REAL LIFE
OPEN MARKET SALE: DAGENHAM
E arlier this year, Marc and Jeane purchased a modern, spacious two bedroom flat at Dagenham Green, a new development of 3,500 homes from award- winning housebuilder The Hill Group. Now living in a new neighbourhood undergoing significant regeneration, Marc and Jeane are very enthusiastic about their new lifestyle, with swift commutes into London for their shifts at the hospital and a sleek modern apartment, all surrounded by stunning gardens and open green space. Marc explains, “We could see clear investment potential and wanted to be the first in the queue. It’s connected, green, and residential; a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of city life.” With average Dagenham property prices sitting below most first time buyer home prices in London, it wasn’t just the quality of the homes that caught Marc and Jeane’s attention. The area’s future potential, as one of Barking and Dagenham’s seven key growth hubs, also piqued their interest. We wanted to invest in a home without worrying about hidden costs or sudden repairs He adds, “The neighbourhood plan has been thoughtfully considered, and we are very excited to see how our new community will take shape. We have everything we need for daily life within walking distance on our doorstep, which makes navigating the week’s admin just that little bit easier. We were also excited to find out about the on-site amenities soon to open, including a local Sainsbury’s. The other amazing perk Marc Lawrence Riodique, 38, an NHS nurse, and his wife Jeane, 38, a maternity support worker, were living in Romford with their daughter Eliza, 7, when they realised it was finally time to buy a home of their own. Reluctant to pay rent when they had the option to step on to the property ladder, the couple hoped to invest in the next stage of their life in London, within an up-and-coming postcode
FACT FILE
Property: Two bedroom apartment
Price: £350,000
Deposit needed: £35,000 but with the 5% boost they paid £17,500
life balance. Jeane now enjoys a 30- to 45-minute commute too.” What’s more, Marc and Jeane are adamant the upgrade of the apartment itself meant buying at Dagenham Green was a no-brainer. “Firstly, it’s brand new, and that gave us real peace of mind. We wanted to invest in a home without worrying about hidden costs or sudden repairs. We’ve moved from one two bedroom apartment to another, but this new home feels so much more spacious. And the balcony is a real highlight. Having that extra bit of outdoor space to unwind as a family or with friends in the summer is just great.” Jeane added, “The service from Hill was brilliant – they were super helpful, responsive and the purchase process itself was efficient. We were offered a 5% contribution to our deposit. Crucially, we wouldn’t have been able to secure this home otherwise. As soon as we did the maths, we couldn’t let it slip through our fingers.” With their new chapter unfolding in tandem with London’s latest postcode regeneration, Marc, Jeane and Eliza are excited to see what the years ahead and their new home has in store for them. To find out more go to dagenhamgreen.co.uk or call 020 3906 1953 or email hello@dagenhamgreen.co.uk
at Dagenham Green is the neighbourhood’s proximity to Dagenham Dock station, connecting our home straight to Zone 1.” Along with finding an easy commute, selecting the right London home hinged on a few things for the family, and one of those was a proper connection to nature. Jeane said, “In our previous flat, we had to catch a bus to reach our nearest park, which was not ideal. As we work in a fast- paced environment, it’s important to us to be able to exercise and relax in a natural environment when we are off duty.” Marc continued, “The first thing that struck me when I visited Dagenham Green is that the apartments looked out on to five acres of landscaped gardens. We were impressed that Beam Parklands and Old Dagenham Park are a short distance from the development. “Now that we have moved in, Jeane can go on scenic runs every day and it’s so easy to take Eliza out to play. It’s changed the feel of our day.” A swift commute was also important. Marc works as a nurse at Newham University Hospital, which he can now reach in 45 minutes door to door. “On a good day, I can even be there in half an hour. Every Londoner wants a good commute, but particularly with fast-paced shift work and a routine that changes every week, having a reliable, quick journey across London helps me with my work-
74 First Time Buyer October/November 2026
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