the Ultimate Guide to ... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
August/ September 2026 £4.99
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WIN! A 50L EKO MADISON PEDAL BIN
WORTH £94.99
HOW TO MAKE THE HOMEBUYING JOURNEY STRESS FREE
CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL SEASON IN STYLE
HOTSPOTS • SILVERTOWN • SALFORD • MAIDSTONE • WANDSWORTH
THE LOWDOWN ON THE NATIONAL HOUSING BANK
“Love where you live as you just can’t put a price on that”
Jim Chapman, Best-selling author, presenter, model, illustrator and online creator
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
I hope you have coped with the heatwave even though it is hard to work and sleep when it’s so hot! But, we shouldn’t complain as there are many cold, wet months during the winter which are miserable! This is the perfect time of year for first time buyers to take the plunge and step on to the ladder – there is nothing quite like owning your own home and getting the keys for the first time!
Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Editorial Assistant and Head of Special Events KATIE WRIGHT
Editorial and Special Events Assistant SOPHIE MUNNERY
Voting for our FTB Readers’ Awards 2026 is in full swing. There is still plenty of time to cast your votes and you will find the shortlist on pages 59-82 so please do take a moment to go to ftbawards.com – thank you. Buying your first home can be daunting – there has been some fascinating research from L&G which identifies the biggest stressors faced by homebuyers and suggests ways to help make the process much less overwhelming. Do turn to pages 24-28 as it is very interesting read. I also recently interviewed Jill Treloggen, an interior designer who runs JT Interiors. Her story is inspirational and starting from our next issue (October/November 2026) Jill be sharing her expert tips on decorating and accessorising your first new home, so do watch out for this. I hope you enjoy this issue which is packed with information and if you are struggling to understand how it all works then I hope you will find the answers to your questions inside. Thank you again for voting...
Creative Director RYAN BEAL
Sub Editor KAY HILL
Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK,
KATE FAULKNER, KAY HILL, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN-OSGOOD, SEBASTIAN PAULO, JOEL TAYLOR, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, 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
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EDITOR’S PICKS…
Location is also very important and you have to decide if its right for you too. Alicia Kite, At home with, page 14 are exceptional. Lynda Clark, Editor’s Top Choice, page 44 Aqua Gardens offers luxury, modern apartments which
If you buy a freehold property, you own the building and the land it stands on outright. Adam Crawford, Agony Agent, pages 122-123
All advertising copy for October/November 2026 must be received before 2 September 2026. 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 2008-2026. 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.
I am so excited. Having such a perfect place to call home that has a strong community is just what I’ve been looking for. Mia Scott, House Hunter, page 16
Do your research, be patient and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Priti Chohan, 20 Questions, page 138
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 3
CONTENTS
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 / ISSUE 120 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK
What’s in…
101 The best FTB properties
100 Vanessa, a 35-year-old NHS nurse, spent years renting and house sharing and has now bought her rst home in London at Pocket Living’s Woodside Park development, one of a limited number of schemes designed to support key workers and rst time buyers on to the housing ladder.
12 The World of Interiors Meet Jill Treloggen, an interior designer and entrepreneur. She runs JT Interiors and talks to Lynda Clark about how it all started, the journey that followed and her exciting plans for the future. 14 At home with: Alicia Kite Alicia Kite is a fashion entrepreneur, personal stylist, con dence coach and has recently launched her own base layer brand, Second Skin Shapewear. She talks to Lynda Clark about her career, her various property buying experiences and has some interesting advice for rst time buyers. 16 House Hunter We go on the hunt with Mia Scott who is looking for a new home in London with good commuter links. 18 Developer’s doctor Chris Lee, CEO and Founder of Own Homes answers this issue’s property question.
HOMEPAGE
FEATURED
20 The View: Jim Chapman Jim Chapman is a social media phenomenon, he is also a best- selling author, illustrator, model, presenter and online creator. Jim and his family have recently moved to a beautiful Georgian house in the Cotswolds which he is completely renovating himself. He talks to Lynda Clark about his interesting career, his new home and has some excellent advice for rst time buyers.
24 Less Stress, More Home Sweet Home Buying your rst home is often a mine eld. L&G has surveyed 2,000 homeowners to shed light on the homebuying habits. Debbie Clark identi es the biggest issues. 30 Great news for rst time buyers? Government plans look set to make homebuying easier.
8 FTB Loves... With the festival season is full swing FTB covers the “must-haves” to keep you comfortable, stylish and ready to party whatever the weather – from camping gear to rainwear. 10 Living It’s everywhere on the internet! Embrace Cottage Core with its romantic and colourful take on everyday living to add comfort and style to your rst home.
24
4 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
CONTENTS
20 Jim Chapman
JIM CHAPMAN, PAGE 20
DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE AND GET A PROPER SURVEY DONE 59 First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards – time to vote!
