the Ultimate Guide to ... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
October/ November 2025 £4.99
rsttimebuyermag.com
WIN! AN IMPERIAL BLUE DENBY COOKWARE SET WORTH £250
THE CONVEYANCING PROCESS
MORTGAGE STRESS TEST
HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
HOTSPOTS • CRANLEIGH • CHORLEY
“Look at the areas you can afford and list all the factors that are important to you”
Timothy Paul Financial in uencer
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
It was a wonderful day celebrating the First Time Buyers Readers’ Awards recently and to have the opportunity to meet up with so many housing industry colleagues. This year we were overwhelmed with the support we have had, with so many entries and fierce voting. A very big thank you to everyone for taking the time to vote – it really means so much and if you turn to pages 76-85 you can see all the winners and highly commended. We do encourage first time buyers to take out a
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
Lifetime ISA but there is some small print that often gets overlooked. Do go to pages 102-103 where Kay Hill explains what to look out for – it could make all the difference when you decide to buy. The annual Shared Ownership Week campaign returns from 24 to 30 September, aiming to help homebuyers understand how using the scheme can help buy an affordable home. I do hope that you enjoy our special Shared Ownership supplement where you can find lots of information and many lovely developments available through this extremely popular Government scheme, plus an explanation on how the scheme works. I do hope you enjoy this issue, which is packed with information and help on buying your first time – enjoy!
Sub Editor KAY HILL
Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY
Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, MEGAN DOHERTY, KAY HILL, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN-OSGOOD, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, JOEL TAYLOR, STEPHEN WARD, BEVIN WOBY, 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
Until next time, happy house hunting
@firsttimebuyermag
firsttimebuyeronline
SUBSCRIPTIONS 020 3488 7754
SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754
EDITOR’S PICKS…
All advertising copy for December 2025/January 2026 must be received before 5 November 2025. 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 2008-2025. 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.
Get your nances sorted early so you know exactly what you can afford. Sarah Haran, At home with, page 14 instincts! Take your time to nd a home that truly resonates with you. Victoria Michell, 20 Questions, page 122 Do your research and trust your
Selling a Shared Ownership property is a well-established process and can be relatively straightforward.
The best part of buying through Shared Ownership is the opportunity to get on the property ladder and build equity. Matthew Iskandar, Real Life, page 86
The Government has made some bold and positive steps to x the planning system and these have been welcomed. Neil Jefferson, Market, page 104-105
Adrian Plant, Agony Agent, pages106-107
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 3
CONTENTS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025 / ISSUE 115 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK
What’s in…
87 The best FTB properties
86 Matthew Iskandar, a 33-year-old Account Executive and his fiancée Stacy, have stepped on the ladder and bought a two bedroom apartment with the help of Home Reach’s Shared Ownership scheme.
HOMEPAGE 8 FTB Loves...
her insight on making room for creativity and productivity. 14 At home with: Sarah Haran Sarah Haran Accessories launched in 2018 with a unique concept that allows her bags to be restyled in seconds. Sarah’s designs offer endless looks from just one bag. She talks to Lynda Clark about her first home, her fascinating career, and gives some great advice for first time buyers. 16 House Hunter We go on the hunt with Zoe Davey and John Higgins who are looking for a new home for themselves and their young son in a rural north west setting, within commuting distance of Manchester. 18 Developer’s doctor Rachel Eardley, Sales Adviser at Plumlife’s flagship development, Worrall Street, answers your property question.
FEATURED
Halloween has become more and more popular over the years so our round-up of all things spooky should make for the perfect party! 10 Living With autumn on the doorstep think soft textures and earthy tones to make your home a cosy retreat. 12 The Design Studio: Home Offices Our resident interior design expert, Edward Thomas Interiors, focuses on working from home spaces. Megan Doherty, Senior Client Account Manager, shares
20 The View: Timothy Paul Timothy Paul is a financial influencer with 900,000 followers who also runs his own accountancy practice with his business partner. He has recently bought and renovated his first home. He talks to Lynda Clark about how it all began, how the renovations are going and has some excellent advice for first time buyers – including the importance of a Mortgage in Principle.
24 The Stress Tests Causing Less Stress First time buyers are often frustrated by the fact that they feel they can afford a mortgage, but lenders won’t give them one. One reason for this is the mortgage stress test. Debbie Clark explains what this is, how recent changes in guidance have impacted how lenders stress test borrowers and – most importantly – what this means for first time buyers.
10
4 First Time Buyer October/November 2025
CONTENTS
THE VIEW, PAGE 20
20 Timothy Paul
I SUGGEST EVERYONE GOES TO AN
INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE ADVISER WHO WILL SEARCH THE WHOLE MARKET TO FIND THE BEST DEAL FOR YOU
REGULARS
42 Hotspot Cranleigh We look at Cranleigh as a place to live. 68 Hotspot Chorley We take a look at Chorley as a place to consider starting your property search. 94 First home, first meal Specially created by influencer, @acupofteaandcake for Denby, this easy-to-make peanut chocolate no-bake pie is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a simple showstopper dessert. 96 Making the right choices Buying a property is a huge decision and purchase and needs careful consideration. Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers explains what you should consider. 98 The Conveyancing Process Bevin Woby, Director at Shared Direction Conveyancing, offers an overview of the conveyancing process and the typical timescales you can expect. 100 Key Considerations for First Time Buyers: Before, During and After the Purchase Process Metro Finance looks at the different considerations along the way to homeownership. 102 Finance Kay Hill looks at the small print when opening a Lifetime ISA,
which offers tax-free savings and a Government bonus when you buy your first home. 104 Market Ginetta Vedrickas reports how much progress the Government has made on building much-needed new homes one year after the General Election. 106 Agony Agent All your property questions answered by our panel of experts. 109 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property process. 114 Commonly asked questions during the conveyancing process Joel Taylor, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Owen Paulo, answers some of the common questions people ask about the conveyancing process. 116 Directory Check which scheme is right for you, plus some useful contacts. 122 20 Questions We ask 20 quick-fire questions to a property expert and in this issue, Victoria Michell, New Homes Partnership Director at LSL Land & New Homes, is in the spotlight.
76 First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards – the winners revealed
93 Competition
Win a stunning collection of Denby Imperial Blue cookware worth £250
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 5
LETTERS
Mailbox WRITE TO US!
Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions concerning property, or the articles in First Time Buyer magazine.
lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk
CAVEAT EMPTOR I’m buying my first home and keep hearing and reading the term “caveat emptor”. What does it actually mean, and how does it affect me as a first time buyer? Leon Vintegre
FTB says: “Caveat emptor” is a Latin phrase meaning “let the buyer beware”, and it’s an important principle to understand when buying a property. It means that the responsibility lies with you, the buyer, to investigate the condition and legal status of the property before committing to the purchase. Sellers are not required to disclose every detail about the property, so it’s up to you to ensure everything is in order. This is why it’s crucial to get a proper survey, use a good conveyancing solicitor, and ask thorough questions about the property’s history, structure and any planning issues. Once the sale is complete, you generally can’t hold the seller liable unless they deliberately misled you.
EPC RATING How important is energy efficiency when choosing a home? Should I be paying attention to things like EPC ratings? Arjun Mehra FTB says: Yes – energy efficiency is a key factor that first time buyers often overlook, but it can make a big difference to both your comfort and your long-term costs. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating gives you a clear idea of how efficiently a property uses energy, which directly affects your heating bills and carbon footprint. A home with a poor EPC rating might seem like a bargain upfront but could end up costing you significantly more in energy bills, or require expensive upgrades like new windows, insulation, or a modern boiler. On the flip side, a well- insulated, energy-efficient home can save you money every month and is often more comfortable to live in. With rising energy prices and growing environmental concerns, it’s wise to factor energy efficiency into your decision-making, not just as a “nice extra” but as a smart, practical priority.
The issue’s star letter prize wins a Kenton salt/pepper mill from Cole & Mason, worth £15. The Kenton Collection marks a bold new chapter for Cole & Mason, featuring a vibrant and modern design that appeals to a younger generation of home cooks and design lovers. This exciting collection combines affordability with the brand’s long- established reputation for quality, perfect for rst time buyers looking to inject colour and personality into their new homes.
Each mill in the Kenton Collection is a celebration of colour, with six striking shades, including Rosemary, Sichuan Pepper, Sea Salt, Sage, Blue Salt and Turmeric. The colours are thoughtfully chosen to complement one another, inspired by culinary herbs and spices, which connect the design to the brand’s seasoning heritage. Designed with exibility in mind, the Kenton mills come with interchangeable salt and pepper knobs and adjustable grind from ne to coarse allowing users to personalise their experience. This playful yet functional collection offers a fresh, colourful approach to seasoning, making it perfect for any kitchen or dining space. coleandmason.com
THINKING LONG TERM I keep finding places that look amazing on the surface when looking for a property, but I’m not sure if I’m focusing on the right things. What should I be careful not to overlook? Jamie Porton FTB says: As a first time buyer, it’s easy to get swept up by cosmetic features like stylish decor, modern kitchens or a freshly painted exterior, but it’s important not to let surface-level appeal cloud your judgement. One of the biggest pitfalls is ignoring the bigger picture: things like the property’s structural condition, location, potential for long-term growth, and whether it truly
VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the rst time, go to rsttimebuyermag.com both your current needs and long-term goals. The best first home isn’t just the one that looks great – it’s the one that works for you in the long run. layout. It’s wise to think beyond the present and make sure the home you’re buying supports suits your lifestyle or future plans. Ask yourself: will this home still work for me in five years? Is it near good transport, schools or amenities I’ll need? Don’t let a trendy colour scheme distract you from issues like damp, old electrics or a poor
AFFORDABILITY CHECK I’m excited to buy my first home, but I’m not sure how much I can afford. I’ve seen a few places I love, but the mortgage might be a stretch. What should I be thinking about when it comes to affordability? Rachel White
comfortably afford, not just what the bank is willing to lend. An affordability check helps work out what payments you can manage without putting yourself under pressure. It should include not only your mortgage,
but council tax, insurance, maintenance, utilities and
unexpected expenses. A dream home won’t feel so dreamy if it leaves you stressed about money.
