexities of property transactions. We understand the delicate balance between legal expertise and customer care and have strategically structured our teams to ensure the highest level of service delivery. Our innovative team, unwavering commitment to customer service, and operational excellence distinguish us as a leader in the industry.

SHARED DIRECTION CONVEYANCING

Shared Direction Conveyancing is a law firm dedicated solely to assisting buyers of new build shared ownership properties. We are hugely successful in this field as evidenced by the number of clients we have acted for and the fact that we are being recommended by so many housing associations, local authorities and mortgage brokers. We feel passionately about affordable housing and are actively involved in a wide variety of groups and campaigns which strive to educate and encourage more first time buyers in to the sector.

PLS SOLICITORS

Best Off-Plan Dev opment

THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING TO RECOGNISE A DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN BUILT/ COMPLETED BUT OFFERS GREAT POTENTIAL TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

BELLWAY NORTH EAST | MODELLO

Modello is an outstanding development which achieves the delicate balance of providing attainable and affordable new housing for first time buyers while also delivering a highquality scheme which respects its historic surroundings within a conservation area. This apartments project will complete the regeneration of a derelict former railway works in the Gateshead Quayside area on the south bank of the River Tyne, with Newcastle city centre just across the water – putting buyers at the heart of everything this vibrant area has to offer. The development has a highly inclusive focus on meeting the present and future needs of residents, with attractive landscaped open space and a children’s play area creating a garden feel within the urban setting, and each home meeting accessibility and adaptability standards for wheelchair users. Modello opened in November 2023 and has seen strong offplan sales, with 13 of the 98 apartments already reserved –seven by first time buyers.

PLACES FOR PEOPLE | CENTURION PLACE

Enjoying a prime position moments from Exeter’s thriving city centre, the upcoming launch of Centurion Place is set to capture the hearts of the city’s first time buyers. Featuring one and two bedroom apartments and two to four bedroom houses, each shared ownership home will enjoy an exceptional finish with a high-quality specification selected for style and durability. Blending spacious interiors with private outdoor space, practical features have been incorporated, from abundant storage to energy-efficient appliances. Residents can enjoy the landscaped setting, including a pond and green open space. At Centurion Place, there’s no need to compromise on location. Whether exploring Exeter’s historic city, unwinding with friends in a waterfront restaurant or hiking across a National Park, homes are in reach of abundant activities. Further enhancing these unforgettable homes, Places for People’s friendly and experienced team demystifies the off-plan homebuying journey.

GUINNESS HOMES | THE ONE HUNDRED

The One Hundred is an attractive collection of 100 one, two, and three bedroom contemporary apartments set within a vibrant waterside community, with 51 homes available to purchase through shared ownership. Located in the heart of Alperton, Brent, these homes have been designed with residents in mind. Offering an extension of the living space, the apartments feature private balconies with expansive views over the Grand Union Canal. The One Hundred is situated within reach of a broad range of amenities, such as BOXPARK Wembley and Wembley Stadium. Ready to purchase off-plan in the summer of 2024, residents have access to a landscaped rooftop garden with views over the canal, creating a calming haven amid the city bustle. The development is situated just a 15-minute walk to Alperton and Stonebridge Park underground stations, with direct services into central London in under 30 minutes. The One Hundred is designed to be 100% you.

PLUMLIFE HOMES | MULINO WALK

The Sunday Times officially named Ancoats as the “best place to live” in Manchester. So, the creation of the Mulino Walk development in this sought-after neighbourhood has delivered a first-of-itskind affordable housing solution for this location. Mulino Walk is a 75-home development, with 23 homes available to purchase through shared ownership and 52 apartments available for affordable rent. This has given first time buyers and young professionals the chance to get on to the property ladder with a deposit of as little as 5% of the share price required. With the level of high-end development in Manchester city centre, the lack of affordable solutions has been a huge issue and shared ownership has become the only affordable option accessible to many first time buyers. Needless to say, Mulino Walk proved to be extremely popular. All plots were reserved at an off-plan launch event with extremely high demand levels.

Best New Dev opment in the South

THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND (FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS CATEGORY – BELOW BIRMINGHAM). A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES IS INCREASING, THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

ABRI | THE OLD BREWERY

The Old Brewery is a collection of shared ownership homes on the historic Ashton Gate Brewery site. Developed and brought to market by Abri, it is a collection of 107 one, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments with prices starting from £89,250 for a 35% share. In total, 98 homes are available with shared ownership and nine for social rent, supported by grant funding from Homes England. The exciting new mixed-use development has seen the complete transformation of the former brownfield site into a stylish range of contemporary and energy-efficient homes nestled in the heart of Southville. As well as offering residential living for aspiring homeowners, The Old Brewery will include a landscaped courtyard and will bring new commercial spaces to the area, with plans for local businesses to open their doors in early 2025, adding to the thriving independent retail offerings on North Street. Ideally located in the heart of Bristol, it is just a stone throw from the Greville Smyth Park and conveniently located for travel links to Birmingham, Exeter and Cardiff.

GUINNESS HOMES | LYON QUARTER

Guinness Homes’ Lyon Quarter development brings a stylish and contemporary range of studio, one, two and three bedroom homes to Brighton & Hove. These shared ownership properties are designed with first time buyers in mind, from the spacious modern interiors and private balconies or terraces, to the development’s communal podium gardens and easy 15-minute walk to Brighton beach. Combining the best of city and coastal living, Lyon Quarter residents can enjoy all that Brighton & Hove has to offer, from its renowned music scene to its array of independent shops and restaurants. With excellent local schools and fast transport links to London within an hour for commuting or leisure, this development offers a stylish and affordable solution to get more first time buyers on the property ladder in a highly desirable location.

SO RESI | SO RESI BRACKNELL

Designated a New Town in 1949, Bracknell has flourished into a Home Counties utopia and one of the commuter belt’s most desirable locations. SO Resi Bracknell is an exceptional offering – a 100% affordable development comprising 126 one and two bedroom shared ownership and 67 affordable rent apartments. SO Resi has transformed the site of two disused office blocks into exemplary town centre living, close to the regenerated shopping centre and railway station. All homes include a private balcony or terrace, car and cycle parking, and access to a central courtyard garden. Buyers can choose from a mix of interior layouts, designed to make the most of natural light, with spacious open-plan living areas. To ease the costs of furnishing a home, each apartment at SO Resi Bracknell includes integrated Zanussi appliances, fitted bathrooms, Venetian blinds and flooring throughout. Prices start from £81,000 for a 30% share of a one bedroom apartment.

Best New Dev opment in the North

THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND (BIRMINGHAM AND ABOVE), AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE HOUSEBUILDING IS INCREASING AND OFFERS A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE. THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

BELLWAY DURHAM | WELLFIELD RISE

Bellway Durham’s Wellfield Rise development in Wingate, County Durham, is a standout scheme that’s thriving in a competitive market. The 250home development is proving particularly popular with first time buyers, who have purchased 87.5% of the private homes sold so far. Easy road, rail and airport links, the beautiful cathedral city of Durham nearby, countryside on the doorstep, the coast a short drive away, and a thoughtfully designed development layout featuring 20 acres of open space, all make it a desirable place to live. With a wide range of modern house styles built to a high-quality standard, people are finding homes they love at Wellfield Rise. And affordable prices mean buyers are getting a lot for their money. Plus, with a range of schemes, mortgage products and offers to make it more attainable, buyers are finding that a home they thought was an impossible dream is within reach.

L&Q AND LOVELL HOMES | WHALLEY MANOR

Recently named by The Guardian as the UK’s “happiest place to live”, the Ribble Valley is a green and unspoilt part of the North West, filled with historic villages and traditional architecture – with the popular town of Whalley, nestled at the foot of the valley, offering the perfect blend of community, amenity, connectivity and countryside. Just moments from the town centre is Whalley Manor, a development being delivered in partnership between L&Q and Lovell. The 117-home scheme sees generously sized two to five bedroom homes set around 10 acres of public open space, boasting views across the rolling hillside and beyond. Uniquely affordable for this affluent area, prices start from just £68,125 for a 25% share of a two bedroom house through shared ownership (FMV: £272,000), or £260,000 for a private sale semidetached house. In comparison, the average house price for Whalley is £320,090.

LATIMER BY CLARION HOUSING GROUP | HIGH DEFINITION

Latimer’s flagship High Definition (HD) development in MediaCity offers buyers a spectacular apartment with outstanding communal space and excellent transport links at an affordable price. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a design scheme inspired by Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit, HD represents a stylish version of modern living in the heart of Salford’s digital and creative hub, MediaCity. Boasting an excellent location close to a wealth of employment opportunities, HD also benefits from quick and easy transport options, including trams to both Manchester and central Salford, providing access to wellconnected railway stations. At HD, 100 of the 280 apartments are available through shared ownership, with a further 30 available through the Government’s First Homes initiative. This allows HD to stand out from the crowd as a development that provides premium apartments in a sought-after location at affordable price points that are accessible for first time buyers.

PLUMLIFE HOMES | HOLLINS GRANGE

On the outskirts of Manchester lies Hollins Grange, Great Places and Plumlife’s £14.2m development which consists of 21 shared ownership properties and 36 properties available for affordable rent.

With the need for affordable housing ever more important, Hollins Grange provides part of the solution. And given the interest from customers local to Hollingworth, shared ownership has clearly delivered a much-needed housing solution here. The development is in an ideal location as it sits in the heart of Hollingworth, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, with panoramic views en route to the Pennines and in an area of the country where housebuilding is increasing and offers a highly competitive marketplace. Despite its leafy setting, the development is an easy commute into Manchester city centre, with Glossop railway station just an eight-minute drive away, where there is a service into Manchester Piccadilly which takes just 30 minutes.

Best Su li to the FTB Market

THIS AWARD GOES TO A SERVICE, COMPANY OR AGENCY THAT SUPPORTS THE FIRST TIME BUYER INDUSTRY. THIS COULD BE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT HELPS TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP.