REGULARS
what conveyancing means and why it matters. 116 What Does Mortgage Affordability Mean for a First Time Buyer? When buying your rst home, “affordability” isn’t simply about how much a lender is willing to lend you. It’s about how comfortably you can manage your payments. 118 Finance If it has been some time since you worked out how much you could borrow you might be very surprised as Kay Hill nds out. 120 Market Ginetta Vedrickas looks at the Government’s plans to build over 500,000 new homes through the National Housing Bank. 122 Agony Agent All your property questions answered by our panel of experts. 125 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property process. 130 Staircasing: A way of managing your rent Sebastian Paulo, Director & Head of Staircasing at Owen Paulo, explains everything you need to know about staircasing. 132 Directory Check which scheme is right for you, plus some useful contacts. 138 20 Questions Priti Chohan from L&Q is in the hot seat this issue.
46 Hotspot We look at Silvertown as a place to live. 86 Hotspot We take a look at Maidstone as a place to start your property search. 92 Hotspot Is Salford the place you would like to buy your rst home? 98 Hotspot We look at Wandsworth as a place to buy your rst home. 106 Summer Savings Plans to save the pennies! 108 First home, rst meal This delicious recipe for mouthwatering brown butter banana madeleines, created by Andrew Sheridan, Co-Founder and COO of the Open Restaurant Group is a family teatime treat. 110 What if things go wrong? Buying your rst property is a big decision, so what happens if you get it wrong? Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, explains the risks and the importance of understanding your buying power before you begin. 112 Understanding Conveyancing for First Time Buyers: What You Need to Know Bevin Woby, Director at Shared Direction Conveyancing explains
107 Competition
Win! A 50L EKO Madison pedal bin WORTH £94.99
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 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
BUILDING DELAYS I’m buying my first home and everything was going
smoothly, but there have been unexpected building delays and now I’m worried my mortgage offer could run out before I can complete.What happens if my mortgage offer expires and is there anything I can do? Liam Manning
FTB says: Mortgage offers usually have an expiry date, often between three and six months, although it varies by lender. If unforeseen building delays mean your purchase cannot complete before the offer expires, contact your mortgage lender or broker as soon as possible. Some lenders may agree to extend the mortgage offer, particularly if the delay is outside your control, but you could be asked to provide updated financial information or supporting documents. In some cases, you may need to reapply for a mortgage, which could mean being reassessed against current lending criteria and interest rates. Keeping in regular contact with your solicitor, developer and mortgage adviser can help avoid surprises.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING I am a first time buyer and I am in the process of looking at new build flats. I’m planning ahead and wondered whether new build properties legally have to come with an electric vehicle (EV) charging point. I can’t see one mentioned and I’m not sure what the rules are. Sarah Rumble FTB says: Rules introduced in recent years mean many new build homes in England are required to have electric vehicle (EV) charging provision, but it does not automatically mean every new build flat will have its own charging point. Requirements can depend on factors such as when planning permission was granted, the type of development and whether there is associated parking. Some developments may provide shared charging facilities rather than an individual charger for each flat. If an EV charging point is important to you, ask the developer exactly what is included and whether charging infrastructure has been installed for future use. Your solicitor can also help clarify what is being provided before you commit to the purchase.
This issue’s star letter prize wins The Krafted Connex, worth £29.99. The Connex is an all-in-one connectivity accessory designed for modern life on the move. Ideal for anyone who carries multiple devices, it keeps charging wherever you are. It replaces a tangle of cables and cuts through the chaos
with support for up to eight charging and data transfer combinations, giving you one accessory that works across your entire tech set-up. Available in a choice of charcoal or jade, Connex pairs clean design with practical performance, proving that essential tech accessories don’t have
TREE PRESERVATION ORDER I’m buying my first home and when reading through details about a property I’m interested in, something called a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) came up. I’ve never heard of this before, and I’m worried it could be a problem.What is a TPO and should I be concerned? Sophie Rittling FTB says: A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection placed by a local council on specific trees or woodland areas to prevent them from being cut down, damaged, topped or lopped without permission. They are usually put in place to protect trees that are important to the local
VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the rst time, go to rsttimebuyermag.com should highlight any TPOs during the buying process, so ask questions if anything is unclear and consider if ongoing maintenance responsibilities could affect your plans. environment or community. Having a TPO on a property is not necessarily a problem, but it is something first time buyers should understand before purchasing. If the tree needs work in the future, you may need council approval first, and failing to follow the rules can lead to fines. Your solicitor
to look boring. kraftedtech.com
INTEREST RATE CHANGE I have my mortgage offer in place, but I keep hearing about interest rates changing. If rates go up or down before I complete on the purchase, could it affect
provide reassurance if rates rise while your purchase is progressing. However, if your mortgage offer expires before completion, or there are major changes to your circumstances that mean you need to reapply, you could be assessed against new rates and lending criteria. If rates fall, some lenders may allow you to switch to a newer product before completion, but policies vary. If you are unsure, speak to your mortgage adviser or lender so you understand your options.
my mortgage? Daniel Owens
FTB says: If you already have a formal mortgage offer in place, changes to interest rates before completion will not usually affect your deal, as your lender has agreed to lend based on the terms in your offer. This can
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 7
FTB LOVES
GLAMP IT UP
Festival season is upon us... from fans to waterproof jackets and glow festival fashion, FTB covers everything you need for a perfect festival experience. Discover practical must-haves, accessories and outfit inspiration to keep you comfortable, stylish and ready for adventure, rain or shine... and we know there is going to be rain!