FTB says: It’s crucial to be realistic about what you can
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 7
FTB LOVES
SP K YOUR SPACE Get into the spooky spirit with FTB’s fun Halloween picks, from ghostly glasses to pumpkin print pillows, these seasonal treats are perfect for adding a playful touch to your first home. Whether you’re hosting or haunting, these stylish bits and bobs will bring the fright night vibes without the scary prices
Pumpkin ramekin , £8, Primark, primark.com
Pumpkin serving plate , £9.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Halloween hand towels , £9.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Pumpkin and ghost ornament , £16.99, Homesense, homesense.com
Mug , £3.50, Primark, primark.com
Halloween fake plant , £9.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Skull glasses , £7.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Black cat cushion , £19.99, Homesense, homesense.com
8 First Time Buyer October/November 2025
FTB LOVES
Halloween throw , £14.99, Homesense, homesense.com
Halloween plate , £12.99, Homesense, homesense.com
Tea towel set , £7.99, Homesense, homesense.com
Pillow , £16.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Halloween decoration , £7.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Mini tongs , £4.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Pumpkin draught excluder , £25, Next, next.co.uk
Floral ghost oven glove , £15, Homesense, homesense.com
Hand towels , £9.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Skull planter , £9.99, Homesense, homesense.com
Candle , £10.99, TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com
Shelf sitter , £3, Primark, primark.com
Halloween bed sheet , £14, Primark, primark.com
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 9
Homepage LIVING
FALLING INTO CALM
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to slow down and create a space that makes you want to spend all your time inside. Think soft textures, earthy tones and lots of tea! The perfect recipe for a calm, cosy home you will never want to leave this autumn
Autumn cushion , £10, Matalan
Striped woven table lamp , £35, Dunelm
Faux mohair throw , £7.99; cosy cushion , £4.99, Home Bargains
Rosehip crewel cushion , £20, Habitat
Cotton bean bag chair , £100.99, Great Bean Bags
Halloween printed cushion , £9.99, Dobbies Garden Centres
Adeline coffee table , £120, Habitat
Cleo rectangle wood wiggle wall mirror , £40, Dunelm
Dining chair , £169, Dunelm
Jovie coffee table , £229, Dunelm
10 First Time Buyer October/November 2025
Homepage LIVING
Monty bobble chenille chair and footstool , £249, Dunelm
Reeva side table , £129, Dunelm
Cedar & sage abstract canvas , £110, Dunelm
Floral embroidery cushion , £28, Dunelm
Marble 12pc dinner set , £44, Habitat
Textured Sherpa armchair , £169, Dunelm
Fig stoneware plate , £4.50, Dunelm
Agnes side table , £50, Habitat
Fresh moss and eucalyptus candle , £15, Habitat
Arti cial autumn leaves in ceramic plant pot , £12, Dunelm
Woven basket , £20, Habitat
Mushroom storage footstool , £49, Dunelm
CONTACTS » B&M bmstores.co.uk » Dobbies Garden Centres dobbies.com » Dunelm dunelm.com » Habitat habitat.co.uk » Home Bargains home.bargains » Matalan matalan.co.uk
Striped mug , £2, B&M
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 11
INTERIORS
THE DESIGN STUDIO: HOME OFFICES
For the latest in our Design Studio series, Megan Doherty, senior client account manager at Edward Thomas Interiors, discusses working from home spaces. From stylish home offices to space-saving work stations, Meg shares her insight on making room for creativity and productivity...
WHERE SHOULD I LOCATE MY HOME OFFICE? A spare bedroom is the most popular choice, mostly because it offers a dedicated, private space that can be shut away at the end of the day, creating that all-important distinction between work and home life. Remember, your office has to suit your profession, so think about whether you need room to write, draw, research, experiment, reference, collaborate? All will place different demands on how you configure your space so make sure you prioritise what’s right for you. I’M USING A SPARE BEDROOM TO WORK FROM HOME, HOW CAN I MAXIMISE THE SPACE? Start by positioning your desk at a right angle to the window. This will ensure a good balance of natural light without too much glare on your screen. Then, try not to overcrowd the rest of the room. In bedrooms, there is typically unexploited space under the window, so perhaps add a thin console table here as an extra surface. Use the wall and floor space for shelving or stacked storage boxes – keeping surfaces clear will help make the room feel more spacious. You’ll also likely want an alternative seat, perhaps to make phone calls or read documents. My favourite option for this is a day bed, not only can it be a comfortable and cosy place to rest but it means visiting friends and family still have a place to stay. I LIVE IN A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT, WHAT ARE MY WORK OPTIONS? So for open-plan homes, I recommend creating a work station.You don’t want this to dominate the room, so seek out a well- lit spot, perhaps a corner, alcove or nook, somewhere that might have only been a transitional or “dead” space.
