LONDON LIVING
minutes so it is well worth considering if you are willing to trade slightly longer journeys for far greater affordability. Elsewhere, Lewisham, Harrow, Greenwich and Ealing all performed strongly by offering a balance between connectivity and affordability, useful for buyers trying to stay within reach of central London. Jenny Anson, Head of Sales at Pocket Living, says, “Renters in London often don’t have the luxury of choosing their ideal location. Limited supply of homes to rent means they typically move to wherever they can find a decent property at a price they can afford. This means that when the time comes to buy their first home, many are starting with a blank slate and considering the whole of London. “As buyers continue to prioritise value for money, we expect well-connected outer London boroughs to become increasingly attractive, particularly for those looking to get on to the property ladder without sacrificing access to central London.” Of course, affordability and connectivity are just two of many factors that will influence your move – albeit major ones for most! It is important to be clear on your own priorities too, which can be very personal. Perhaps you have a young family and are keen to ensure you are in the catchment area of good schools, or have family elsewhere in the country so easy access to a certain motorway is key? Maybe you already have strong ties to a certain borough and are keen to maintain these? London’s "best borough" will ultimately be different for different readers, but arming yourself with objective information will enable you to make a decision with your head and your heart!
CASE STUDY
Alina , 48, and husband, Donatas , 41, are the proud new owners of a 30% share of a brand new two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, with a private balcony, at Eastman Village by Hyde New Homes in Harrow. Alina, a receptionist for a security company, and Donatas, a self- employed carpenter, never imagined they would finally step on to the property ladder after decades of renting. However, the instability of the rental market pushed the family, including 17-year-old Eliana, to explore homeownership. Before moving to Harrow, the family lived in nearby Greenford, Ealing, for many years. Their situation changed suddenly when their landlord decided to sell the property. The family had lived there for a long time. “There wasn’t much time and it was incredibly stressful,” Alina recalls. They then rented at Eastman Village for over a year before they were faced with a now familiar problem – the landlord had decided to sell. Alina tried to see a positive side to the situation. “I thought maybe this has happened for a reason,” she says. “If we have to move again, maybe this is our chance to finally buy.” A new phase of homes was launching at Eastman Village, so they decided to visit the marketing suite. Alina and Donatas were already familiar with the development so the decision ultimately came down to whether purchasing there was within their budget. Alina explains, “We sat down and did the figures and realised we could actually afford to buy here with Shared Ownership.” While many first time buyers purchase in their 20s or 30s, Alina believes Shared Ownership is opening the door for people who may not have had the chance earlier in life. She says, “I think Shared Ownership is an amazing scheme. It’s so hard for young people – actually it’s hard for everyone now. People think you need £40,000 saved, but that’s not always the case if you buy with Shared Ownership.” Alina clearly loves their new home. “I love everything about it,” she gushes. “The big windows, the sunny spaces and especially having our own en suite bathroom.” However, the biggest joy of the move is simply knowing their new home is theirs. “We have rented for such a long time and always dreamed of owning our own place. Now it has finally happened, it really feels like a dream come true.”
ON THE MARKET...
TOWER HAMLETS
FROM £135,000* *Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £450,000
FISH ISLAND POINT
Fish Island Point offers an assortment of one, two and three bedroom apartments, all wheelchair adaptable and pet friendly. These impressive homes boast contemporary kitchens, modern fixtures and a private balcony. The development also benefits from fast connections around the capital. Hackney Wick station is just a 10-minute walk away, providing connections towards Liverpool Street in 21 minutes and to King's Cross in 26 minutes. Stratford station is also just a short walk or train ride away, providing direct links to Farringdon in 10 minutes and to London Bridge in 27 minutes.
We realised we could actually afford to buy here with Shared Ownership
peabodynewhomes.co.uk/find-a-home/fish-island-point 020 3773 6575
First Time Buyer October/November 2026 25
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting