the Ultimate Guide to ... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
February/ March 2025 £4.99
rsttimebuyermag.com
WIN! A BURG- WÄCHTER GARAGE
SECURITY KIT WORTH £70
TREAT THE ONE YOU LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY
SPOTLIGHT ON SHARED OWNERSHIP
LONDON LIVING RENT
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAMP DUTY
HOTSPOTS • ALPERTON • CHICHESTER • WATFORD
“Visit the area at all times of the day and at weekends too”
Lucy Alexander TV presenter
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
There has certainly been a cold snap! I hope you are all staying warm and cosy and, like me, looking forward to the spring. We have been very busy preparing for National Home Buying Week 2025 , which promises to be bigger and better than ever before, and we are excited to announce that it will run from 24-28 February. The week-long campaign will include a live Q&A webinar with industry experts on Wednesday 26 February, to help answer all your questions. We are delving into shared ownership,
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
mortgages, conveyancing and so much more, to educate all first time buyers in a fun, engaging and easy-to-understand way. We are also working with different property influencers and will be showcasing educational videos to help you understand the journey to buying your first dream home. Please do go to firsttimebuyermag.com and discover for yourself and follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with everything that is on offer. If you are unsure about how shared ownership works, then do turn to pages 24-30 where our simple guide explains the whole process, which I am sure you will find invaluable. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching you can get some inspirational gift ideas on pages 8-9 to treat the ones you love! I hope you enjoy this issue which is packed with information and help when buying your first home – enjoy!
Sub Editor KAY HILL
Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY
Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, KAY HILL, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN- OSGOOD, CORALIE PHELAN, 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
SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754
EDITOR’S PICKS…
All advertising copy for April/May 2025 must be received before 26 February 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.
Buying our rst home through shared ownership was the right route for us. You will want to be clear about what you are getting with your reservation. Hellyn Fairbrother, Agony Agent, page 94
Shared ownership homes are available all over the country, not just in large towns and cities. Ellie Miners, Developer’s Doctor, Page 18
We would love to buy a house in the country – so who knows? But maybe we will ful l our dream. Cynthia Green, At home with, page 14
In general, a shared ownership mortgage plus rent is still cheaper than renting privately. Laura Gaskell, 20 Questions, page 110
Emma and Craig, Real Life, page 76
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 3
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 / ISSUE 111 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK
What’s in…
77 The best FTB properties
76 When Emma Morphew and Craig Vincent started looking to take their first step on to the property ladder, Wildbridge from Hyde New Homes ticked all of the boxes. Previously renting in nearby Barnham, they discovered that this was the perfect place to buy their new home through shared ownership, in an area they loved.
HOMEPAGE 8 FTB Loves...
UK on Netflix, Married at First Sight and The Wedding House for Channel 4. She talks to Lynda Clark about her interesting career, the ups and downs of renting and has some great advice. 16 House Hunter We go on the hunt with Marco and Justin Wilson-Agnietto who are looking for a one bedroom apartment in Enfield, north London, or the surrounding areas.
FEATURED
24
Spoil the one you love with our favourite Valentine’s Day gifts. 10 Living Planning your dream home for 2025? If so, check out these beautiful rustic interiors with warm and natural tones. 12 Four flats for Poundland Poundland is leading the way with affordable accessories and is showcasing some of the most budget-friendly products in its range in one of four apartments above its newly refurbished Elgin store. 14 At home with: Cynthia Green As well as being a Deputy Superintendent Registrar for Births, Deaths and Marriages and Civil Partnerships, Cynthia Green is also well-known for her TV work and was a Celebrant on Love is Blind
18 Developer’s doctor Ellie Miners, Sales Manager at Park Properties Housing
20 The View: Lucy Alexander
Association (PPHA), part of HSPG, answers your property question.
Lucy Alexander co-presented Homes Under the Hammer for BBC1 every morning for 13 years and is now a presenter on A Place in the Sun for Channel 4. Lucy talks to Lynda Clark about her buying experiences, her TV career and gives some great tips when buying for the first time.
24 Spotlight on Shared Ownership Debbie Clark explains how shared ownership works and highlights some affordable homes to be found around the country.
10
4 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
CONTENTS
20 Lucy Alexander
THE VIEW, PAGE 20
PROPERTY IS MY PASSION AND I HAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED BUILDING OUR GORGEOUS NEW HOME 50 Hotspot Chichester We take a look at Chichester as a place to consider your property search.
REGULARS
at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, explains how to make the buying process as smooth as possible. 90 Finance Kay Hill looks at the rise in Stamp Duty and explains what the latest changes will mean for first time buyers and if anything can be done to lessen the impact. 92 Market Ginetta Vedrickas looks at some newly designed homes which are cheap to run and kind on the planet too. 94 Agony Agent All your property questions answered by our panel of experts. 97 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property buying process. 102 All change for Stamp Duty Coralie Phelan, Partner and Head of Resales and Staircasing at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, explains what is happening when Stamp Duty change on 31 March and how it will impact first time buyers. 104 Directory Check which scheme is right for you, plus some useful contacts. 110 20 Questions We ask 20 quick-fire questions to a property expert and in this issue, Laura Gaskell, Property Sales Manager at Snugg Homes (which is part of Jigsaw Homes Group), is in the spotlight.
42 Hotspot We look at Alperton as a place to live. 64 Hotspot We look at Watford as a location to buy your first home. 82 Anti-Money Laundering – what you need to know There are many rules regarding proving where the money has come from when you are buying a home. Bevin Woby, Director of Shared Direction Conveyancing, explains what it all means.
85 Competition
Win a Burg-Wächter Garage Security Kit worth £70.
86 First home, first meal Perfect for when you invite friends and family to your home, these delicious appetisers were created by James Andrew Golding, Prept’s Head of Food Education. 87 Know how Some alternative and romantic ideas for how to enjoy Valentine’s Day together on a budget. 88 Is it possible to move into a new home before Easter? Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations
First Time Buyer February/March 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
WHAT INSURANCE DO I NEED I am a first time buyer and looking at shared ownership. What kind of insurance do I need to get when I buy, if I go down this route of part-buy- part-rent? I’m not sure what is my responsibility and what is the landlord’s responsibility. Christine Anderson FTB says: There are two main types of insurance that you will need to consider. Buildings insurance covers damage to the actual structure of the property, and also covers the cost of any future damage to the property in events such as flooding. In a shared ownership property this will usually be included in the monthly service charge you pay as it is the responsibility of the freeholder. Contents insurance covers items inside your home. It can allow you to repair or replace these items without incurring huge costs by having to pay for each item individually. This will be your responsibility to arrange and pay for. It is not compulsory but is highly recommended.
CHANGING ADDRESS I have finally had my offer accepted for my first home and I’m very excited! Obviously, I will now be having to change my address.Who are the main people I need to let know about this? Alison Bell FTB says: Firstly, and this may sound obvious, but let all your friends and family know your new address.This is an exciting time, and you will want to make sure any moving in cards get to the right place! There is a paid-for service provided by the Royal Mail called the Redirection Service which automatically redirects any mail to your new address, so you may want to look into this.There are some organisations you will want to contact, including HMRC, DVLA and Electoral Registration Office. Financially, you will need to let your bank, insurance and pension companies know your new address, while also letting any utility bill companies know to set up your electric and gas accounts for your new home or take readings.
This issue’s star letter prize wins a cosy Warmies extra-large, fully heatable Sloth worth £19.99. Designed for those who want to snuggle up, it is infused with French lavender for a calming, soothing aroma. Weighted and incredibly soft, this marshmallow-textured Sloth makes it easy to unwind and relax. Perfect for this time of the year, simply warm
it in the microwave for hours of gentle warmth. Ideal for those who appreciate a slower pace, this Sloth plushie will help you de- stress, relax, and enjoy life one cosy moment at a time. warmies.co.uk
LIFETIME ISA I have been told that a Lifetime ISA is a good way of saving for a deposit for my first home. What is a lifetime ISA and what are the benefits of it? Carrina Tiffin FTB says:The Lifetime ISA (LISA) is available to anyone between the age of 18 and 39. It is an individual savings account where investors receive an additional 25% of their investment from the Government each year.The annual LISA Allowance is £4,000 and that means that you can
VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the rst time, go to rsttimebuyermag.com ladder with a decent deposit, with the Government bonus being a great extra incentive for many people. receive up to £1,000 a year from the Government.Your invested fund, including the accumulated Government bonuses, must be used to buy your first home or left invested until after your 60th birthday. It’s a great way to help yourself get on the property
WHAT IS AN EPC I have seen the term EPC and I am not sure what it means or if it’s something important I need to consider when buying my first
can be made. It uses a grading system, where A is the most energy efficient and G the least and will be provided by the seller to help you get a clear and easy understanding of how much your new home will cost to run. An EPC is a legal requirement when selling a home, so it is definitely something you will come across on your journey to buying your first home.
property? Jack Green
FTB says: EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate and is a legal document that tells you how energy-efficient a property is and where improvements
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 7
FTB LOVES
CUPID’S CHOICE
Whether you’re shopping for a partner, pooch, a friend, or treating yourself, our Valentine’s Day gift guide has something for everyone. Explore FTB’s handpicked selection and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable!