HOME REACH – HEYLO

Delivering much-needed affordable housing to the first time buyer market for a decade, Home Reach by Heylo is one of the largest shared ownership programmes in the UK. Partnering with over 130 housebuilders to deliver high-quality homes through the scheme, the portfolio spans over 200 local authorities – enabling house hunters across the country to realise their homeownership dreams. A unique offering for the property industry, Home Reach doesn’t build or sell any homes – making it a one-of-a-kind sector provider. Instead, it partners with some of the country’s top private developers to turn market sale properties into shared ownership homes, making a wide range of developments accessible to even more buyers by diversifying the offering. In the past 12 months alone, almost 800 buyers have used the Home Reach scheme, purchasing shares of between 25% and 75% of the home’s full market value, and paying rent to Heylo on the unowned portion.

METRO FINANCE

Metro Finance is a key supporter of shared ownership, supporting 4,000 buyers every month as well as working with our housing associations to ensure compliant sign offs for the shared ownership scheme. We’ve been working closely with Homes England, as well as other partners such as the Shared Ownership Council, to ensure that shared ownership remains a quality option for our buyers. Our online assessment tool remains unique in the sector, calculating the share needed for the client, and continues to be highly successful with customers and partners alike. Our focus is consistently on speed and accuracy of service, ensuring the reservation process and mortgage process is as simple as possible. Our achievements have been rewarded with excellent reviews, our current scores with Google Review of 4.3 and a Trustpilot score of 4.7 – 86% being five-star reviews.

PLS SOLICITORS

We recognise the unique needs and preferences of today’s buyers and have tailored our services to meet their expectations. Our first time buyers’ conveyancing journey begins when they interact with our Welcome Team, which is dedicated to ensuring the onboarding process is as smooth as possible. We take control of our processes and have refined them to suit both the work we do and our clients – innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We have continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of conveyancing. From guidance and support to timely communication and proactive problem-solving, we go above and beyond to ensure that every client feels valued, informed, and empowered throughout their homebuying journey. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond technology; it is reflected in every interaction, ensuring that first time buyers receive the care, attention and support they deserve.

Affordable Housing Prov of the Year

THIS AWARD WILL GO TO AN ORGANISATION THAT HAS SHOWN INNOVATION IN THE WAY IT DESIGNS, BUILDS AND MARKETS ITS PROPERTIES AS WELL AS OFFERING A VARIETY OF SERVICES WHICH CAN HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS ON TO THE PROPERTY LADDER.

LATIMER BY CLARION HOUSING GROUP

Latimer is committed to prioritising the needs of first time buyers and creating quality, affordable homes for the future. Through its comprehensive shared ownership offering, it provides affordable, aspirational homes in desirable locations. At The Cocoa Works, its regeneration of the Rowntree’s Factory in York, first time buyers can secure a home with a mortgage deposit below £4,000. In London, first time buyers can own a property with an iconic Canary Wharf address thanks to Alta at Consort Place, with mortgage deposits from as little as £6,762.50. Latimer has helped 741 first time buyers on to the property ladder since April 2023, with 675 buying through shared ownership. It has also introduced measures to help make homes more affordable for first time buyers through private sale via its Deposit Stake, Deposit Boost and Deposit Unlock initiatives. Through continuous innovation, Latimer ensures it is always there to support aspiring first time buyers with options tailored to their needs.

METROPOLITAN THAMES VALLEY HOUSING

Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) is a champion of first time buyers, offering all the help that people need to get on to the housing ladder. Its plan of action starts by raising awareness; its award-winning SO Resi Education Programme teaches young people about the options for buying a home, while SO In The Know podcasts give vital information for those further along the path. MTVH’s shared ownership brand, SO Resi, is focused on extending access to the scheme, working in partnership with developers and housing associations to deliver more new homes, as well as supporting the sales and marketing of other shared ownership properties through its SO Resi Partnerships consultancy arm. MTVH is constantly innovating to find new ways to help first time buyers –its ground-breaking SO Resi Plus scheme pioneered 1% staircasing, inspiring Government policy, while its new SO Flexi scheme offers first time buyers a convenient Rent to Buy option.

PLUMLIFE HOMES

Plumlife Homes is a multi-awardwinning shared ownership specialist which has provided affordable solutions to help people on to the property ladder and buy a quality new home for more than 25 years. Our homes are built to be adaptable to a family’s changing needs and are designed and fitted with energy-efficient devices to help save money and the planet. Innovation is part of the Plumlife DNA and we have found new ways to attract potential customers and service existing customers. We offer an end-to-end service following our service reorganisation and rebrand in 2022. With the organisation leading the way regionally for shared ownership sales, leasehold services and property management, we have restructured the business with three specialist brands to reflect our full-service offer: 1. Plumlife Sales (shared ownership and new homes); 2. Plumlife Property Management (facilities, property management and lettings); 3. Plumlife Move (shared ownership resales).

SOVEREIGN NETWORK GROUP

SNG (Sovereign Network Group) was formed in October 2023 following the merger of Network Homes and Sovereign. The new organisation manages 84,000 homes across London and the South of England. In addition to providing homes for various affordable tenures, including London Living Rent, SNG offers an achievable route into homeownership with new homes available to buy through shared ownership – from stylish urban apartments to aspirational family homes in the countryside. Supporting customers through their first steps into homeownership, SNG puts customers at the heart of everything it does. Demonstrating this, its innovative Homes and Place Standard sets the very highest criteria for affordable homes in desirable places to live. This quality benchmark, alongside SNG’s portfolio of standard house types, ensures homes are healthier, warmer and cheaper to run, in turn creating well-integrated, sustainable and sociable communities which first time buyers are proud to call home.

Private Dev op of the Year

THIS AWARD WILL FOCUS NOT ONLY ON THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE PROPERTIES BUILT, BUT ALSO ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPER’S PERFORMANCE

BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS PLC

Barratt Developments is the country’s largest housebuilder. Barratt puts customers at the heart of everything it does, which is why it has been rated as a five star housebuilder by its customers for 15 years in a row. This is a record that no other national housebuilder can match. On top of that, it has won more NHBC Pride in the Job awards than any other housebuilder for 19 years in a row. In 2023, 99% of all Barratt homes were rated EPC A or B. Barratt champions innovation. Its industry leading Energy House 2.0, in partnership with The University of Salford, pioneers new homes for a climate-altered future. To tackle the affordability barriers that first time buyers face, Barratt has introduced Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme, was the first housebuilder to back Own New Rate Reducer, and launched Kickstart, a shared ownership scheme in partnership with Legal & General Affordable Homes.

LONDON SQUARE

Epitomising excellence in design, construction and customer service, London Square is a leading developer in London’s housing market. Established in 2010, it has grown to become synonymous with delivering exceptional homes across the capital, with over 20 projects. Through Square Roots, an initiative introduced in 2021, London Square extends its commitment to affordability, offering shared ownership and rental schemes providing first time buyers with a new route to buying a quality home and setting higher standards in this sector. Sales staff are pivotal in realising the company’s vision, providing an exemplary service to prospective homeowners, as seen at its riverside project, Square Roots Lewisham. Dedication to customer satisfaction is evident through its In-House Gold Awards and NHBCA1 rating. The company actively fosters community engagement and organises events to bring residents together. This comprehensive approach reflects its firm commitment to excellence and community building in London’s dynamic and challenging housing landscape.

WESTON HOMES

Weston Homes creates developments with a heart – superb places to live, built with the environment in mind and a high-quality specification inside and out. With a Gold Award for Customer Service, Weston Homes’ care for its customers is second to none – including well-designed sales suites, information on buying incentives, scheduled phone calls throughout the buying process and a named customer service co-ordinator post-completion. Modern methods of construction and a “fabric first” policy ensure every Weston home is highly insulated, warm, economical and futureproofed – and the company practices what it preaches, with an electrified company car fleet and a new HQ covered in 700 solar panels. Almost every home has a private balcony or winter garden, along with communal spaces ranging from landscaped roof terraces to riverside walks. Apartment blocks have hotel-quality foyers, and every home has flooring, a fitted wardrobe and a designer kitchen with appliances including a boiling water tap.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Voting closes on 16 August 2024

• Random authenticity checks will be made VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVOURITE IN EACH CATEGORY AT

Voting closes at midnight on 16 August 2024. FTB Award winners will be announced during the Awards Lunch at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, on 6 September 2024. A full list of winners will be published in the October/November issue of First Time Buyer.

• Voting is open to First Time Buyer readers, aged 18 and over, with the exception of employees of shortlisted nominees, their immediate families, agents, or anyone else associated with the administration or production of these awards

How to vote Special thanks to o sponsors

AWARD SPONSORS

DRINKS SPONSOR

JONNIE IRWIN LEGACY AWARD

V33 EXTREME PROTECTION WOODSTAIN PROTECTS EXTERNAL WOODWORK & ENHANCES ITS APPEARANCE

As the days grow longer, first time buyers, like all homeowners, start to turn to those weekend DIY jobs outdoors in order to make the garden and the home’s exterior look their best

On the list for some attention may well be outdoor cladding, window frames, doors, garden buildings or other vertical wood surfaces such as pergolas. Now is the time to protect them from sun and rain for the coming year and beyond, while also improving their appearance. V33 Extreme Protection Woodstain is guaranteed for an unrivalled 12 years. In addition, its formula is so tough that only two coats are normally required, saving time compared to three for standard equivalents.

V33 Extreme Protection Woodstain’s longevity and toughness make it a great choice in terms of reducing costs, since it will protect timber from the elements for far longer than other similar products. In addition, the nish it imparts to wood is natural and translucent, enhancing the look of exterior woodwork to a professional nish. It’s ideal for rst time buyers wanting to protect the investment they have just made in their new home, making sure external woodwork is shielded from the worst weather for as long as possible while also being attractively enhanced.