Your styling for this station can be distinctive as you want to establish it as its own “zone”. This can be with a physical differentiator, like a small screen or partition, or more subtly with a wall treatment such as a painted colour block, feature wallpaper strip, or even a living wall! Furniture options for open-plan work stations have become really imaginative too, so consider ladder or foldaway desks, floating or full-height shelving, and freestanding floor lamps that can be easily repositioned. WHAT COLOURS WORK BEST IN A HOME OFFICE? There’s much psychology behind the use of colour in workspaces, especially how it can affect mood and productivity. Bright, vibrant colours are energising, cool palettes are more calming, while muted or softer tones can help focus and concentration. Add colour to suit your personal taste but try not to make your workspace too distracting or uninspiring! Remember colour can be introduced
as boldly or subtly as you like, so could be a fabric for window dressings or soft furnishings, a new piece of artwork, or creative wall painting. Block panels in geometric shapes or stripes, wallpapering to half or full height, or hand stencilling, all make eye-catching features. WHAT OFFICE FURNITURE AND DECOR SHOULD I INVEST IN? There are a couple of pieces to really spend your money on. The first is good seating. An office chair can still be stylish but if you’re spending seven hours each day sitting on it, then it must be comfortable and ergonomic.
12 First Time Buyer October/November 2025
INTERIORS
The other is lighting, so make sure your office or workstation is properly lit. This can be a combination of desk lamps, floor lamps, recessed lighting and, obviously, natural light! However, a real game changer this year has been portable, rechargeable lights. In rooms or spaces with limited sockets, these are a fantastic alternative and can support virtually any task. FINALLY, WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND LOOKING FOR HOME OFFICE BARGAINS? Offices have become integral in home styling so don’t limit your search to purely office suppliers. High street retailers like Next, TK Maxx, Dunelm, H&M, Zara Home, B&M, John Lewis and IKEA all have ranges to suit varied budgets.
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 13
Homepage LIVING
Sarah Haran Accessories launched in 2018. After a successful career in tech, Sarah took a leap of faith in March 2017 to focus on bringing joy to her customers through her luxury handbag and accessory designs. With a unique concept that allows her bags to be restyled in seconds, Sarah’s creations offer endless looks from just one bag. Lynda Clark sat down with Sarah to talk about her first home, her fascinating career, and her advice for first time buyers At home with: Sarah Haran
slow, so we eventually told the builders they had five weeks to finish or we would be joining them for Christmas! They certainly picked up the pace after that. FTB: Tell us about your career? SH: I started in IT, even though I’m not very technical. My strength lies in processes, procedures and managing people through projects. I joined a start-up as the first employee, working with two founders who’d previously had success in business. We were at the very beginning of the internet era and became one of the first companies in the UK to offer broadband. I worked there for 17 years, managing operations and customer service – the business was listed on the AIM stock exchange with over 400 staff when I left. One thing that I’ve always loved is making things. I used to make clothes for myself and always dabbled in crafting projects but had gotten so caught up in work. Then one day, while at a show in San Diego, someone asked me what I did outside of work – and I realised I didn’t have an answer. I was just working and looking after the kids, with no hobbies of my own. I decided it was time for a change. I didn’t want to make dresses or shoes, so I decided to try making handbags. I picked up some denim from a local shop, created a basic pattern, and discovered it was quite similar to dressmaking. What I loved was that you make all the parts separately – a strap one evening, a pocket the next – and bring it all together at the weekend. The construction process fitted around my full- time job perfectly. I then wanted to work with leather, so I spent about two years researching materials and components, and took various courses and workshops along the way.The company I was working for at the time was promoting websites for small businesses, so we built one for my handbags as a demo.That led to a few commissions, and it made me stop and think: does this business have legs? FTB: So what did you do next? SH: I’d just turned 50 and felt ready for a new chapter, so I launched the business properly. But then Covid hit. I was in
FTB: Tell us about your first home? SH: My first home was a two bedroom, ground floor maisonette in Haywards
Heath, Sussex, which I bought for around £5,000. I’d saved hard for it, and while that may seem like a bargain now, it was a big sum at the time. I only had enough left over to buy a bed and a chair – and not even a nice chair! It was dark brown velvet and probably would be considered retro now and worth three times what I paid. Over the following months,
with some kind donations and careful budgeting, I furnished it bit by bit. I lived there for around two years before moving to Scotland, at which point I rented it out and later sold it for £60,000. Looking back, I probably should have kept it, but at least I made a small profit.
FTB: Where do you live now?