Martha pink and green ower drop earrings , £22.50, Oliver Bonas, oliverbonas.com
Camping pillow , £1.50, B&M, bmstores.co.uk
Kids camping chair , £30, Regatta, regatta.com
Xplor moon chair , £14, George Home, direct.asda.com
Fleetwood Mac T-shirt , £10, Primark, primark.com
Picnic blanket , £28, Regatta, regatta.com
Rechargeable handheld fan , £8, B&M, bmstores.co.uk
Portable suitcase BBQ , £49.95, Rex London, rexlondon.com
8 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
FTB LOVES
Bow scrunchie , £12.50, Oliver Bonas, oliverbonas.com
Bucket hat , £30, M&S, marksandspencer.com
Reusable rain poncho , £5, B&M, bmstores.co.uk
Bow headband , £22.50, Oliver Bonas, oliverbonas.com
24L Cool box , £15, B&M, bmstores.co.uk
Bucket bag , £36, M&S, marksandspencer.com
Halo multi-functional bluetooth speaker , £69.99, MyVq, myvq.co.uk
Camping kettle , £8, B&M, bmstores.co.uk
SPF15 , £33.50, Green People, greenpeople.co.uk
0.6L Tritan ip lid bottle , £20, Regatta, regatta.com
Sunglasses , £4, Primark, primark.com
Red check shopper , £28, Oliver Bonas, oliverbonas.com
Rainbow poncho , £35, The British Craft House, britishcrafthouse.co.uk
Maxi dress , £22, Primark, primark.com
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 9
Homepage LIVING
COTTAGE CORE
Cottage Core has taken the internet by storm and continues to charm homeowners with its romantic take on everyday living, blending soft pastel hues, delicate frills and timeless striped fabrics to create spaces full of warmth and personality. Inspired by country cottages but reimagined for modern homes, this trend embraces vintage-style accessories that make a house feel like home. Whether you’re adding a ruffled cushion, striped wallpaper or a splash of butter yellow, embracing this trend will add both comfort and style to your home
Wiggle and taper oor lamp , £80; striped red resin square wall mirror , £35, Bronte three-drawer chest , £129, Habitat
Outdoor bird silhouette , £8, Natural History Museum at Dunelm
Pink oven gloves , £5.99, HomeSense
Gonk strawberry , £12, B&M
Elysia gold 3D butter y photo frame , £16, Rowen Homes
Concrete-effect kettle , £45, Dunelm
Apple trinket dish , £6.50, Oliver Bonas
Blue stripe lemon scalloped cereal bowl , £16.50, Caroline Gardner
Matilda scalloped desk , £100, Habitat
10 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
Homepage LIVING
Promenade Margate tile , £23.38 per piece (60cm x 30cm), Original Style
Sloane two-tier pink trim scalloped shade , £34.99, ValueLights
Chicken striped tea cosy , £20, Sophie Allport
Thorley stripe fabric table lamp , £39.99, ValueLights
Gingham ruf e rectangular cushion , £40, Cox and Cox
Stripe frill cotton placemats , £11.95, Graham and Green
Ceramic egg holder , £14.95, Rex London
Multi check butter dish , £26, Caroline Gardner
Sylvie accent chair (black and cream stripe oak-effect legs) , £169, FurnitureBox
Frill top blue glass candlestick holder , £15, Oliver Bonas
CONTACTS » Caroline Gardner carolinegardner.com » Cox and Cox coxandcox.co.uk » Dunelm dunelm.com » FurnitureBox furniturebox.co.uk » Graham and Green grahamandgreen.co.uk » Habitat habitat.co.uk » HomeSense homesense.com » Hyperion Tiles hyperiontiles.co.uk » Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com » Original Style originalstyle.com » Piglet in Bed pigletinbed.com » Rex London rexlondon.com » Rowen Homes rowenhomes.com » Sophie Allport sophieallport.com » ValueLights valuelights.co.uk
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 11
INTERIORS
THE WORLD OF INTERIORS Jill Treloggen is not only an accomplished interior designer – she is a true entrepreneur. Since founding JT Interiors in 2003 from the kitchen table of her Oxfordshire home, she has built a thriving, respected design practice with eight team members and an impressive client list, with a reputation for creativity and practicality. She speaks to Lynda Clark about how it all began, the journey that followed, and the exciting plans she has for the future
From childhood, Jill had dreamed of working in interiors. Yet, as she recalls, her school careers adviser dismissed the idea, telling her it was unlikely she would ever find a job in the field. Momentarily discouraged, Jill chose a different path, completing a business course and later a degree in Business at Oxford Brookes University. She went on to hold a series of marketing roles, including positions at Marks & Spencer’s head office and working alongside Tesco and Asda on their loyalty marketing schemes. But the pull of interiors never left her. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about what I really wanted to do,” she says. “So, I decided to take an interior design course at the KLC School of Design – and I absolutely loved it.” When the opportunity for voluntary redundancy arose in her job, Jill took the leap. “I thought, how hard can it be? I’d done the course, so I put an ad in a local glossy magazine – and I got six customers straight away. It was amazing.” Those early days were intense. Jill did everything herself: designing, painting, hanging curtains, ordering products, managing the accounts – without a single tradesperson to call on. “I worked seven days a week, very long hours. But looking back, it was the best training I could have had. I learnt every part of the process, and that knowledge has been invaluable.” After 18 months, she hired her first member of staff to help with project managing and freeing her to focus on design. The business grew steadily, and Jill joined a local networking group to build connections. One introduction proved pivotal: an accountant in the group connected her with a local estate agent. They were impressed with her work and soon commissioned her to furnish all their high-end rental properties. This led to further projects including show homes. “I started calling other estate agents and landlords, and the work just kept coming.” As the business expanded, Jill hired another team member, though they were still working from her home. “I knew we needed an office, but I couldn’t find anything suitable. My husband suggested buying one, so I looked around and found the space we’re in now.That was 20 years ago.”
WATCH THIS SPACE: JILL WILL BE LAUNCHING A NEW SERIES IN THE OCT/NOV ISSUE, SHARING HER EXPERT TIPS ON DECORATING AND ACCESSORISING YOUR FIRST HOME.
12 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
INTERIORS
Today, JT Interiors has a team of eight, working flexibly between the office and home – now the norm since the pandemic. One of the company’s most significant relationships is with University of Oxford, which owns a vast portfolio of properties. “We started with a Common Room at Jesus College. I was nervous as it was my first commercial job, but we got to grips with the regulations for a commercial project and things went from there.” Since then, JT Interiors has worked with 28 Oxford colleges, transforming student accommodation, common rooms, offices and even Provost lodgings. They also continue to work on rental properties, show homes and private residences across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties, with plans to expand further afield through their growing show home arm of the business. One of their most memorable projects took them far from home – to the Isles of Scilly, where they redesigned the beautiful Tregarthen Hotel. All thanks to a chance reconnection with a university acquaintance, who had seen a LinkedIn article about a large scale project JT Interiors had just completed. “It was a huge undertaking logistically, but the result was so worth it and the loyal customers of the hotel loved the transformation.” Jill credits her success to her team. “Everyone is incredibly engaged. Roles aren’t rigid – one team member is exploring how AI can assist us, another manages our social media and so on. I encourage everyone to undertake training courses and grow their skills. When people focus on what they’re good at, they thrive.” Looking ahead, in addition to show homes, Jill hopes to expand on their growing role of helping returning expats and visiting academics set up homes in the UK. “Teams and Zoom have opened up the world. We currently have clients in the USA, Brazil, India and Hong Kong – it’s amazing what you can now achieve without leaving the UK.” Charitable work is also close to her heart. “We have done sponsored walks, and hosted tea dances at the local care home, but that only raises relatively small amounts – where we can really make a difference is by leveraging our supplier base.” One example is the renovation of The Little Room at Helen & Douglas House, a children’s hospice in Oxford. The space, used by bereaved parents, was stark and unwelcoming. “They couldn’t afford to renovate it, so we took it on. Trades donated their time, suppliers donated materials, and JT Interiors designed and project managed everything for free. We delivered £40,000 of goods and services for free and created a beautiful, comforting suite.” A similar project followed for Homeless
a space feel safe and comforting in the moments people need it most in their lives.” Recently, the team were finalists for SME of the Year at the Oxford Business Awards; an achievement that has energised the whole company. “It’s an exciting time with so much happening. I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Oxfordshire’s Her Way Home project, an eight-bedroom property for displaced women seeking refuge. Again, JT Interiors donated time and rallied suppliers to furnish the bedrooms and communal spaces. “I think it is important to recognise that interior design doesn’t have to be for the rich and famous – it can simply be about making
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 13
Homepage LIVING
builder had ran out of money, so there was no bathroom or kitchen and it was literally a blank canvas. We had great fun doing it up and the kitchen was sensational – the units were suspended from the ceiling with wire which is usually used on ships – it was really unusual. I then bought a lovely thatched house which was right on the village green. Although it was thatched it was very modern and at the back of the house it was all glass which created a massive conservatory. I also had a training room which was very much needed for my work. And we converted the garage, that became my Academy which was highly successful. We lived there for 26 years but
Alicia Kite is a fashion entrepreneur, personal stylist, confidence coach and has recently launched her own base layer brand, Second Skin Shapewear. She talks to Lynda Clark about her fascinating career, her property experiences and has some very interesting advice for first time buyers At home with: Alicia Kite
and tennis and squash courts. It had three bedrooms and overlooked The Arboretum, which was beautiful. I then bought a beautiful home but unfortunately the
FTB : Tell us about your first step on the property ladder? AK: I was about 22 and I bought a ground floor apartment in a Georgian house, which was lovely. I liked the location as it was near my shop, which was very important to me, and it was a very attractive building to look at. It had recently been renovated and although I didn’t stay there for too long, I really loved it.