Patented "Aquaresist" technology ensures the woodstain’s waterproo ng effect, and its highperformance formulation shields timber securely from the effects of repeated exposure to sunlight, which can damage it. Applying the woodstain creates a barrier, protecting it from water and the sun. It also has high resistance to temperature variations of between -40oC and +60oC. It is suitable for most types of European and exotic woods, new or old, and can be applied on top of most old woodstains. Easy to apply, the woodstain is suitable for novice DIYers to use.

If you also have a certain colour tone in mind for your external woodwork, then woodstain can help you achieve it. V33 Extreme Protection Woodstain is available in Light Oak, Dark Oak, Mahogany, Teak and Clear options. It is available from B&Q and Screw x.

Further information can be found at v33.co.uk and V33 can also be found on Facebook/Instagram

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Answer the following question: For how many years is V33 Extreme Protection Woodstain guaranteed?

Send your answer with your full name, address and telephone number to: lynda@ rsttimebuyermag. co.uk

Please mark your email "V33 Competition"

Closing date: 1 July 2024

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T&Cs

• The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternatives will be given.

• Competition is open to UK mainland entrants only.

FIRST HOME, FIRST MEAL

Richard Craven, Head Chef of the One Michelin-starred The Royal Oak, creates this mouthwatering recipe

PETE’S TROUT, FRESH PEAS AND LAST YEAR’S ELDERFLOWER

INGREDIENTS

Elder ower vinegar:

 500ml Champagne vinegar or chardonnay vinegar instead

 15 elder ower umbels (heads) – you can buy these from a health shop

Apple balls:

 3 Granny Smith apples

 200ml apple juice

 Juice of half a lemon

Trout:

 400ml oil

 6 x 100g trout llets

 400g fresh peas

 200ml water

 10ml elder ower vinegar

 75g diced butter

 20g broom owers (or alternatively 20g shredded garden mint)

ELDERFLOWER VINEGAR

1 Remove the stalks from the elder ower and place in a bowl.

2 In the meantime, bring the vinegar to a simmer in a pan then pour over the elder ower, leave to steep at room temperature for two days.

3 Strain through a muslin cloth or J Cloth to remove all of the bits and keep in sterile bottles in a cool, dark place until it is needed.

APPLE BALLS

1 Peel the apples and portion

“We regularly get amazingly super fresh trout from one of our neighbours Pete. We barter with him for real ale which he understandably quite likes, but I think we de nitely get the better end of the deal. The trout is always stunning or "a good sh" as Pete would say.

“We have done quite a few different dishes with the trout but I have found myself coming back to this particular avour combination every year. This is a relatively simple dish that is great when friends and family visit and allows a beautiful natural avour of both the trout and peas to shine.

“We infuse a Champagne vinegar with elder ower picked in the village that allows us to get this beautiful avour on the menu a little before the season gets underway and this balances with the sweet fresh peas beautifully. You can buy elder ower vinegar online if you can’t wait a year!”

Richard Craven, known as The Rural Cook, is the award-winning countryside chef elevating wild and foraged local ingredients at his Warwickshire Michelinstarred pub, The Royal Oak.

Born in Marsden, Hudders eld, on the Yorkshire Dales, Richard has always lived and worked in the countryside, most notably around the Cotswolds. After studying in Chipping Campden, Richard started pot washing in a local hotel before joining The Seymour Hotel working his way up from breakfast chef to Chef De Partie, becoming Sous Chef at just 21. It was while working with Emily Watkins (ex Sous Chef at The Fat Duck) at The Kingham Plough that Richard found his love for re ned pub food using only the best seasonal ingredients. The regularly changing menu allowed a creativity that he fell in love with.

After meeting his South African girlfriend Solanche, now wife, they spent a brief year in her home country working at The Tasting Room, Cape Town. Richard was quickly made Sous Chef under Margot Janse and was cooking with game including wildebeest and warthog. While Richard was there, the restaurant scored 31 in the San Pellegrino’s 50 Best and was voted the number one restaurant in South Africa and the Middle East.

with a small Parisienne scoop/ melon baller or alternately dice. Place the apple in apple juice with a little lemon juice to stop from oxidising.

METHOD

1 Gently heat the oil in a thick bottomed pan on the stove top until it reaches approximately 50C (if you don’t have a thermometer it’s similar to a hot bath, so under a simmer), take the pan off the heat and add the trout directly to the oil and leave for approximately 10 minutes until a skewer passes through the esh easily, without resistance.

2 Place the peas in a pan and just cover them with water. Boil for 4 minutes until the water has reduced down by three quarters and the peas are starting to cook. Take off the heat. Add the elder ower vinegar to the existing pea water.

3 Now add the diced butter a little at a time and stir until it emulsi es together keeping it off the heat.

4 Spoon the pea and butter sauce on to the centre of the plate. Peel the skin off the trout and season with sea salt. Place the trout on top of the peas and add the fresh apple and owers to serve.

On returning to the UK, Richard and Solanche opened the Chef’s Dozen, a 24-cover restaurant, in 2011. Eventually they needed larger premises and scoured the Cotswolds for the perfect location and it wasn’t long before one of their suppliers, Paddock Farm, told them about an 800-year-old pub on the market, The Royal Oak in Whatcote, on the edge of the Cotswolds. The pub had been closed for three years and in 2017 Solanche and Richard moved in, opening as The Royal Oak pub and dining room. Within two years, the pub had won a Michelin star.

The Royal Oak serves modern, re ned country food with a strong emphasis on game (80% of the menu is wild or foraged). Richard runs the small kitchen brigade and Solanche oversees the front of house and the South African-leaning wine list. The 28-cover, dog-friendly pub boasts a relaxed atmosphere with a pool table, dart board, chess, board games and a roaring re.

When not in the kitchen, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife and Portuguese sheepdog Hamilton and is a proli c reader and Leeds United fan.

theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk

Rewarding Loyalty

Nectar card

Saving money for the deposit for your first home is essential to get a mortgage, so in turn, saving the pennies is important. Know how... to get the best from brands with our top tips on how to benefit from all the deals on offer

Sainsbury's has for many years been a part of the UK’s biggest loyalty scheme. The Nectar card creates quite a buzz, with customers collecting points when spending and then you can spend these points on over 12 brands including Argos, eBay and Esso. Recently, all Nectar customers can get lower prices on thousands of products. When you see the Nectar card reduction it really does ensure that those without it sign up! nectar.com

Tesco Clubcard

The Tesco Clubcard works in the same way as the Nectar card and gives discounts in store and points on purchases. The points that you earn can be redeemed in various ways. You can convert them into vouchers to use for discounts on future purchases in store or exchange them for rewards. Swap the points for experiences such as theme park tickets or restaurant meals – every little helps! tesco.com/clubcard

The Barista Coffee shops have become much more than just places to grab a quick caffeine x; they’ve evolved into social hubs and places to spend time, work or unwind. The coffee chains make sure to reward their customers whether it’s a latte or a black Americano for you!

Starbucks/Costa Coffee/Caffè Nero

Starbucks and other coffee brands are monetised on apps. By having many of these apps to earn stars or rewards, you can redeem them for things like free food, drinks and more. If you take your own cup to Starbucks, you will get a 25p discount on your drink. If, like us, you are there almost every day, that adds up to a great saving every month! With the apps you can also order before you get there!

starbucks.co.uk costa.co.uk caffenero.com

Pret A Manger

Treats and more

Greggs

Much like the coffee brands, Greggs offers rewards via its app. Collect points and pick up your free treat. greggs.co.uk

Krispy Kreme

Fancy something sweet? Sign up with your email and receive personalised rewards and a birthday surprise! krispykreme.co.uk

Too Good To Go

"Save the planet at closing time" with the Too Good to Go app! Every day unsold food goes in the bin; but the app helps brands to avoid waste and customers to grab a bargain. Greggs, Budgens, Costa and Yo! Sushi are already users! At the end of the day, they put their food that’s going out of date in a surprise bag – users simply log on to the app, buy with a great saving and collect some yummy treats! toogoodtogo.com

For £30 a month you can subscribe to Club Pret, which sounds like a lot of money initially but hear us out. The one-off payment enables you to get ve Barista-made drinks per day plus 20% off the food menu. Worth looking into if you have a coffee addiction or just maybe switch to decaf or green tea at some point during the day!

pret.co.uk

Cause for complaint?

Fortunately, most property transactions run smoothly with no issues, but if things don’t go to plan, it’s always good to know that help is at hand. Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, explains what to do

In our experience, most problems are likely to be related to communication, advice, behaviour or costs.

So, if you find yourself unhappy with certain aspects of the service you get from your conveyancer, don’t suffer in silence. There are steps that you can take to resolve the matter.

If you wish to make a complaint about the professional handling of your transaction, in the first instance, we would always advise that you raise the matter with your conveyancer, and at the earliest opportunity rather than waiting until the issue gets any worse. For clarity, and to put on record how and when you raised concerns, it’s best to do this in writing either via email or post.

If you haven’t heard from your conveyancer in a time frame you consider reasonable, or if you have and aren’t satisfied, the next step is to write to the practice. Every firm should have its own procedure for dealing with complaints, and larger organisations may even have a dedicated person or team. Firms must give you details of how to complain and these are usually included in your initial correspondence. You should also be able to find them on their website.

When writing, you should request confirmation that your complaint has been received and of how long you should expect to wait before receiving a response. This may vary, but the industry standard is a week in which to receive an acknowledgement and 28 days for a response/resolution.

TAKING IT FURTHER

If you are still unhappy, you can escalate your complaint to a governing body, which in this case will be either the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) or the regulator, likely to be the CLC or the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA).

LeO deals with complaints about poor service, examples of which may include delays, failing to advise you of significant issues, not responding to emails, letters or calls, giving you unclear advice or charging you an amount you are not happy with.

It is important to note that, usually, you must have first made a complaint to

the conveyancer or practice in question and received a response before escalating matters to LeO. Before doing this, you should also make sure you have all the relevant details such as names, dates and any/all correspondence that clarifies your instructions, details of the allegation being made and any losses you have incurred as a result.

The CLC deals with complaints you have about the honesty or ethics of your conveyancer, which may breach our Code of Conduct. These could include them losing your money, acting dishonestly in giving you advice, continuing to act for you despite a conflict of interests, or discriminating against you because of age, disability, gender, sexuality or any other protected characteristic.

While we can’t deal with disputes about service, we do however have a modest compensation fund for specific rare cases such as, in certain situations, if we have closed a practice and you believe that practice owes you money.

We will always acknowledge initial receipt of your concern and aim to formally respond within 28 days.

The CLC supports its regulated conveyancers to ensure that issues like the above are kept to a minimum, but if you do have to complain then we want to make it as fair and straightforward as possible.

For further information, please visit the dedicated pages on our website: clc-uk.org/consumers/ reporting-problems/

The Conveyancing Process

Buying a new home is an exciting time but can also be quite overwhelming as there is a lot of legal paperwork to sort out. This article aims to give you an idea of what takes place in the conveyancing process and the timescales involved

When you buy a house there are normally several people involved – an estate agent, developer or housing association, a mortgage broker, a surveyor, a mortgage lender and a solicitor. Everyone involved in the process is working towards the same goal... to get you moved.

When you instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf, one of their first jobs, which is required by law, is to verify your identity, and in the case of a purchase, details of your source of funds. They will also need to collect payment for items they will need to purchase on your behalf.

Most transactions take between 10 and 12 weeks, especially if there is a chain. New build purchases usually have to proceed much quicker, as housing associations impose a 28-day deadline for exchange of contracts. However, if you are buying a property from the open market, it can take a little longer as there is a lot more information required.

Following the initial checks, the legal process starts with the seller’s solicitor obtaining a copy of the title to the property from the Land Registry and preparing a contract pack – this includes the contracts, title and an official plan of the property. They will also get the seller to complete some information forms about the property and what is included in the sale. Those documents are then sent to your solicitor. In the case of new build properties this contract pack will also include planning permissions and other documents regarding the construction of the development.

When your solicitor receives the contract pack they will order searches, which are a standard set of questions answered by the relevant authority. Your solicitor will then check the results when they come back. It is worth noting that some searches take a few weeks to process before the results arrive. For this reason, on some new build developments, the seller’s solicitor will

provide searches relating to the whole development in order to speed the process up. After checking the title and other documents contained in the contract pack, your solicitor will raise any enquiries they have with the seller’s solicitor. It can often take some weeks before satisfactory replies to all enquiries are received.

Most buyers will need a mortgage in order to buy a property. After the property has been valued, a mortgage offer is issued by the lender. Copies are then sent to you and to your solicitor, who will need to check the offer to ensure that they comply with the lender’s requirements. In the case of a shared ownership purchase, the housing association will also have to approve the offer.

Once all enquiries have been answered and search results and a mortgage offer received, your solicitor will send you the contract for signing. You will also be asked to provide an exchange deposit. The seller’s solicitor will also send their client a contract

for signing. Exchange of contracts can, however, only take place once everyone in the chain is ready.

As mentioned earlier, dealing with all of the different aspects of the conveyancing process can take several weeks, plus there is no set order in which everything gets done. This is why some transactions take longer than others and why you do need to be patient throughout the process.

Shortly before exchanging contracts, the parties involved in the transaction need to agree a completion date, unless you are buying a new build property that isn’t finished yet, in which case you exchange on the basis that completion takes place once the property is ready to move into.

Once the contracts are exchanged and the deposit has been paid, then everyone is legally bound and can get ready for their move.

Between exchange and completion, your solicitor arranges for the lender to send them the mortgage monies and collects the final balance due from the buyer. On the day of completion the money is sent to the seller’s solicitor and at the point it arrives the purchase officially completes. The seller’s solicitor calls the representative to release the keys and then you will be able to move into your new home!

Shared Direction Conveyancing is the only law firm in the UK dedicated solely to acting for purchasers of new build shared ownership properties. If you are buying a new build shared ownership property, Shared Direction Conveyancing is your ideal choice of law firm to share your journey into homeownership, as we have the experience and expertise to guide you through the process as quickly and simply as possible.

For further information visit sdc-legal.co.uk or for an instant quotation call 0808 273 0273

Dare to dream

According to a new report, many first time buyers are feeling despondent about getting on to the housing ladder. But there are plenty of ways to make some progress, says Kay Hill

New research from Cornerstone Tax has revealed the biggest worries of first time buyers:

 59% of Brits say they can’t afford to save for a deposit

 54% say that family are unable to help them towards a deposit

 44% cannot live in their desired location because of increased house prices

 42% say their biggest anxiety is that they will be stuck renting forever

 31% of Brits say that because of the cost-of-living crisis, they have spent their deposit savings.

David Hannah, Group Chairman of Cornerstone Tax, comments, “Our latest findings illustrate a stark reality on the ground of the nation’s housing market, with the dream of homeownership remaining outside the grasp of many would-be buyers.” While getting on the housing

ladder is tough, it isn’t impossible – so we’ve looked more closely at these worries to see what solutions are out there.

DEPOSIT WOES

Not having enough money to save, or being forced to spend savings to keep afloat during the cost-of-living crisis, are near the top of everyone’s worry list – so try to focus first on a three-pronged attack to make the most progress – boost earnings, cut spending and make the most of saving. Boost earnings – could you do some overtime, go for a promotion or even fit in a weekend job? It’s tough, but if you focus all your efforts even for six months, you’ll make real progress. Alternatively consider a side hustle. If you make things to sell (upcycling, baking, crochet etc) or provide a service like dog walking or babysitting, you can make £1,000 a year tax-free (although

Our analysis showed a deposit of £5,000 – compared to a typical 5% – would make a huge difference to rst time buyers across the country by reducing the time it takes them to save up and achieve homeownership, from 7.5 years (in London), to around 2.5 years. While £5,000 represents a 1% deposit for those who need to borrow the maximum amount available, the key is that customers are still putting money into a deposit, they still have to demonstrate strong creditworthiness and pass an affordability assessment to be eligible for a £5k Deposit Mortgage. It creates a level playing eld for those who don’t have nancial support from their families to fall back on, after our research showed that 38% of rst time buyers now receive nancial help from friends and family. The research showed that 78% of rst time buyers feel homeownership is becoming an elite privilege, while 63% believe the UK is in danger of becoming a nation of renters. This is a situation we believe can’t be allowed to continue. We’ve recommended that the Government re-introduce some form of state support for rst time buyers, however, for now, we hope this £5k Deposit Mortgage will help rst time buyers overcome the deposit barrier.

Ben Merritt, Director of Mortgages, Yorkshire Building Society

EXPERT COMMENT

the self-employed can’t benefit from this). Selling your own clothes or bric-a-brac is not taxable (although you should keep records in case HMRC ever asks).

Cut spending – 71% of young people aged 18 to 24 and 75% of those aged 25 to 34 spend more than £1,000 on holidays a year [Statista], and the average Londoner spends £2,600 a year on up to three takeaway meals a week [Ninja Kitchen]! No one wants to live like a monk, but why not see what six months with no non-essential spending could achieve?

Check savings – have you opened a Lifetime ISA? If not, you are missing out on up to £1,000 a year of free money! If you are between 18 and 40, open a LISA, put in up to £4,000 each year and the Government will add a 25% bonus up to a maximum of £1,000 a year, in addition to the tax-free interest. The LISA is part of your annual ISA allowance of £20,000, so you could also put a further £16,000 into an ordinary cash ISA, where the interest will be tax free. Cash ISA rates are over 5% at the moment. If you’ve already used up your ISA allowance, review where you put the rest of your savings – if you are earning less than 5% then you could do better!

Speak to parents – high on the worry list was not being able to rely on the Bank of Mum and Dad to gift money for a deposit, but not every family will be able (or willing) to give money away. However, it’s worth talking to your family about ways they can help without impoverishing themselves. For example, some lenders allow parents to put money into a savings account that is linked to their child’s mortgage, (called a springboard, offset, savings as security or family mortgage), facilitating a depositfree loan. As long as the mortgage is paid, the parents keep the money and interest. Similarly, parents can act as a guarantor, or be added to a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage, to allow the first time buyer to borrow more. In all these cases, providing the buyer pays their mortgage, there will be no cost to parents.

Mortgage options – if you are still struggling to raise a deposit, many lenders offer 95% mortgages, and Skipton has led the way with a 100% mortgage that doesn’t require help from family – its Track Record mortgage is for renters with a good track record. Yorkshire Building Society has also launched its fee-free £5k Deposit Mortgage, a product for first time buyers that requires

just a £5,000 deposit and allows loans of up to 99% on homes up to £500,000 (but excludes apartments and new builds).

PRICED OUT

Another worry is not being able to buy in a particular area because of high prices, to which the simplest answer might be to move! If you have a job that can easily relocate, or you work from home, then according to Move IQ there are 14 postcode areas where the average house price is under £100,000 (less than a garage in parts of London).

The cheapest locations are Bradford BD1, with an average house price of £69,939; Middlesbrough TS1 (£71,998); Grimsby DN31 (£72,574) and Shildon DL4, (£72,604). For example, Rightmove has secondhand apartments and terraced houses in Bradford, Middlesborough and Shildon for less than £40,000, homes in Grimsby for £35,000 and brand new apartments in Bradford from £72,000. If you are tied to a location, check out offers and incentives from developers and schemes such as shared ownership, First Homes or Discount Market Sale. If you are single, could you buy with friends or siblings? You could also think about buying a doer-upper, but remember that mortgage companies are unlikely to lend on a property with issues such as subsidence, damp or a leaking roof – that is why the cheapest homes are usually advertised for cash buyers only. You will need to factor in the time and skills needed for DIY, as well as the cost of materials – projects such as a new boiler or an electrical rewire can be very pricey.

RENTING FOREVER?

Four out of 10 are worried they will be renting forever, but there is no need to be despondent – if homeownership is your dream, then explore every possibility to make it come true! If you are paying rent, you will probably find you can get on to the shared ownership scheme and buy equity in a new home for around the same price as your rent, with the possibility of buying more shares as you are able. You could secure a 95% or even a 100% mortgage, over as long as 40 years, which might make your dream possible this year, rather than in the distant future.