SH: I live in Scotland in a beautiful old Victorian Arts and Crafts property, designed in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It has stunning stained glass windows and
five en suite bedrooms. We took on a major renovation project when we purchased the property – it hadn’t been touched in 45 years. The previous
owner, a gentleman in his late 70s, was very proud of his original boiler, which looked like something from the Titanic! It was still working but completely impractical. We didn’t move in for four months after we purchased due to the renovation works! They were
“MY GOAL IS TO CREATE VERSATILE BAGS THAT CAN TAKE YOU FROM THE OFFICE TO AN EVENING OUT”
14 First Time Buyer October/November 2025
Homepage LIVING
London for a meeting just before lockdown and noticed how empty the streets were on my way home. I started to panic – after all, who was going to buy handbags when no one was going out? At that point, I had one full-time employee and a few freelancers. I had to scale back, so I let some freelancers go. Then I came up with a new idea: if a customer spent £500 over three months, they’d receive a free handbag. It was a hit. I also thought about those who couldn’t afford a luxury bag, and invited my customers to nominate someone deserving. We ended up gifting handbags to some truly incredible people – including NHS workers who were doing heroic work during the pandemic. That’s how the idea of handbags bringing joy started. FTB: How have you changed the way your business operates? SH: I started working with a small maker in Manchester, but as we grew, the volume of orders became too much. I tried Spain, but it was slow progress with them, so I turned to Turkey, which has an excellent reputation for handbag craftsmanship. I now source my leather from Italy and ship it to Turkey for production. I design all the bags myself – they’re quite complex, and everything needs to work together. My goal is to create versatile bags that can take you from the office to an evening out. Our signature feature is the use of poppers to attach accessories, which allows customers to update their look
“I ONLY HAD ENOUGH LEFT OVER TO BUY A BED AND A CHAIR – AND NOT EVEN A NICE CHAIR!”
without buying a whole new bag.We even have a style quiz online that helps people discover their personal style – whether it’s classic and chic or quirky and bold – and we recommend bags and accessories that match.
FTB: What’s next for the brand? SH: I want to keep growing my brand so that our bags are the go-to for stylish women looking for a bag they can style endlessly without having to actually change their bag! I’ve learned that you have to think big and be willing to take risks. Right now, we don’t plan on opening retail stores – it’s hard to rely on them to showcase how the bags work in person – so we’re staying focused on e-commerce, I have lots of ideas for creating a live shopping network, which is starting to emerge as a strong channel. Oh and finding a way to get a bag to Catherine Princess of Wales and Charlotte – that would open a few bag doors! FTB: Finally, do you have any advice for first time buyers? SH: Get your finances sorted early so you know exactly what you can afford. Try to look past the current state of a property and imagine how it could look once you’ve made it your own. It doesn’t have to be perfect. After all, when I bought my first home all I had was a bed and a chair – but it grew into a proper home over time.
FTB: Do you have any celebrity customers yet?
SH: We have been lucky enough to attract quite a few! I met a lovely girl at an event and she asked me to send a bag to Anthea Turner to thank her. Anthea loved the bag we sent and she kindly shared a story about it on social media. She has since become our brand ambassador – she’s so enthusiastic and genuinely loves our bags. Social media is hugely important to us; we have over 10,000 five-star reviews, and fans like Kate Garraway and Vanessa Feltz. I also host a podcast called Three Bags on a Boat from my houseboat in Canary Wharf with Anthea. We chat with guests about their life moments when carrying their handbags and what’s in their handbag – it’s always fascinating. Anthea and I have welcomed guests like Alex Murphy, Jean Johansson, Olga (aka The Big Fat Greek Mama), and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton – our first male guest – this season!
sarahharan.com / @sarahharanuk
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 15
Homepage FIRST RUNG
The HOUSE HUNTER
What we found…
THE MERSEY CONNECTION THE PERIOD STYLING
Ledsham Garden Village Ledsham, Cheshire
Woodlands at Round Hill Gardens Congleton, Cheshire
This month FTB goes on the hunt with Zoe Davey and John Higgins who are looking for a new home for themselves and their young son in a rural North West setting, within commuting distance of Manchester
The historic town of Congleton is just minutes from this new collection of two to four bedroom homes created in period styling to complement their surroundings. The development is proving popular with families, with houses selling quickly. It’s surrounded by stunning Cheshire countryside, while Manchester and the stunning Peaks are easily accessible by car. The houses feature open-plan living spaces leading to private gardens, utility rooms, well-sized bedrooms and off-road parking. Future plans for the area include a new primary school and shopping facilities.
Located on the edges of Ellesmere Port, this landmark development is superbly located, with the rolling countryside and the River Mersey just minutes away, along with speedy commuter links to Chester and Liverpool. The properties range from three to ve bedroom houses, with energy-ef cient Eco-Electric features. Surrounded by 150 acres of green space and with amenities to include retail units, a community hall and a primary school, this new community is designed to ourish. From nearby Capenhurst station, trains to Manchester take around 90 minutes.
PROFILE
Name Zoe Davey (43) and John Higgins (45) Occupation Medical writer, education co-ordinator Maximum budget £310,000 Requirements A family house in the North West with at least two bedrooms in a rural or semi-rural setting and close to commuting links to Manchester and other big towns or cities
What they wanted…
After many years of living in busy cities, most recently Manchester, we want to settle down in more peaceful surroundings and with a quieter pace of life. We have a two-year-old son and would like to move and settle in an area before he starts school. John also has a great new job that means he’s largely remote and only needs to travel to Manchester once a month. I’m self-employed and have always worked from home, so we’re not hugely restricted by location. We’re both really social and are used to making a fresh start in a new area. We’d like to stay within commuting distance of Manchester as we have friends and family there, but other than that we’re really interested in learning about new areas and ideas of places to live. We would like at least two bedrooms, some exible living space that will allow for working from home, and a garden, too. We’d like to be close to schools, a town or village and have good links to busier areas for when we fancy a faster pace of life.”
redrow.co.uk
redrow.co.uk
What they thought…
This really is quite a rural location, which we’re up for experiencing! The homes are lovely – even in the two bedroom houses there are separate kitchen and dining rooms, meaning it would always feel spacious – and we love that there’s a good-sized back garden. There are quite a lot of amenities in Congleton, while Stoke and Maccles eld are an easy drive. But we’d essentially be in the countryside, which is something we’ve wanted for so long. Manchester is under an hour by car, which is perfect for John’s work.”
This development is really impressive, we love the three-storey houses with the balconies and integral garages. There’s plenty of room for the family to have space as our son grows and we work from home. We have always really liked this part of the country – there’s an amazing mix of landscapes, with both the Mersey and the River Dee providing lots of interesting areas to explore and no end of fresh, country walks. Chester and Liverpool are both amazing cities, so we really would never be short of ideas for outdoor pursuits.”
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Homepage FIRST RUNG
First choice!
THE BEST OF BOTH
THE WELSH WONDER
Stonecross Vale Winsford, Cheshire
Llys Y Coed Wrexham, North Wales
This new collection of two to four bedroom family homes is positioned in peaceful Rhosrobin village, just a few miles from bustling Wrexham city centre. And with the magni cent Welsh mountains and picturesque lower Dee Valley in sight, it’s an ideal home for nature lovers. The urban area around Llys Y Coed boasts a range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants as well as several well-regarded schools. The houses feature bright, spacious living areas, a downstairs WC, hallway storage, and an en suite from the main bedroom.
These contemporary two, three and four bedroom homes sit in the thriving town of Winsford in the heart of Cheshire. Residents here have access to the wonderful cities of Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent. Winsford itself is well-equipped, while the picturesque countryside trails of Whitegate Way and majestic landscape of Delamere Forest lie close by. At home, the properties feature a large living/dining area and lounge, plus well-proportioned bedrooms and contemporary bathrooms – there’s plenty of space for modern families to live and grow.
THE NEXT STEP
castlegreenhomes.uk
snugghomes.co.uk
We have travelled through Market Drayton a few times before and always thought it was a pretty place. This is a really exciting offering for us – not only because of the lovely location, but the Shared Ownership option means we could buy a four bedroom home here! We think this would be ideal in terms of our set up: with our working from home and our son still at home a few days a week, it means we can have plenty of space, as well as room for family to visit. This is an amazing area for families, with some great schooling options and lots of interesting cultural events throughout the year. Travel to Manchester is around 1.5 hours by car, and that’s absolutely ne for John. We’d be really delighted to put down roots here – and love that we’re still able to get to Stoke-on-Trent and Chester for a x of city life!” “We have fallen in love with the idea of living in Market Drayton and hope we can make it a reality. We have begun to complete the steps and checks with The SO Hub at LSL Land & New Homes and aim to take a few weekend visits there to have viewings and really explore the area.”
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £220,000
The houses at Llys Y Coed are just lovely – we really appreciate the light and bright living areas and it would be great to have so much space for us all. This kind of home is such a far cry from our current at, which seems to be feeling smaller by the day. This area, on the Welsh border, is super appealing to us. Wrexham has a great deal to offer families and we love that we’d be able to strike a great balance between access to city life and having all that Welsh and Cheshire countryside conveniently at our disposal.”
This is another really interesting location. John and I absolutely love walking and trail running, and our son also adores being in the woods, so this would be a good choice of areas for us in that sense. There are some really good schools within easy walking distance, which is obviously super important to us. Of course, the homes themselves seem great – and the energy ef ciency features are a really positive selling point as we’re very much into conserving energy where we can – as well as reducing our bills!“
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 17
ADVICE
Rachel Eardley is the sales adviser at Plumlife’s flagship development,Worrall Street.Throughout her career, she has helped more than 120 customers buy their first home across the North West. Rachel is passionate about Worrall Street as it attracts a wide demographic, so she is able to support customers at all different stages of their homeownership journey. Manchester is experiencing huge regeneration and attracting young professionals from all over the country – Rachel loves showing them that the North is the place to be! The city’s growing popularity is pushing house and rental prices up, but Rachel is happy to explain how Shared Ownership offers a solution Q I’m looking to get on to the property ladder, but I don’t know whether Shared Ownership or Rent to Buy is the better option for me? A Whether you’re a first time buyer or purchasing a new place, buying a home is one of the pivotal moments of life. Given its significance, it’s important that
Rachel Eardley, Sales Adviser, Plumlife
week, you won’t even need to make it next year.The whole point is easing you into the process one step at a time. With Rent to Buy, you can rent your home at an affordable discounted rate (usually up to 20% lower than average local market rents) for up to five years while you save to buy all of your home or a share of it in the future. That 20% goes straight back into your savings, meaning you’re building up your deposit from day one.
down to your own circumstances and personal preferences. Both options provide great routes to homeownership, providing greater accessibility to those who find that they are unable to buy outright. With Shared Ownership you can gradually increase the share you own over time via staircasing, while with Rent to Buy you will have more flexibility and an opportunity to transition from renting to owning. It’s important that you choose an option that’s affordable for you, both now and in the years ahead.
