LONDON LIVING
CASE STUDY
HILLINGDON, MIDDLESEX
FROM £310,000
HAYES VILLAGE
Michael , 31, has recently bought his first home at Barking Riverside, securing a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment with L&Q. After years of renting privately in Wembley, the relief is palpable. IT Manager Michael recalls, “Renting was a nightmare. It was close to work, but every year the rent went up and it just felt like I was working to pay someone else’s mortgage. It got to the stage where I thought, ‘How will I ever save enough for my own place?’” Michael made the difficult, but sensible, choice to return home to save. “It wasn’t easy moving home at 31, but it was the right thing to do,” he says. “My mum and dad were amazing – they supported me all the way and even helped with my deposit. Without them, I honestly couldn’t have done it.” Michael’s mum, Paulette, an NHS Director, admits the process opened her eyes to how much harder it is for young people today. She and her husband gifted Michael a 5% deposit to help him take his first step. “We just wanted to give him a start,” she explains. “You don’t want to see your grown-up child working hard but unable to move forward. Shared Ownership was a lifeline for him – and for so many others like him.” Michael took a methodical approach to finding the right development. “I made a full spreadsheet comparing every development I looked at – the pros and cons, monthly outgoings, mortgage products, service charges, you name it,” he explains. “I wanted to really understand what I was getting for my money. I built up all the costs side by side, and L&Q consistently came out on top – both in terms of quality and long-term value.” When Michael viewed Barking Riverside, he was instantly impressed. He says, “The finish, the design, the appliances – everything felt so well done.” The location was also perfect for his new job in Shoreditch – less than half an hour door to door. Michael moved into his apartment in May and quickly settled into life in the growing riverside neighbourhood, making regular use of the on-site cafe, co-working space and gym. “This has changed everything for me,” he reflects. “Shared Ownership has given me independence, stability and a real sense of pride.” Shared Ownership has given me independence, stability and a real sense of pride
Situated next to the Grand Union Canal, Hayes Village is transforming the historic former Nestlé factory into a canalside neighbourhood, delivering around 1,500 homes, nine acres of green space, a running track and residents’ gym, and new pedestrian links to Hayes & Harlington station where you can hop on the Elizabeth Line. Available homes include studio, one and two bedroom apartments.
barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev002062-hayes-village 0330 029 4474
LAMBETH
FROM £47,000*
*Based on a 10% share of the full market value of £470,000
SO RESI AT OVAL VILLAGE
SO Resi is offering 46 stylish studio, one and two bedroom apartments, complete with fully integrated appliances and a private balcony or terrace, as part of the wider Oval Village regeneration. Residents benefit from peaceful parks and gardens, as well as the cultural buzz of the South Bank just a short stroll away. They can also take advantage of an exclusive on-site gym, children’s play area, cycle storage, and a landscaped private courtyard and roof garden. Nearby Vauxhall station offers fast underground services to Oxford Circus and King’s Cross, while Kennington station offers services to Waterloo in four minutes and London Bridge in five minutes.
soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/oval-village 020 8607 0550
28 First Time Buyer October/November 2026
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