“THE MARKET IS VERY INTERESTING AND WHEN YOU ARE BUYING YOUR HOME IT HAS TO FEEL RIGHT. IF YOU DON’T GET THAT SPECIAL FEELING WHEN YOU FIRST WALK THROUGH THE DOOR THEN IT’S NOT FOR YOU”
FTB : Tell us about some of your property experiences?
AK: After I sold the apartment I had five fashion stores across the Midlands and I was only in my 20s. I bought an amazing apartment which was slightly ahead of its time. It had an indoor swimming pool
14 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
Homepage LIVING
“MANY WOMEN LOSE CONFIDENCE AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO EVOLVE AND MAKE SMALL CHANGES. IT’S ALL ABOUT CREATING THE RIGHT FOUNDATIONS AND NOT JUST HOW YOU LOOK BUT HOW YOU FEEL”
when I started my latest venture designing shapewear, my husband and I decided we wanted to move as we were rattling around in a large house but I couldn’t decide where to go. I started looking at rental properties and was horrified by the cost but also the state of the places which were appalling! Then by chance I came across this pretty modern house which is about three years old. It’s in the countryside and overlooks some gorgeous fields which I love and it’s about 40 minutes to the station and I can be in London in just over an hour so I have the best of both worlds. It has three bedrooms, with one being my dressing room, an en suite and family bathroom, a pretty kitchen/ diner, sitting room and my little office, which is where I practically live. I am a workaholic and will never retire, so my office is my home. It has underfloor heating and I am shocked at how cheap it is to run. I hate being cold and in the thatched house it cost around £600 a month to heat and it was still cold and here I have the heating on all the time and it’s only £200 a month – I have had the warmest winter ever – perfect! The
and I opened a secondhand store called Begin Again. It went very well but I thought that most of the clothes were far too good to sell for very little money and I began again with my mission to help women rediscover their confidence through style. I have now been working as a personal stylist and wardrobe coach for the past three decades. I was so fascinated by the psychology of what we wear I decided to train as a coach. I ran the first course and was pretty amazed that 13 people turned up and two were from Iceland and one from America. I have now trained hundreds of people and I love every minute of my work.
over time and my mission is to help women feel good about themselves whether they are young or getting older. Many women lose confidence and it is very important to evolve and make small changes. It’s all about creating the right foundations and not just how you look but how you feel. I have always hated shapewear – it’s sweaty, the fabric is awful and you get bits of flesh sticking out everywhere. So, I have designed a base layer which is totally different. If you can imagine when you wear a pair of leggings it makes you feel trim. My range is based on athletic wear and feels like a second skin. It’s made from Italian fabric which is excellent and keeps you firm and in shape – it even supports your back which helps with the way you stand.We sell all over the world and I am very excited about how it is all going. My mission is very simple – I want to help women feel amazing from inside and out! FTB : What advice do you have for first time buyers? AK: The market is very interesting and when you are buying your home it has to feel right. If you don’t get that special feeling when you first walk through the door then it’s not for you. Location is also very important and you have to decide if its right for you too. If you are a family it might be accessibility to good schools, or if you commute it will be transport. Think about your lifestyle and if it will suit you and also ask yourself how long you are planning to live there. Buying a home is a very big decision and cannot be gone into lightly. I also think organisation is very important – when you buy a home you tend to sort out what you have and whether the furniture and accessories will fit in. So when you do this also take a look at your wardrobe and try everything on and if it doesn’t make your heart sing then don’t keep it. Plan ahead and try not to get stressed.
house is immaculate and as I adore cleaning (it’s my way to relax) it’s easy to look after and maintain. FTB : Tell us about your career? AK: I left school with no qualifications and I am dyslexic so I got a job in a posh dress job and I met a guy who asked if I would like my own shop. I jumped at the chance and was one of the first retailers to stock designers like Moschino, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. I
FTB : Can you explain what your new
shapewear collection is all about? AK: Every
woman’s body
changes
ended up with five shops and was living the life. I didn’t do the buying for the shops for three seasons and if you don’t buy the right stock then you are bound for failure. It all went terribly wrong and I lost
everything and went bankrupt. Eventually I felt I had to do something and asked my old customers if I could re-sell the
@aliciakiteshapewear aliciakite.com
clothes they no longer wanted
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 15
Homepage FIRST RUNG
The HOUSE HUNTER
What we found…
THE MODERN SKYLINE
THE NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD
So Resi Wembley Park, Wembley, north west London
L&Q at Acton Gardens, Acton, west London
This month FTB goes on the hunt with Mia Scott who is looking for a new home in London, within a 40-minute commute of central London
With beautifully designed properties, landscaped gardens and on-site facilities, this leafy development has a village-like feel. This latest phase of one, two and three bedroom apartments forms part of a regeneration scheme that’s revitalising a 52-acre site in Acton. The almost 3,000 new properties enjoy communal gardens and green spaces. There are play areas, outdoor gym, on-site shops, dentist and a new community centre. Tube, Overground and mainline stations ensure speedy commutes into central London from 20 minutes.
The stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments here enjoy an iconic address within one of London’s most rapidly changing skylines. Housed across two landmark buildings, the 79 properties have great views, along with a vast array of entertainment and dining options. Wembley Stadium, OVO Arena and Boxpark, along with some fantastic landscaped areas, state-of-the-art library and a designer shopping outlet, sit right on the doorstep. Meanwhile, the speedy Jubilee Line tube whizzes commuters into central London in as little as 12 minutes.
PROFILE
Names Mia Scott, 33 Occupations Fashion buyer Maximum budget £280,000
Requirements A one bedroom home with great commuter links to central London, good local facilities and plenty of green space nearby to enjoy
What she wanted…
After a messy break-up last year, I decided to ask my work for a transfer from Aberdeen, where I’ve been based for 10 years, to our London of ce. After just a few weeks renting in the capital, I knew I wanted to live here permanently – and have decided to buy my own place. I’ve been living in north London but have visited quite a bit of the city and at the moment have no real preference on where I nally settle, although I am really loving the west. I do like visiting vibey areas, cafes and markets, and buzzing high streets –- but it would be my preference to nd a home that means you can get some peace and quiet, too. I also want to be able to easily travel out of London to visit other areas on my days off. Getting to and from work needs to be easy – I am happy travelling up to 40-ish minutes by tube or train to Baker Street. I would love a small terrace or balcony to enjoy some outdoor space, and be close to some parks or natural beauty. Hopefully I’m not asking too much, but I hope that my dream home does exist somewhere!”
lqhomes.com
soresi.co.uk
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £397,500
*Shared Ownership is available
What they thought…
I really like the look of Acton Gardens, particularly the well-designed gardens and outdoor areas. There are loads of facilities right on the doorstep and I think it could be a really lovely retreat from busy urban life. Acton seems to have a lot to offer, including some cool pubs and cafes and a lovely park. I particularly like Chiswick, which is only a 10-minute walk away. Getting into work – and around the city in general – will be super easy from here.”
I have visited Wembley for concerts a few times and have enjoyed the local area. It’s such a modern-looking part of the city, with some really interesting new buildings, very good restaurants and shops and some cool art trails. I know there’s a lot more to Wembley though, in terms of culture and history, which is super interesting to me. Of course, the transport links are great and it would be cool to live in such a vibrant part of town – and I’d never be late for Harry Styles ever again!”
16 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
Homepage FIRST RUNG
First choice!
THE COOL CONNECTIONS
THE WATERSIDE WONDER
Forest Road, Walthamstow, east London
L&Q at Kew Bridge Rise , Brentford, west London
Podium gardens, Thames views, green spaces and transport links: there’s so much to love about this west London address. There are more than 400 one and two bedroom apartments at this landmark development in Brentford, with facilities on site and cafes and shops close by. Gunnersbury Park, Kew Gardens and the Thames Path are all within walking distance, while Chiswick, Richmond and Acton provide ideal London locales for weekends or evenings out. Kew Bridge station is a two-minute walk for Overground services to London Waterloo in 30 minutes.
One of London’s vibrant and popular towns is home to this new collection of one bedroom apartments. Walthamstow, east London, is a hotspot for creatives, young professionals and families, attracted by the vibrant, community feel and growing array of markets, cultural and entertainment events, breweries, bakeries and cafes. Getting into central London is facilitated by Victoria Line and Overground services, while green space is plentiful with Lloyd Park on your doorstep and Walthamstow Wetlands further down the road.
THE NEXT STEP
lqhomes.com
pocketliving.com
*Each home is discounted by 20% to the local market price
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £432,500
“I am so excited about the idea of buying a home in Harrow, having such a perfect place to call home that has a strong community feel is just what I have been looking for. I have my mortgage in principle all lined up and am ready to go.”
What a lovely, peaceful location this is, with the waterways close by. I like the look of the development’s gardens and landscaped areas and can imagine long, restful evenings at home. The interiors are very stylish and it seems there is a good range of layouts to choose from. I’m really impressed with the size of the balconies, too – I am super keen to create a tranquil outdoor space of my own and already have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to it.”
As a young fashion student I did a work placement in east London and of course, it is the epitome of cool. I hung out in Walthamstow a few times and it really does have a lot going on and is also really well connected in terms of getting to some other amazing nearby areas. The apartments here are very sleek and stylish, and I would de nitely make the most of the roof terraces and courtyard garden on my working from home days.”