you make the right decision for yourself.There are a number of routes to homeownership, which we know can be confusing! So, we’re going to break it down for you. Of course, you can buy on the open market – but this can be very expensive and out of reach for a lot of people. This is where the Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy schemes step in, offering more affordable ways to get on to the property ladder. So, what’s the difference? Shared Ownership Shared Ownership offers a straightforward, flexible route to homeownership. Instead of purchasing a property outright, you can purchase a share that you can afford – typically between 25% and 75%. In some cases, you can buy from as little as 10% of a home, if that’s the share level that’s affordable to you. You would then pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share alongside your mortgage costs.This approach requires a much smaller deposit, making it ideal for first time buyers or those with limited savings. In the future, you can usually buy more shares of the property, or even purchase it outright through a process called “staircasing”. Shared Ownership provides an affordable and sustainable path to making your dream home a reality. Rent to Buy The Rent to Buy scheme is designed so you can “try before you buy”, supporting you while you find your way to own. But there’s no rush, and you don’t have to make the decision next
So which scheme should you choose? Ultimately, the scheme you choose comes
Worrall Street offers an exciting opportunity, with homes available to buy through Shared Ownership or rent through Rent to Buy. Situated on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, near Salford Quays, Worrall Street features 160 beautifully designed homes, including apartments and townhouses. One thing that sets Worrall Street apart is its interior design collaboration with
Lynsey Ford, former winner of BBC’s Interior Design Masters . Lynsey has created a bespoke design for the shared spaces and show homes, blending affordability with stunning aesthetics. Her work aims to inspire buyers to see how stylish and functional a home can be, while being mindful of budget constraints.
The location is another standout feature. With Salford Quays’ vibrant culture, bars and restaurants just a short walk away, and Manchester city centre a quick tram ride from your doorstep, Worrall Street offers the perfect mix of connectivity and community. Prices for a one bedroom Shared Ownership apartment start from £48,750 for a 25% share and two bedroom townhouses are available from £80,000. Monthly rents start from £880 for a one bedroom apartment and £1,040 for a two bedroom apartment. To nd out more about Worrall Street and to book an appointment to explore the brand new show homes call 0161 447 5050 or visit plumlife.co.uk
*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £195,000
18 First Time Buyer June/July 2018
October/November 2025
THE VIEW
Timothy Paul is a financial influencer with 900,000 followers across social media. He also runs his own accountancy practice with his business partner and has recently bought and renovated his first home. He talks to Lynda Clark about how it all began, the ups and downs of his renovation project and has some excellent advice for first time buyers A PASSION FOR PROPERTY!
Photos: Mike Prior
T imothy was born and raised in descent and his mother is originally from Ireland. He said, “It was uncommon 20 years ago to see a mixed race marriage in my area and I was the only dark-skinned boy in my primary school so it had its challenges. Nonetheless, we had a great upbringing and my parents instilled in us that hard graft is important in life. Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, with his brother. His father is of Caribbean “They also drilled into us from an early age that education was vitally important. I wasn’t a particularly academic student at school but I always worked extremely hard and had a natural strength when it came to taking exams. I got seven As and three Bs at GCSE, then I completed my A-levels in law, business economics and geography. I initially had it in my mind that I wanted to become a lawyer but soon realised it really wasn’t for me. The trouble was that I really wasn’t passionate about anything in particular. I saw other students with passions for topics like music and English literature but I just didn’t find myself
getting an internship or work experience but I blame myself for not exploring that more when I had the chance at uni. It was also a very competitive time for graduate roles, especially in the finance industry. Eventually in January 2021 I managed to secure a graduate job with Deloitte and I remember the weight of relief I had the moment I got the news. It was the first time I truly felt I was starting to gain my independence." It was during these dark days of rejection that Timothy downloaded an App called TikTok.“When I downloaded it in 2020, it was really just for teenagers posting memes and dance trends. I told my girlfriend that I had an idea to make a finance video and she said it was a stupid idea, believe it or not! But I decided to do it anyway and posted a video on how to get on the housing ladder using a Lifetime ISA. I looked at it the next day and it had no views so I decided to take it down but I actually forgot. “Then when I looked the following day, it had 20,000 views and within a very short space of time it had grown to over 200,000 views. What started as an idea eventually became a possible career as I continued to post more content and build
passion, I might as well pick something I could eventually make money from. The degree came as a shock to me initially as I hadn’t studied maths at A-level and it was really necessary as part of the course. So I bought an A-level maths textbook and taught myself the entire curriculum from scratch as it was the only way I could continue. The whole experience of going to university was amazing, but I struggled in the first few months as I had never lived on my own and couldn’t cook or clean. The summer before I went my mum tried to teach me to cook, which was a disaster!” Timothy found the job search in his final year of university a real struggle and said, “It was the hardest year at university as you obviously are looking at jobs for after you leave while studying for exams. When Covid hit, I left uni in March 2020 and I really struggled to get any work. I was living back with my parents and most of my friends didn’t go on to further education so they were working while I was sitting on my own most of the time. "I probably applied for hundreds of jobs and most of the time I never heard back from them or had any feedback so I was in a terrible spiral of rejections. Nobody had ever given me any support or advice about