EXPERT COMMENT

Getting on the housing ladder is the top priority for many young people, but with both house prices and mortgage rates rising it can be an increasingly hard-to-reach goal. However, using a Lifetime ISA can supercharge your savings and get you closer to your dream. The average house price is £285,000, but if someone is saving for a home they need to factor in rising prices. If prices continue growing at the same pace as they have over the past 40 years the average house price would hit £539,000 in 10 years – so a 10% deposit would be £54,000. While this is a huge sum, using a Lifetime ISA can shave years off your deposit saving and add thousands to your pot. If someone could pay in the full £4,000 Lifetime ISA limit each year they’d generate a pot worth £66,000 after 10 years, having bene ted from £10,000 of free money from the Government plus investment growth at 5% a year. That same amount saved in a standard ISA would be worth around £53,000. The beauty of the Lifetime ISA is that you can double up on contributions and Government bonus if you’re buying with another eligible rst time buyer.

with another eligible rst time buyer.

Laura Suter, Director of Personal Finance, AJ Bell

Why aren’t more new homes being built?

As first time buyers struggle to find a home that they can afford, is the Government doing all it can to ensure that more new homes are being built?

Ginetta Vedrickas looks at the problem

GET LONDON BUILDING

As new build numbers fall and house prices in the capital are prohibitive for many trying to get on the property ladder, grassroots campaign Britain Remade has produced a report, Get London Building, which details plans to solve London’s housing crisis by building almost 900,000 new energy-efficient homes. The report points out that today it takes a couple in the capital, earning a normal income, 30 years to save a deposit for the average property, up from just four years in the mid-1990s.

The report adds that, right across the city, house prices have risen to 12.5 times the average income and, in many boroughs, such as Hackney, Haringey, and Islington, prices are now 15 times the average income. Warning that young Londoners have few options because housing supply has not kept up with demand, Britain Remade’s founder and campaign director, Sam Richards, says London’s housing market is broken. “Right now, young people working good jobs face the prospect of never being able to own their own home. Housing in London doesn’t have to be unaffordable. It is a choice. For too long, politicians have chosen not to build enough homes to meet demand. The only way to fix this is to build more homes.”

Richards says that their report is a “blueprint for City Hall to deliver the affordable homes Londoners desperately need” and it contains multiple suggestions, from transforming the capital’s postwar estates to provide warmer and bigger homes for existing residents to better using land across the city. Calling his organisation a “progrowth campaign group”, he calls on London’s mayor to build homes Londoners need by regenerating estates, building in the best-connected places and using land better by building homes on publicly owned golf courses and industrial sites.

“Too many Londoners live in

post-war social housing that is cold, damp, and crowded. Estate renewal not only tackles these scourges, but also delivers the extra housing London desperately needs.”

The report points out that this is feasible because the capital’s post-war estates were built at densities far lower than many of London’s best-loved historic neighbourhoods. The report also notes that new homes currently sell for four times their construction costs, which could provide the funds needed to build warmer and larger homes for existing council tenants and increase social housing stock. Rebuilding London’s estates at modest densities could deliver over 530,000 extra new homes on top of the 540,000 rebuilt and upgraded social homes, explains Richards. “Not only will regenerating London’s estates tackle the

capital’s extreme housing shortage and cut council housing waiting lists, but it will also save money and help the country go green. If all new estates are built to the highest energy efficiency standards, the average council tenant would save almost £800 a year in lower gas and electric bills.”

Along with estate renewal, Britain Remade also urges the mayor to build more homes in London’s best-connected areas, a move that could add 38,000 homes each year, cut congestion, and reduce emissions. Around two-thirds of London’s industrial land is protected by the London Plan, housebuilding on it is banned, and a council’s ability to release land next to industrial sites is restricted. “Using London’s land better can unlock 325,000 good homes within walking distance of public transport,

bringing affordable housing to working people who are being priced out of the capital.” Richards points to a similar proposal in the 2019 Draft London Plan which would have seen more than 25,000 homes a year built, but he says, “The policy was dropped after planning inspectors intervened arguing the approach went ‘too far too soon’. “

The report details a similar project in Auckland, New Zealand, which doubled housebuilding, cut emissions and resulted in rents being a third lower. Richards adds that “if the same happened in London it would result in a £6,000 saving for a young family renting the average two bedroom apartment”, and he calls upon the mayor to rewrite the London Plan to allow up to six-storey developments on small sites near the capital’s best-connected areas. The organisation is asking those who support its plan to sign a petition. britainremade.co.uk

SURVEY OF HOUSEBUILDERS

There may be other reasons for the limited supply of new homes, not just in London but all around the country. A recent survey carried out by the Home Builders Federation, HBF, found that many SME housebuilders, smaller and medium sized enterprises, are struggling to build new homes, with 90% saying that they are unhappy with the Government’s approach to planning and housing. The report blames what it calls an “overburdened planning system” and it looks at the impact that rising interest rates have had on smaller homebuilding businesses in what it describes as a “collapse in homebuilding”.

The study found that 93% of SMEs cite delays in securing planning permission as a major barrier to growth; 91% say planning departments in local authorities are underresourced, which is hindering growth of SME homebuilders; 46% of SME developers say the cost of obtaining planning permission has risen by over 30% in the past three years; and 72% claim interest rate rises have been a major obstacle in the past year. Only 13% think the Government’s approach on housing and planning is positive for first time buyers.

The report comes as all indicators point towards a sharp fall in housing supply amid an increasingly challenging policy and economic environment. Proposals to abolish mandatory housing targets were confirmed by the Government last year, a decision that 80% of respondents said will further restrict supply as it would likely lead to more councils withdrawing their local building plans. Over 60 local authorities have already done so, causing further delay and confusion, says HBF’s executive chair Stewart

Baseley, “The house building industry faces some major barriers to delivery and all indicators now show sharp falls in supply. SMEs in particular are unable to manage the delays caused by the collapsing of the planning system and the lack of capacity in planning departments.” Baseley has watched many small housebuilders go out of business and he thinks we need urgent action before more companies disappear. “SMEs are vital to the industry’s ability to deliver the homes we need,” he says.

The HBF also recently published its latest Housing Pipeline Report revealing that the number of planning permissions granted for new homes continues to fall sharply, down 20% year on year, with 2023 seeing the fewest number of sites approved since records began in 2006. The number of plans adopted last year was the lowest for a decade, with warnings that these proposals could cause a drop of 77,000 homes a year.

The South fared particularly badly according to the report, which shows that the number of units approved in 2023 was the lowest since 2015 in the South East, the lowest since 2013 in London and the lowest since 2012 in the South West. Year on year, each of these regions saw falls of 13%, 26% and 18% respectively. The same regions have already seen annual falls of more than 10% in new build completions.

WHERE ARE MOST NEW HOMES BUILT?

Some local authorities are performing better than others when it comes to building new homes. A study by 24housing.co.uk looked at building completion rates in various local authorities across the UK between 2020 and 2023 and compared them to the population of each local authority to determine the number of builds completed per 10,000 people.

Stratford-on-Avon takes first place with 283.9 new buildings completed per 10,000 population, reflecting, the report says, “a concerted effort to meet the growing demands of its populace”. The total number is 3,860 houses compared to its population of 135,964. South Derbyshire followed closely behind, with 3,000 builds completed, translating to 277.6 new houses per 10,000 population. In third place, Mid Suffolk “demonstrated a commendable commitment to urban development”, said the study, ranking third on the list, with 2,670 builds completed between 2020 and 2023. This accomplishment translates to 258.2 builds per 10,000 population, showcasing the region’s proactive approach to addressing housing demands while maintaining its distinct rural character.

EXPERT COMMENT

High rents and house prices don’t just mean Londoners cannot get on the housing ladder; it holds back our economy. London is the UK’s most productive city and makes up just under a quarter of Britain’s GDP. If London’s housing costs were brought down and more people could afford to live and work in the capital, it would make the UK’s economy stronger and end a decade plus of stagnation in living standards.

Sam Richards, founder, Britain Remade

EXPERT COMMENT

We are actively looking to grow our business and we see that there are still good levels of demand out there for high-quality, bespoke family housing. The Government needs to help small businesses and SMEs like ours to take the big steps to deliver more housing by filling the sector with confidence and making some bold moves in this election year. I think they would be pleasantly surprised by what the sector could achieve if they stood behind it and provided it with the stimulus it desperately needs.

Mike Burton, Land Director, Metis Homes

EXPERT COMMENT

The rapidly emerging consensus is that we need to deliver 500,000 new homes per year, yet we can barely manage 200,000 at present. We need action to save an SME housebuilding sector in crisis, yet despite intense campaigning by the sector we haven’t received a penny of support.

Marc Vlessing, Founder and Chief Executive, Pocket Living

Agony agent

Readers put their property questions to our guest panel of experts: solicitors, mortgage advisers, property gurus and shared ownership providers

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, shared ownership, 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 do I start with styling my new home?

AQI’ve bought my first home and want to begin personalising it. What approach should I take for different shaped rooms?

Aisha Flynn, Luton

In our experience, the most common room shapes are square/rectangular, L-shaped, openplan, or long and narrow, so I’ve included tips for each.

Square or rectangular rooms are the most straightforward as they leave plenty of scope for impactful designs. For a cosy and snug retreat, make a focal point such as feature wall, statement headboard or media unit, and position furniture to emphasise this. Add character through lighting, panelling, a picture rail or colour block painting.

For L-shaped rooms, accentuate the L, either by adding a corner sofa or two sofas meeting in its centre. Remember not to overlook any space behind sofas too, consider adding a wall unit, bookcase or floating shelves to add character and space for personal touches.

In open-plan or apartment living, using the logical flow of the property is a great place to start. You want to be “space-smart” and avoid creating pinch points with bulky objects or pieces of furniture. Keep decor light and bright. Add sheer curtains or voiles to windows or doors; install mirrors opposite light sources to reflect daylight and create an illusion of width and depth; and create zones for different activities with clever wall treatments (feature painting, wallpapering, panelling), or more temporary options such as screens or partitions.