The style and location of these homes really appeal to me. They’re just perfect for my lifestyle – there’s a town centre, great transport links and pretty greenery right on the doorstep. Meanwhile, there are residents’ allotments, a communal lounge and home working area, and rooftop gardens. I think this makes for a great community feel, all within really easy reach of central London. There’s a high street and shopping centre close by, and lots of options for eating out or taking friends out when they come to visit. All in all, this seems like a great option for someone who wants to make the most of life in this amazing city while having their own place to call home!”
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 17
ADVICE
Chris Lee is the CEO and Founder of Own Homes, a company helping people to save for a deposit while living in the new build home they wish to own. Before starting Own Homes, Chris was responsible for delivering the Government’s largest homeownership scheme, Help to Buy. Own Homes aims to support the delivery of 100,000 new homes by 2031, helping more people become homeowners and changing the way the housing market works, one home at a time Q I am a first time buyer and I can afford a mortgage, but I can’t save a deposit. What can I do? A You’re not alone. Research suggests that nearly 3.6 million people in the UK can afford a mortgage, but saving a deposit is their biggest barrier to homeownership. Q There are other providers. What makes Own Homes different? A At Own Homes, we’re different because our homebuyers:
Chris Lee, CEO and Founder, Own Homes
top of household bills and their other living expenses.
Payments are designed to help reach their deposit target within five years.When they’re ready to buy, they combine their deposit with a mortgage from their lender of choice. The amount they pay to buy the home is fixed from day one, providing them with a fixed savings target. We believe our homebuyers should be in control of their journey, so we also have an app to help them track progress. Using the app, they’ll always know: • Exactly how much they’re paying and saving toward their deposit • How the deposit is building and how close they are to their goal • How to boost the deposit with one-off top-ups and with support from their family and friends. With the help of Own Homes, our homebuyers can move into a new build home, automatically save towards their deposit each month, and own the home they’re living in within five years.
• Already live in the home they plan to own • Save towards their deposit automatically each month • Have a clear timeline to own within five years.
Housing costs, household bills, travel, childcare, food and other essentials all compete for the same income, making it difficult to save enough to put down a deposit on a home. The reality is, buying a home is harder than ever, and I wanted to create a simple pathway to help people overcome the deposit barrier.That’s why I started Own Homes: to help people save for a deposit and become homeowners, without having to wait to live in the home they want. At Own Homes, we can help you to RentSaveOwn: Rent your new home. Save while you rent. Own when you’re ready.We make sure your rent works towards your future. By setting aside part of your monthly payments into a dedicated savings account, we can help you see real progress towards homeownership every month.
Let me explain more:
With our RentSaveOwn model, homebuyers choose their home from one of our partner housebuilders.They let the housebuilder know they’d like to use Own Homes and complete our application. Once approved, and their new home is built, they move in and enjoy long-term security living in their new home. We set the monthly payments at the same level as a mortgage. Part of each monthly payment is automatically placed into a secure savings account. Homebuyers get used to paying the actual cost of owning the home, and because savings payments are automatic, they don’t have to think about saving their deposit on
ownhomes.com
Could Own Homes help you become a homeowner? Own Homes is preparing to launch across the UK. We’re not open for
applications yet. Find out more at ownhomes.com
18 First Time Buyer June/July 2018
August/September 2026
THE VIEW
"I AM PUTTING UP A LOT OF STORIES ABOUT THE RENOVATION OF MY NEW HOUSE AND I KNOW FROM THE VIEWS I GET THAT THIS HAS REALLY CAUGHT PEOPLE’S IMAGINATION"
20 First Time Buyer December 2021/January 2022
20 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
THE VIEW
A MAN OF MANY TALENTS!