naturally drawn to any of them. “I eventually decided to study
economics at the University of Sussex as I thought to myself, if I can’t find my
20 First Time Buyer December 2021/January 2022
20 First Time Buyer October/November 2025
THE VIEW
First Time Buyer October/November 2025 21
THE VIEW
traction online. I very quickly became more passionate about my social media growth than about my full-time job.” He stayed at Deloitte for three years and 10 months and said, “I am glad I stayed in the job for as long as I did, I learnt a great deal. As a young graduate, I was thrown into a world of high pressure, important meetings and quickly learnt how to navigate difficult people and intense situations. It taught me how to follow orders and made me very resilient. “I had two really fun years of making friends and it was a very social environment. But after the first two years, I started to see the reality of climbing the career ladder and how toxic it can become. People change when they want a promotion and will do anything to get it – that was a real eye opener.” In his final year there, Timothy found it very challenging as he was working long hours and studying for his accountancy exams at the same time. “I knew this job wasn’t for the long term as I wanted to be creative – sharing my knowledge online was my passion and nothing else felt quite like it. I knew I had to make a decision about my future after I failed one of the exams at the end of my third year. Over the summer of 2024, I made the decision to leave the job and start my own accountancy practice with my business partner while focusing on building my social media platform. I took a huge risk but it paid off.” Even though he was juggling with his new business and social media, it gave him freedom and flexibility to work on his own terms. “I am passionate about educating first time buyers and I give advice on every aspect of the homebuying journey, from saving for a deposit, ISA schemes, right the way through to personal tax and tax codes. I have branched out to business owners as well now, which has opened up new avenues. I have around 900,000 followers combined, which is an incredibly lucky and privileged position to be in. Every week is different: sometimes I spend my hours recording videos and posting
"WE WERE ALWAYS AGAINST THE IDEA OF RENTING BECAUSE IT’S JUST MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN AND WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO STILL LIVE AT HOME WITH OUR PARENTS EVEN THOUGH SHE LIVED IN ZONE 3 AND I WAS IN HERTFORDSHIRE"
two bedroom to a three bedroom. I am absolutely useless when it comes to DIY so it was challenging finding builders, electricians and plumbers, but the result is just what we wanted. I also have my own office now too, as does my partner, which was a big priority for us. This does have its downside as we can’t really have anyone over to stay. But these are our selfish years and it is like a dream come true. In around five or six years’ time we would like to start a family so things could change.” So. What are his plans for the future? “I want to continue growing my company and building my personal brand as an educator and financial influencer. I want to carry on the journey I started five years ago as a content creator that people trust. Timothy has some excellent advice for first time buyers and said, “Understand what you can afford and work out what property you can sensibly buy. I suggest everyone goes to an independent mortgage adviser who will search the whole market to find the best deal for you. When we were buying we started off going to the bank but soon realised that a broker could find us a far better mortgage product. Also, look at the areas you can afford and list all the factors that are most important to you. It could be schools, transport, green space or good restaurants and shops, so ensure that when you find a home you like, it has what you are really looking for nearby. “We put down a £40,000 deposit, £20,000 from myself and £20,000 from my partner which made it much easier to save than doing it alone. Finally, get a Mortgage in Principle as soon as you can. It really helped us in our search as we were up against another buyer, but because we had one, we got the house. It shows sellers you are serious about buying and I suggest you get one sorted before you start looking.” I think there are some exciting and great times ahead for Timothy and he is certainly one to watch!
content, while other weeks I focus more on my business. I work with brands now too so I have to make sure they are getting what they need which means I never really switch off and it can be fairly stressful.” Timothy and his partner have just bought their first home together. “I met my partner at university as we lived in the same accommodation so we have known each other since we were 18. We always spoke about our 'long-term plan' or LTP as we call it. We decided to save for our own home together as soon as we left uni. We were always against the idea of renting because it’s just money down the drain and were lucky enough to be able to still live at home with our parents even though she lived in Zone 3 and I was in Hertfordshire, which was quite a distance from each other. We both saved from the ages of 21 to 25 and eventually managed to build up a deposit. I have always lived in Hertfordshire and she was happy for us to look in this area so we settled on a home here, which we both love. “It was a big renovation project so we managed to buy it at under market value. It had so much potential but needed a great deal of work. We had a few delays along the way with the various tradespeople, so it was a gradual process, but after a year we finally moved in. We completed on the 31 May 2024 and moved in exactly a year later to the day. We have done a kitchen extension and turned it from a
"OVER THE SUMMER OF 2024, I MADE THE DECISION TO LEAVE THE JOB AND START MY OWN ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICE WITH MY BUSINESS PARTNER WHILE FOCUSING ON BUILDING MY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM. I TOOK A HUGE RISK BUT IT PAID OFF"
Instagram: _timpaul TikTok: tempahtime
22 First Time Buyer October/November 2025
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