Long and narrow, or slim, rooms are the most difficult. We find the best approach is not to overcrowd them and, where possible, to try to make them feel wider and taller. You can achieve this by wallmounting a TV in a central position on the longest wall and adding sofas, armchairs or love seats at either end. Also, think vertically! If wallpapering, use a vertical stripe to create an elongated effect. Use the walls and ceiling space for floating shelving, a drinks station, or even as hanging storage for pots and pans or plants.

Sam Jones

Sam Cox, Regional Sales Manager, Peabody New Homes

Rupi Hunjan, Managing Director, Censeo Financial

Sam Jones, Client Account Manager, Edward Thomas Interiors

Why do mortgage rates change so often and where do I go for help and advice?

QI am a first time buyer and I am a little confused about the mortgage market and where to go to for advice. Could you help? I am nearly in the position of wanting to buy my first home.

Jamie Thorn, Maidstone

AMortgage rates in the UK do change frequently, due to a variety of factors such as changes in the Bank of England’s base rate, inflation, economic growth, global events, political instability and market competition among lenders.

Interest rates can rise or fall, often with lenders giving less than 24 hours’ notice of changing a mortgage product. It’s therefore vitally important that you have all your documents available for your mortgage appointment if you are considering a mortgage product to prevent disappointment. Any delay can see your monthly mortgage payments change significantly and, in some cases, make affordability an issue.

A mortgage broker is a professionally qualified person best placed to assess a buyer’s income and expenditure against their personal financial situation. They will match the best mortgage to the buyer’s needs and goals. The mortgage rate available to you will depend on the amount of deposit you have, your credit history, and your income and expenditure. Lenders all have different criteria, and the mortgage broker will match you with the mortgage product that is best suited to your personal circumstances and the type of property and construction.

All lenders will have a Standard Variable Rate (SVR); this is their default interest rate which they set themselves. There are various

other mortgage products that lenders may offer. These include: Discounted rates – Set at a certain percentage below the SVR. The percentage value is fixed for the length of the deal, which is usually two or five years.

Tracker rate – This is the only rate that is determined by an external financial indicator, rather than the lender. This is usually the Bank of England base rate, so your monthly repayments rise and fall in line with it.

Fixed rates – A fixed interest rate will not change for the length of the deal. Available for two, three, five or 10 years.

It’s essential to note that mortgage rates can fluctuate due to the various factors described, and therefore it is essential to keep track of the mortgage market and seek professional advice from a mortgage broker, such as Censeo, when you are making mortgagerelated decisions.

Rupi Hunjan

Can we get on the property ladder?

QMy partner and I are renting locally in Nine Elms, and we currently pay £2,500 in rent. Consequently, we have only managed to save £15,000 towards our deposit. We are unsure if we’ll ever be able to purchase a property in London of our own as we think our deposit might be too low.

Jessica Thorn, Nine Elms

AHave you considered shared ownership? Shared ownership new builds have rapidly become the most popular and sought-after buying scheme, not only in London but also within the Home Counties. But why?

Shared ownership is a Government-backed scheme that supports and helps thousands of people get on to the property ladder each year. It tends to enable buyers to purchase using a smaller deposit than they would need on the open market. Take New Mansion Square (part of Battersea Power Station regeneration project) for example – you can purchase a one bedroom apartment here with a deposit of around £14,625 in comparison to the UK average in 2023 which was around £53,414 for first time buyers. You’ll then get a mortgage for the remainder of the share you can afford and start paying off the mortgage each month, building your own equity for the future. It’s a no-brainer in itself.

In addition to mortgaging the percentage share you can afford to buy, you will also pay the remaining share of subsidised rent to the housing provider. In most cases, this overall monthly cost would be cheaper than renting privately. As mentioned earlier, New Mansion Square, Battersea Power Station, works out to be approximately 25% cheaper a month for a one bedroom apartment

through shared ownership, than it it would to rent privately. With rising rent costs across London and Home Counties there’s no better time to be taking your next steps on to the property ladder. Lastly, a new build home itself comes with its perks. You are the first legal occupier, with freshly painted walls, brand new kitchens, bathrooms and appliances. Warranties provide a reassurance worth their weight in gold. Internally, the defects liability period is a period where the contractor will return to remedy defects; while externally, the NHBC/Premier guarantee is a 10-year construction warranty covering external elements of the building.

Find your place today with Peabody New Homes and benefit from low deposits on a range of new shared ownership homes, available across London and the Home Counties.

Sam Cox

For information about low deposits on new shared ownership homes visit peabodynewhomes.co.uk/deposits/

Buyers’ guide

FTB EXPLAINS ALL THE

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 the property ladder. The best known is shared ownership which is open to people with a household income of up to £80,000 (£90,000 in London). More details are below.

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 housebuilders. 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

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.

PRIVATE INITIATIVES

Some builders offer incentives on new build homes such as cashback, legal fees or help with moving costs. You could also try to negotiate for upgrades to specification items like floorings or kitchen appliances.

TO HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS

GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SCHEMES

Help to Buy: Equity Loan/Deposit Unlock

Equity loans through Help to Buy are no longer available; they ended in October 2022. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) together with some housebuilders and mortgage lenders are offering a new scheme called Deposit Unlock as an alternative. This helps first time buyers to buy a new home with a 5% mortgage deposit. More information is available at hbf.co.uk/deposit-unlock

Shared ownership/part-buy, part-rent

The Government-supported shared ownership scheme is available for people with household incomes up to £80,000 (or £90,000 if buying in London.) Shared ownership homes are always leasehold. With this scheme, you buy a share in a property and pay rent on the rest. Rent is calculated at 2.75% (sometimes less), with annual increases of RPI + 0.5%. The amount of share that you buy is calculated based on your affordability. On many shared ownership homes the minimum is 25% (but could be higher). On some homes, you can buy a lower share starting from 10%, but these are not widely available at present. 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. Shared ownership homes can be new build or resales, apartments or houses across many parts of England.

If you buy a home with shared ownership, you will be given the right to buy more shares 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 at an early date.

First Homes

This scheme offers first time buyers discounts of 30-50% on certain new build homes. Local authorities may limit these to key workers or those who live or work in the area. When the home is sold it must be to another eligible first time buyer at the same percentage discount.

Rent to Buy

This scheme allows you to rent a new build property for up to five years and pay a redued rent while you save for a deposit. It is not widely available, however.

Right to Buy

The Right to Buy scheme helps eligible council and housing association tenants in England buy their home with a discount of up to £87,200 (£116,200 inside London). You probably have the Right to Buy if you’re a secure council tenant and have spent at least three years as a public sector tenant. Some properties are exempt.

Older People’s Shared Ownership (OPSO)

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 to help people with long term disabilities live independently in a shared ownership property where, in some cases, repairs and maintenance services are offered by the provider.

Other options

There are a few less well-known Government-backed schemes; more details can be found at ownyourhome.gov.uk

The Lifetime ISA (LISA) is a long-term savings product intended to support younger people aged between 18-39, resident in the UK, saving for their first home, or for later life. Up to £4,000 can be saved each year, attracting a government bonus of 25% on each new payment. Funds can be withdrawn without charge 12 months after opening the LISA, if used as a deposit for the account holder’s first home, subject to certain conditions. The property value must be under £450,000.

BUYING ON THE OPEN MARKET & PRIVATE INITIATIVES

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.

The ftb process

TIPS

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.

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.

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

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.

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

SET A BUDGET

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 le, and pay off any debts you can.

SHOP AROUND

Speak to a mortgage broker, but also look at lenders’ direct products and search the internet.

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.

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.

Thorough research

Buying a property is a big investment. You need to make 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Make sure you have a survey – it could save you money in the long run by spotting any problems.

SOLICITORS

RESEARCH AN AREA

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.

Aerial shots of an area can be viewed at google.co.uk/maps; switch to “satellite view”.

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.

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.

SEARCHES

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.

TIPS

SURVEYS AND VALUATIONS

B

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.

SOLICITORS

BUYERS’ COSTS

SOLICITOR’S/CONVEYANCING COSTS (ESTIMATED)

£1000-£1,800

LOCAL AUTHORITY SEARCH FEES (ESTIMATED)

£150-£300

LAND REGISTRY FEES:

Scale 1 fees relate to the registration of both new builds and resale properties for monetary consideration.

Apply using the portal or Business Gateway, for transfers or surrenders which a ect the whole of a registered title

For a purchase of £0 - £80k £20.00

For a purchase of £80,001-£100k £40.00

For a purchase of £100,001 - £200k £100.00

For a purchase of £200,001 - £500k £150.00

For a purchase of £500,001 - £1,000,000 £295.00

For a purchase of £1,000,001 and over £500.00

Apply using the portal or Business Gateway, for registration of all leases and transfers or surrenders which a ect part of a registered title

For a purchase of £0 - £80k £45.00

For a purchase of £80,001-£100k £95.00

For a purchase of £100,001 - £200k £230.00

TIPS

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.

Use a recommended solicitor who you know to be reliable and who can move fast.

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.

INSURANCE

You must have buildings insurance in place for when you exchange contracts (not complete). This will be a condition of your mortgage offer.

REMOVALS

Shop around for a removals rm, and nd one that can move your possessions on completion day. You could also look at van hire to do it yourself.

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.

EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION

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.

TIME SCALE

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.

COMPLETION

Your solicitor or estate agent will call you to tell you the property is yours. The solicitor will have some nal paperwork to do, and you will then have to pay the solicitor’s bill and your Stamp Duty payment (if applicable). solicitor’s bill and your Stamp

For a purchase of £200,001 - £500k £330.00

For a purchase of £500,001 - £1,000,000 £655.00

For a purchase of £1,000,001 and over £1,105.00

STAMP DUTY LAND TAX (SDLT) (UNTIL 31/09/2022):

Up to £250,000 Zero

The next £675,000 (the portion from £250,001 to £925,000) 5%

The next £575,000 (the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million) 10%

The remaining amount (the portion above £1.5 million) 12%

In October 2022 you buy a property for £295,000. The SDLT you owe will be calculated as follows: 0% on the first £250,000 = £0 5% on the final £45,000 = £2,250

Total SDLT = £2,250

OTHER FEES TO CONSIDER (ESTIMATED, DEPENDENT ON CIRCUMSTANCES):

MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENT FEE

Expect to pay a fee of at least £1,000 to secure an attractive rate. But some can be £2000+

The lender will usually o er you the option to pay the arrangement fee upfront, or you can add the fee to the mortgage. The disadvantage of adding the fee to the mortgage is you’ll pay interest on it, as well as the mortgage, for the life of the loan. But if you pay the fee upfront, there’s a chance you could lose it if anything went wrong with the purchase.

MORTGAGE VALUATION

Typically, around £300-£600, but can be significantly more

MORTGAGE BROKER’S FEE

£0-£500 usually paid at mortgage application

BUILDINGS INSURANCE

Estimate £200-£300 annually – The price depends on the cover you require and your excess. The building insurance is calculated based on the cost of rebuilding your home is known as the ‘buildings sum insured’. It’s important to know that there’s likely to b a di erence between your home’s market value and the cost of rebuilding your home.

GROUND RENT (LEASEHOLD ONLY) & SERVICE CHARGES

£700-£4,000 annually

If you own a long lease on a property in England and Wales you will normally have to pay rent to the freeholder or landlord of the property; this is known as Ground Rent. The lease will normally specify how much rent you have to pay and when it has to be paid. The ground rent can be a fixed sum for the length of the lease, or the lease can provide for the ground rent to increase over the course of the lease. Service charges vary based on the building and the services provided. A building with concierge service, numerous lifts can be very expensive. You should go through the service charge costs with your solicitor. These are audited and the price paid changes annually generally in April. New freehold homes may also have service/estate charges for maintenance of communal areas.

REMOVALS (IF REQUIRED)

£500-£2,500

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

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.

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.

ARREARS

This is a term used to describe payments that haven’t been made on time.

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

A broker is someone who gives you advice on your mortgage. Some are independent, while others work for particular lenders.

BUILDING SURVEY

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.

DISBURSEMENTS

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.

EARLY REPAYMENT CHARGE

LAND REGISTRY FEES

This is a fee you have to pay in order to register your ownership of the property with the Land Registry.

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.

EQUITY

The difference between the value of the property and the value of the mortgage you have secured.

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.

FREEHOLD

A freehold is when you fully own a property and the land it stands on.

GAZUMPING

When a seller accepts an offer and then later on rejects it in favour of a higher offer from another bidder.

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.

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.

How shared ownership resales and staircasing work

Shared ownership resales are becoming an ever-popular option to enable first time buyers to make that all-important first step on the property ladder. Coralie Phelan, Head of Resales and Staircasing at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, explains the resales process along with the option to staircase in the future

WHAT IS RESALE SHARED OWNERSHIP?

The seller has an existing lease and already lives at the property and is moving on. Resale shared ownership being a pre-loved property with the seller already in occupation.

 The property could be fairly modern with a very new lease or it could be an older property

 There is a variety of different properties to choose from

 You could choose a property with traditional features or a very modern property.

HOW DOES SHARED OWNERSHIP RESALE WORK?

You can purchase a share of the property, usually between 10% and 75%, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

 You must have a combined annual household income of under £80,000, or £90,000 in London

 You must not own or partown another property on completion

 You cannot afford all of the deposit and mortgage payments for a home that meets your needs on the open market.

WHAT ARE THE KEY POINTS OF RESALE SHARED OWNERSHIP?

 You pay rent to the housing association on the percentage you do not own

 You will have to pay a service charge for any

shared services or estate maintenance

 You will not be able to rent out or sublet until you own 100% of the home

 Your lease will outline your repair and maintenance responsibilities

 The lease will provide for annual upwards-only rent increases.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF RESALE?

There are several advantages including the fact that resale properties are often more affordable than new build and you will be moving to an established neighbourhood.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER ADVANTAGES?

 Low deposit – could be 5% rather than the traditional 10% of the purchase price

 Your landlord will be under an obligation to act

responsibly and ensure they only allow you to purchase the property if you can afford to keep up with the repayments on your mortgage and the rent you pay them and other associated outgoings. This is due to the scheme being Government-backed with the associated reassurances that there are certain rules that your landlord must abide by

 Ideal first step on the property ladder.

You can then decide whether resale shared ownership is right for you. If so, you should consider instructing a firm such as Prince Evans LLP which specialises in shared ownership resales and staircasing.

WHAT IS STAIRCASING?

Once you have owned your property for a certain period of time (as specified in your lease) you can consider purchasing additional shares or staircasing.

Staircasing is the process of buying additional shares in the property you own with a corresponding reduction in specified rent. You are basically purchasing more equity. There a number of advantages to staircasing as follows:

 Most leases allow you to purchase 100% of your home

 You may benefit from more mortgage choices as you are not limited to shared ownership products

 It may be easier to sell the larger the percentage owned

 You have increased security with more equity

 You pay less rent

 The greater the percentage owned, the more you benefit from property price uplift.

It’s important to instruct an expert in shared ownership resale and staircasing to advise you appropriately. The resales and staircasing team at Prince Evans would be happy to provide a quote, please call 020 8799 1860 or email rst@prince-evans.co.uk

Directory

CHECK WHICH SCHEME IS RIGHT FOR YOU!

With a range of Government schemes available to make buying a home more affordable, find out which scheme is right for you.

SHARED OWNERSHIP

If you can’t quite afford to buy 100% of a home, you could buy a share of a home instead and pay rent on the rest.

SHARED OWNERSHIP RESALES

FIRST HOMES

A new scheme supporting local rst time buyers, including key workers, on to the property ladder by offering new build homes with at least a 30% discount compared to market prices.

RIGHT TO BUY

If you’re a council tenant in England, the Right to Buy scheme could help you buy the home you rent with a discount of up to £87,200 (£116,200 in London).

If you can’t afford to buy a whole home, you could buy the same share of a home bought by its current owner when they used a shared ownership scheme.

HOME OWNERSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH LONG-TERM DISABILITIES (HOLD)

If you have a long-term disability, the HOLD scheme in England could help you buy any home for sale on a shared ownership basis.

OLDER

PEOPLE’S

SHARED OWNERSHIP (OPSO)

If you’re aged 55 or over, the OPSO scheme could help you own up to 75% of any home that’s for sale on a shared ownership basis.

FIND OUT MORE

For a more detailed description of each scheme please visit ownyourhome.gov.uk

RENT TO BUY/LONDON LIVING RENT

Rent to Buy gives tenants in England the chance to rent a home at Intermediate Rent, providing them with the opportunity to save for a deposit over time to purchase the home.

The scheme is available in England, apart from London. Properties in London are covered by a separate scheme called London Living Rent.

THE MORTGAGE GUARANTEE SCHEME

A UK-wide Government scheme to help to increase the supply of 5% deposit mortgages for credit-worthy households by supporting lenders to offer these products through a Government-backed guarantee

on new 95% mortgages.

PRESERVED RIGHT TO BUY

If you’re a housing association tenant in England you could be eligible to buy the home you rent with a discount of up to £87,200 (£116,200 in London).

STAMP DUTY LAND TAX RELIEF

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax on property purchases. First time buyers pay a reduced rate of zero SDLT on the rst £425,000 and 5% on the amount between £425,001 and £625,000. No discount applies on homes over £625,000. The level of relief will be reduced from 1 April 2025.

HOMEBUYING PROVIDERS

LONDON

Estuary Housing Association estuary.co.uk 0300 304 5000

Fabrica fabrica.co.uk 020 3797 2194 020 8825 1000

Gateway Housing Association gatewayhousing.org.uk 020 8709 4300

Guinness Partnership guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890

Hexagon hexagon.org.uk 020 8778 6699

Home Group homegroup.org.uk 0345 141 4663

Hyde New Homes hydenewhomes.co.uk 0345 606 1221

Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association isha.co.uk 0300 131 7300

Latimer myclarionhousing.com

Legal & General Affordable Homes landgah.com

L&Q lqhomes.com 0300 456 9997

SO Resi soresi.co.uk 020 8607 0550

Newlon Living newlonliving.co.uk 0800 058 2544

Notting Hill Genesis nhgsales.com 020 3797 1744

Nu Living nuliving.co.uk 020 3151 3394

Octavia Housing octaviahousing.org.uk 020 8354 5500

Origin Housing originhousing.org.uk 0300 323 0325

Paradigm Housing paradigmhousing.co.uk 0300 303 1010

Peabody peabodysales.co.uk 020 36037622

Places for People placesforpeople.co.uk 01772 667 049

Sanctuary London sanctuary-homes.co.uk 0800 916 1444

Site Sales site-sales.co.uk 020 8502 5758

Shepherd’s Bush Housing sbhg.co.uk 020 8996 4200

Southern Housing New Homes shnewhomes.co.uk 0300 555 2171

Swan Housing Association swan.org.uk 0300 303 2500

Wandle Housing Association wandle.com 0300 200 0120

SOUTH EAST

Accent Group accentgroup.org 0345 678 0555

Aster Group buyanasterhome.co.uk 01380 735 480

CHP

chp.org.uk 0300 555 0500

CHS Group chsgroup.org.uk 0300 111 3555

Latimer myclarionhousing.com

020 7378 5638

Crown Simmons crownsimmons.org.uk 0300 303 1064

Estuary Housing Association estuary.co.uk 0300 304 5000

Fabrica fabrica.co.uk 020 8825 1000

Flagship Homes flagship-homes.co.uk 0808 169 9297

Guinness Partnership (South) guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890

Hastoe Housing Association hastoe.com 0300 123 2250

Home Group homegroup.org.uk 0345 141 4663

Housing Solutions Group housingsolutions.co.uk 01628 543101

Hyde New Homes hydenewhomes.co.uk 0345 606 1221

Legal & General Affordable Homes landgah.com

L&Q lqhomes.com 0300 456 9997

SO Resi soresi.co.uk 020 8607 0550

Moat moat.co.uk 0300 323 0011

Notting Hill Genesis nhgsales.com

0333 000 4000

Nu Living nuliving.co.uk 020 3151 3394

One Housing Group onehousing.co.uk 0300 123 9966

Origin Housing originhousing.org.uk 0300 323 0325

Orwell Housing Association orwell-housing.co.uk 0345 601 0030

PA Housing pahousing.co.uk 0300 123 2221

Paradigm Housing paradigmhousing.co.uk 0300 303 1010

Peabody peabodysales.co.uk 020 7021 4842

Places for People placesforpeople.co.uk 01772 667 049

Rosebery Housing Association rosebery.org.uk 01372 814 000

Sanctuary South East sanctuary-housing.co.uk 0800 131 3348

Soha Housing Soha.co.uk 01235 515 900

Southern Housing New Homes shnewhomes.co.uk 0300 555 2171

Sovereign Network Group sovereignliving.org.uk 0300 500 0926

Stonewater stonewater.org 01202 319 119

Swan Housing Association swan.org.uk 0300 303 2500

SO Resi soresi.co.uk 020 8607 0550

Town and Country Housing tch.org.uk 01892 501 480

Worthing Homes worthing-homes.org.uk 01903 703100

SOUTH WEST

Aster Group buyanasterhome.co.uk 01380 735 480

Cornerstone Housing cornerstonehousing.net 01392 273 462

CURO

curo-group.co.uk 01225 366 000

Elim Housing elimhousing.co.uk 01454 411 172

Green Square greensquaregroup.com 03001117000

Guinness Partnership (Hermitage) guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890

Hastoe Housing Association hastoe.com 0300 123 2250

Legal & General Affordable Homes landgah.com

Places for People placesforpeople.co.uk 01772 667 049

Rooftop Housing Group rooftopgroup.org 01386420800

Sanctuary Southwest sanctuary-housing.co.uk 0800 131 3348

Sovereign Network Group sovereign.org.uk 0300 500 0926

Stonewater stonewater.org 01202 319 119

Westward Housing westwardhousing.org.uk 0300 100 1010

MIDLANDS

Accent Group accentgroup.org 0345 678 0555

Green Square Accord greensquareaccord. org.uk 0300 111 7000

Acis Group acisgroup.co.uk 0800 027 2057

Bromford Group bromford.co.uk 0330 123 4034

Clarion Housing myclarionhousing.com/ sharedownership 0300 500 8000

EMH emhhomes.org.uk 0300 123 6000

Long Hurst Group longhurst-group.org.uk 0300 123 1745

Home Group homegroup.org.uk 0345 141 4663

Guinness Partnership (Northern Counties) guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890

Legal & General Affordable Homes landgah.com

Midland Heart midlandheart.org.uk 0345 602 0540

Muir Group muir.org.uk 0300 123 1222

Nottingham Community Housing Association ncha.org.uk 0800 013 8555

Orbit orbitcustomerhub.org.uk 0800 678 1221

Places for People placesforpeople.co.uk 01772 667 002

Riverside Housing Association riverside.org.uk 0345 155 9029

Rooftop Group rooftopgroup.org 01386420800

Sanctuary Midlands sanctuary-housing.co.uk 0800 131 3348

Homes Plus homesplus.co.uk 08000488955

NORTH WEST

Accent Group accentgroup.org 0345 678 0555

North Jigsaw Homes north.jigsawhomes.org.uk 0300 111 1133

Arcon Housing Association arcon.org.uk 0161 214 4120

CDS Co-operatives cds.coop 0204 551 0080

Eden Housing Association edenha.org.uk 01768 861 400

Equity Housing equityhousing.co.uk 0300 123 4460

Guinness Partnership (Northern Counties) guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890

Home Group homegroup.org.uk 0345 141 4663

Riverside Housing Riverside.org.uk 0344 873 6290

Irwell Valley Housing Association irwellvalley.co.uk 0300 561 1111

Knowsley Housing Trust k-h-t.org 0151 290 7000

Legal & General Affordable Homes landgah.com

Livv Housing Group livvhousinggroup.com 0151 290 7000

Onward onward.co.uk 0300 555 0600

Muir Group muir.org.uk 0300 123 1222

Places for People placesforpeople.co.uk 01772 667 002

Progress Housing Group progressgroup.org.uk 0333 320 4555

Regenda Homes regenda.org.uk 0344 736 0066

Riverside Housing Association riverside.org.uk 0345 155 9029

Sanctuary North sanctuary-housing.co.uk 0800 131 3348

Your Housing Group yhghomes.co.uk 0845 163 4689

YORKS/HUMBER

Accent Group accentgroup.org 0345 678 0555

Acis Group acisgroup.co.uk 0800 027 2057

Broadacres broadacres.org.uk 01609 767 900

Crucible Homes cruciblehomes.co.uk 0114 241 3433

Guinness Partnership (Northern Counties) guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890

Home Group homegroup.org.uk 0345 141 1663

Leeds Federated Housing Association lfha.co.uk 0113 386 1000

Longhurst Group longhurst-group.org.uk 0300 123 1745

Manningham Housing Association manninghamhousing. co.uk 01274 771 144

Muir Group muir.org.uk 0300 123 1222

Places for People placesforpeople.co.uk 01772 667 002

Together Housing togetherhousing.co.uk 0845 077 0027

Sanctuary North sanctuary-housing.co.uk 0800 131 3348

Stonewater stonewater.org 01202 319 119

Wakefield and District Housing wdh.co.uk 0345 850 7507

Your Housing Group yhghomes.co.uk 0845 163 5008 NORTH

EAST

Accent Group accentgroup.org 0345 678 0555

Bernicia bernicia.com 0344 800 3800

Castles and Coasts castlesandcoasts.co.uk 0800 085 1171

Guinness Partnership (Northern Counties) guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890

Home Group homegroup.org.uk 0345 141 1663

Karbon Homes karbonhomes.co.uk 0808 164 0111

Places for People placesforpeople.co.uk 01772 667 002

Sanctuary North sanctuary-housing.co.uk 0800 131 3348

Thirteen thirteengroup.co.uk 0300 111 1000

20 QUESTIONS Markus Kendall-Young

What room at home is your favourite?

My favourite room would have to my kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of every home, and it’s certainly a social space in my home. Since I last moved house, I’ve been lucky enough to have enough room in my new kitchen to entertain guests while we cook and even get a small sofa in there. It’s certainly the hub of the home for me! What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

More recently this has become my Amazon Alexa. I was never one for smart gadgets in the home, however, I now have Alexa controlling lots of home automation like putting my lights on for me when it’s getting dark and making sure everything is turned off when it’s time to go to bed.

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home?

Something calming and tranquil, so for me it’s green. A lovely earthy, calming colour that I think everyone should have in their home. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

My lifetime idol has to be Madonna. I love the fact that she constantly evolved herself throughout her career and I would love to hear all about her life story. I’d also love to invite Richard Branson. As I used to work for Virgin Atlantic in my early career, Richard was someone I was always starstruck by and I think he’d have some really interesting tales to tell. Lastly, I’d love to invite someone like Lord Sugar, who hopefully would give me the benefit of his business experience over a glass of wine!

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? It was absolutely the warmth and security of a family Christmas at home, when it was cold outside and everyone was laughing and enjoying the festivities. Having friends and family visit and that entertaining space was amazing.

What is your favourite song and why?

Being a child of the 90s… for me it was Black Box and Ride on Time I remember having it on repeat in my room until my father told me to switch it off. This song always brought memories of hearing it played at the local fair on the rides. I loved it. Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

Definitely a garden for me, although I’m rubbish at gardening! Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? It has to be modern. I love the no-maintenance aspect and the ability to move in and get on with life without doing renovations.

Markus Kendall-Young is the Director of Vibe Living, a company providing sales and marketing consultancy support to housing associations, local authorities and private developers across the UK. Markus has spent nearly 20 years working with some of the UK’s best known housing developers, retirement living providers and also G15 housing associations such as Catalyst Housing and Sanctuary Group. Markus combines his experience of private homeownership with his work supporting the affordable housing sector and is passionate about the homebuying experience being accessible for all

Would you rather have a library room or media room at home?

Media room for me. I wish I was a big reader but it’s never grabbed me. I would rather listen to something good, or watch a nice movie. Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

Absolutely the shower… I’m all about the convenience.

Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

I’ve tried both, but I’ve settled for the country now and I love waking up to lovely views every day. I can still easily get into a city.

If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

I think it would be Spain, probably the Canary Islands. I love the yearround climate there. It’s definitely somewhere I’d love to retire to.

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location?

That’s a hard one, I think if you do your research, you can get both, but ultimately I think you should buy the best property you can in the best location you can.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home?

I think these days its good broadband, sadly! Since the pandemic, I think we’ve all learnt to work from home more and good broadband is now essential.

What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work?

For me, it’s nothing more than a lovely chat with a friend, a G&T and possibly a quick soak in the hot tub!

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

My view, I’m super lucky to have a little pond across from the house with swans who reside in there. It’s just magical!

Where did you buy your first home?

My first home was a little two bedroom flat in Birmingham. It was perfect for commuter links and the train, and served its purpose well until I outgrew it.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Consider your location carefully, and how you can get to the places you need to be. Look at the specification and make sure it includes everything you want. Don’t rule out any buying schemes until you have done all of your research.

What are your views on shared ownership?

This is a fantastic way for potential homeowners to be able to get on the market now. Why wait and spend money on rent when you can be investing this in a home of your own now? It just makes perfect sense.

What are your views on the housing market at the moment?

I think the housing market is definitely showing green shoots and signs of improving. Like any investment, it will always go up and down, but the long game is what it’s all about. I think there are some great opportunities around to buy right now. It’s worth starting your journey sooner rather than later.

vibeliving.co.uk