With over 7.5 million followers across his channels, Jim Chapman is a social media phenomenon, He is also a best- selling author, illustrator, model, presenter and online creator. Jim and his family have recently moved to a beautiful Georgian house in the Cotswolds which he is completely renovating himself. He talks to Lynda Clark about his interesting career, his new home and has some excellent advice for first time buyers
Photos: Kieron Webb
I was slightly nervous about chatting with Jim because he is such a big name on social media, but I really need not have worried as he is one of the most charming, eloquent and fascinating people I have met for a long time. Jim had a difficult but loving childhood growing up with his two older sisters and twin brother in Norwich. He said, “I was the only person in my family to go to university and graduated from the University of East Anglia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I then decided to go on and do my Masters but had to work full-time to pay for it, so it was tough. I did my first year and then I discovered social media! “I was enthralled by it and initially thought it was just a craze and wouldn’t last. I started putting up posts on YouTube on men’s fashion and grooming and I had a ball! At that time not many people were into YouTube but it just grew and grew. I then progressed to putting up stories and updates on what I was up to. So, I was so busy and having fun I didn’t complete my Masters but it’s very unusual for me to quit anything as I always follow everything through. I was there from the dawn of YouTube and it’s now been 17 years and it’s been quite a journey. “I used to make loads of contents for YouTube on just about anything. But that’s not really fun any
more and I only post when I have a real story which catches people’s attention. Nowadays it's mostly Instagram that I use. It is friendly, quick and very digestible. I like that the posts are only around 15 seconds and not 15 minutes as people don’t generally have the time to watch. I am putting up a lot of stories about the renovation of my new house and I know from the views I get that this has really caught people’s imagination.” Jim has also done some presenting and writing and released his first book, 147 Things , in 2017. He is currently writing a children’s book which he hopes to illustrate himself and has another idea that he is working on. He bought his first home in Norwich which was a two-up-two-down but he didn’t stay there for long before he moved to London. He lived in various places and he recently sold his house in Southfields, south west London and bought a beautiful Georgian house in the Cotswolds, which he is renovating himself. “With two children to juggle it’s pretty full-on. We went out for lunch for my birthday and the children had such a lovely time with their grandparents it made me think that maybe they were missing out on seeing them on a regular basis. I am pretty impulsive and it had been my decision on the location of where we lived for >>
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 21
THE VIEW
"THINK OF BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME AS AN INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE AND ONCE YOU ARE ON THE LADDER YOU CAN MOVE UP"
"I HAD SOME CRITERIA FOR WHEREVER WE BOUGHT WHICH WAS, WE NEEDED TO PARK ON THE PROPERTY, I COULD WALK TO THE GYM AND I COULD HAVE AN OFFICE"
22 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
THE VIEW
quite a while so I thought it was only fair that Sarah, my wife, should decide where we should live. She is originally from the Cotswolds and her family live there, so we started looking around the area. Sarah is much more grounded than me so we took our time and we found this place but neither of us were sure. “It was a probate sale and it had been owned my an old man who had not done anything to it for years. It had been on the market for a couple of years and somebody had made an offer as they wanted to split it into two apartments but we saw it online and decided to go and have a look. It is certainly a project and it took some coaxing for us to decide to buy it. I could see the potential and thought to myself, ‘I can do this and make it work’ but I didn’t want to put any pressure on Sarah. “I had some criteria for wherever we bought which was, we needed to park on the property, I could walk to the gym and I could have an office. We knew it would take a long time and cost a lot of money but eventually we decided to see if we could make the numbers work and spoke to the estate agent. He couldn’t tell us what the previous offer had been but our offer must have been somewhere in the same region and apparently they were very keen it was sold to a family. We made an offer, which was accepted and it’s been amazing! It’s given a new lease of life to the children and we are loving it. “For starters it needed a new roof and had to be re-wired and all the plumbing replaced. There is a lower ground floor which is very damp so I have stripped it back to the brickwork so it can breathe and for the time being it’s used just for storage. On the ground floor it has a living room, utility and kitchen and this gorgeous staircase leading up to the bedrooms. I love my office which has a slightly different vibe from the rest of the house. It has some lovely mid-century furniture and the walls are full of my favourite art works including some of my illustrations. This is the space I love to work in and I do my editing and writing there – it’s a special place for me to think and get ideas.” Jim has been busy getting the main bedroom done and said, “It’s sort of half-finished but we are getting there. It’s a beautiful room with an en suite and thankfully the chest of drawers we bought, which dates back to the 1860s, has just arrived so now my underwear isn't scattered all over the floor! My daughter's room is a four-year-old's paradise. It is rather kitsch with yellow and white wallpaper which we have used on the walls and the ceiling and we have done the same in my son’s bedroom which looks rather like
buyers and said, “Think of buying your first home as an investment for the future and once you are on the ladder you can move up. Love where you live as you just can’t put a price on that and you should be excited about the prospect of living there, because if you don’t feel that, then it’s not for you. Do your due diligence and get a proper survey done and even though it’s heartbreaking if it falls through there will always be something else.You need to have foresight and a vision and then you are pretty much there.” Jim’s enthusiasm is infectious and when we eventually finish I found myself looking round my home with completely different eyes. I made a list of jobs that need doing and promise myself I will tackle them at the weekend. I think we will be seeing a great deal more of Jim in the future and I personally can’t wait!
a circus with blue stripes. We have a junk room which needs a lot of attention as the lime plastered walls are crumbling. I store my ever-growing collection of tools there! We also have ‘nanny's room’ for when my mum, who lives in Norwich, comes to stay. The garden is lovely but we haven’t started on that yet. Sarah bought a piano which is arriving today so that will be amazing too!” Jim has some exciting plans for the future. He is a very hands-on dad and is enjoying watching his children grow up. He is reviewing his career and has appointed a new team and is excited about what the future holds. “My life has mostly been about social media but if other opportunities turn up then I am more than happy to give them a go. I would like to do more television work and I love an adventure so I am certainly up for a challenge. I am also writing another children’s book and will, hopefully, illustrate it myself and I have an idea for another one too.” He has some great advice for first time
You can keep up to date with Jim over on his socials at @JimChapman
First Time Buyer August/September 2026 23
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