Hello Gorgeous wall sign , £25, Next, next.co.uk
Beaded heart phone wrist strap , £12, Accessorize, accessorize.com
Hearts ankle socks , 3 pack, £10, Next, next.co.uk
Heart cushion , £8.50, Matalan, matalan.co.uk
Mug , £5, Matalan, matalan.co.uk
You’re My Lobster print , £15.95, Desenio, desenio.co.uk
Valentine’s Day Spoil Them gift box , £29.99, Cutter & Squidge, cutterandsquidge. com
Valentine gonk , £6.50, Matalan, matalan.co.uk
Dog toy , £6.99, HomeSense, homesense.com
8 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
FTB LOVES
Maltesers With Love hot chocolate kit , £5.49, Treats by Mars, treatsbymars.com
Cards , £3, Jeff and the Squirrel, jeffandthesquirrel.co.uk
Heart bag , £30, Jellycat, jellycat.com
Valentine slippers , £9, Matalan, matalan.co.uk
Candle , £7.99, HomeSense, homesense.com
Alphabet velvet jewellery box , £9.50, Marks & Spencer, marksandspencer.com
Apothecary men’s grooming set , £22.50, Marks & Spencer, marksandspencer.com
Eau de parfum Peach Bouquet , £6, Primark, primark.com
The Positivity Kit , £11.99, TKMaxx, tkmaxx.com
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 9
Homepage LIVING
RUSTIC REVIVAL
Discover the charm of rustic interiors that blend natural materials, warm tones and timeless style for 2025. Perfect for first time buyers, these designs create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that feels like home from day one
Table lamp , £75, Next
Lick beige emulsion paint , £45, B&Q
Wall art , £49.95, Melody Maison
LED home ornament , £13.99, Norfolk Hygge
Lick black matt paint , £45, B&Q
Wall clock , £19.95, Melody Maison
Candle , £6.99, The Wisteria Tree
Rattan drawers , £99, B&Q
10 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
Homepage LIVING
Cushion , £10, B&M
Rustic wood sideboard , £850; stone vase , £38; wall art , £80; Next
Pot cover , £24.99, Gisela Graham London
Cushion , 2 pack, £6, B&M
Soap dispenser , £22, Next
Book ends , £28, Melody Maison
Vase , £7, George Home
Deia Rojo patterned tiles , £45, Quorn Stone
Tea light house , £11, Heavenly Homes and Gardens
Storage pot , £19.95, Melody Maison
CONTACTS » B&M bmstores.co.uk » B&Q diy.com » George Home direct.asda.com » Gisela Graham giselagraham.co.uk » Heavenly Homes and Gardens heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk » Ivyline ivylinegb.co.uk » Melody Maison melodymaison.co.uk » Next next.co.uk » Quorn Stone mystone oor.com » Norfolk Hygge norfolkhygge.co.uk » The Wisteria Tree thewisteriatree.co.uk
Velvet throw , £20, B&Q
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 11
INTERIORS
FOUR FLATS FOR A POUNDLAND
Store in Elgin has a big apartment surprise upstairs
turned into a Temperance hotel, then went on to become Woolworths before Poundland acquired the lease in 2009. However, the building had serious structural issues that would ultimately mean it needed to be carefully dismantled before a loving reconstruction of its grand facades. The restoration was complex, with progress interrupted by water leaks, the pandemic, the disconnection from the neighbouring buildings and an alleged arson attempt that threatened the whole project. But while the ownership and history of the building on its own makes it unique in the Poundland estate, the store also has four special surprises upstairs too. Because in addition to carrying an extensive range of homewares and clothing – with around a third of grocery items at £1 or below on the shop floor – Poundland has also created four apartments for purchasers
Many first time buyers are strapped for cash when it comes to kitting out their new home, but Poundland has come to the rescue with lots of very affordable accessories – and for the first time ever the retailer has kitted out one of four apartments above its newly refurbished Elgin store, showcasing that it can all be achieved on a budget Last December saw Poundland open the doors to a new store on the high street in Elgin – the only store it owns outright in the UK – after putting in place an extensive six year refurbishment of the iconic heritage building in the heart of the town’s beautiful centre. The discount chain bought the store from its landlord in 2019, after the previous owner was unable to carry out remedial works to the listed building. Beginning life in 1856 as the Royal Bank of Scotland’s first Elgin branch, it was
to buy. The properties were listed on Rightmove late last year and the show homes are kitted out with Poundland’s finest interiors. This is the first time Poundland has ever sold properties for the public to own. All four buyers have the chance to be a part of Elgin’s historic high street, and one lucky buyer will have their apartment fully styled with all the latest Poundland homeware and décor as it shows off its new ranges. Of course, the apartments cost a little more than £1 – they were put on sale from £85,000 – but one buyer will get an even better bargain, because one apartment has been decked out with scores of products that cost £1 or less from the store below. What’s more, the flats are all highly insulated and served by an air source heat pump, making them energy efficient too. Poundland’s refurbished home in Elgin will be managed by Gerry McAloon, who was also the manager in the same building when it was a Woolworths store. Gerry has a 31-year history of working in the building for both Woolworths and Poundland and was determined to manage the store when it moved back from its temporary home elsewhere in the town after the fire that set back the restoration project.
12 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
INTERIORS
A FEW ITEMS WE PARTICULARLY LOVE!
POUNDLAND HAS STYLE
One of the four apartments has been styled with scores of new products now in the extended clothing and homeware ranges found in the Elgin store and all its 800-plus stores across the UK and Ireland. In a typical Poundland store, around a third of the items are priced at a pound or less – remarkable when you consider that £1 in 1990, when Poundland opened its rst store, would, according to the Bank of England’s in ation calculator, be the equivalent of £2.42 today. Whatever the price though, it’s always amazing value at Poundland!
Cushion covers , £3
Wine glasses , £2.50 for 2
Glass container , £3
Cutlery set , £6
Selection of picture frames , from £2.20
Plant pots , from £4
Woven placemat , £2.50 for 2
Pepco Homewares @ Poundland bedside table , £6
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 13
Homepage LIVING
At home with: Cynthia Green
Cynthia Green is a Team Manager/Deputy Superintendent Registrar for Births, Deaths and Marriages and Civil Partnerships at Islington Registry Office and London City Council. She is well-known for all her TV work and was a Celebrant on Love is Blind UK on Netflix, Married at First Sight and The Wedding House for Channel 4. She talks to Lynda Clark about her exciting and very interesting career, the ups and downs of renting and has some great advice for first time buyers
FTB: Tell us about your first foot on the property ladder? CG: Well, even though I am 60 I have never
actually bought my own home! I have always privately rented until I met the love of my life a couple of years ago and moved into his housing association flat. It’s wonderful and I love it. It’s in Islington but on a quiet street and has a lovely balcony – I am very happy there. We are getting married next December in Japan and our dream is to buy a home in the country.We love being outside and appreciating nature and we both couldn’t imagine a better and more peaceful way of life. “TRY NOT TO BE NEGATIVE OR
Photos: @i.productions_ hq
and I honestly don’t know how I managed to do it all! During my last year I decided to look at the job market, so I was really prepared for when I finished studying and, in those days, jobs were advertised in the back of newspapers. I saw a job I thought looked interesting for a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Bolton and decided to apply. I was asked to go along for an interview and left the factory at 6.30am and rushed home to get ready for the interview at 9.30am. I was so shocked when the Superintendent Registrar, who is the real big wig, rang me the next day and said he thought it was one of the best interviews he had ever done, and I was amazing! So, I
FTB: How did your career start? CG: I was born in Bolton and eventually had two children and was working in a cake factory at night and doing a degree in sociology with a smattering of psychology
DISHEARTENED AS IF YOU REALLY WANT A HOME OF YOUR OWN IT WILL HAPPEN, BUT IT MIGHT JUST TAKE A LITTLE LONGER THAN YOU HAD HOPED FOR”
14 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
Homepage LIVING
“I WAS SO SHOCKED WHEN THE SUPERINTENDENT REGISTRAR, WHO IS THE REAL BIG WIG, RANG ME THE NEXT DAY AND SAID HE THOUGHT IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST INTERVIEWS HE HAD EVER DONE, AND I WAS AMAZING!”
got the job and loved it, but after three and a half years I decided to have a real change and moved to London and got a job, doing the same thing but in Lambeth.When I got the job, I cried as I couldn’t believe it and moving to London was a huge change, but I was very excited! My daughter came with me, but my son was 14 and at school and he wanted to stay to finish his studies, so he lived with my parents. They were so supportive and said, “What is the worst that can happen? You can always come back.” I live by that mantra now. So, I moved south and privately rented a flat with my younger sister who moved six months after me. A year later, we got our own places via a housing association. I stayed at Lambeth for three years until I moved jobs to Islington where I have been for the past 21 years. FTB: Have you had any memorable moments in your career? CG: I conducted the first same sex civil partnership ceremony in Islington in 2005 and made history by doing the first opposite sex civil partnership at midnight in 2014. I also did register the first and only Scientology wedding that has taken place as far as I know in England. I have married approximately over 20,000 people to date, including conducting my twin sister’s wedding in 2011, and have some wonderful memories and very happy stories. FTB: Tell us about your TV career? CG: I had only been working at Islington for about four months when I was asked to attend the first wedding to take place on the London Eye, which was live on what was then called GMTV – Lorraine Kelly was there, and it was so amazing. That led on to me working on The Wedding House in 2010. It was an eight-part series, and I married 46 couples in 25 days! There was me, a wedding planner and a seamstress and we were the presenters as well. Couples had to forfeit all control and didn’t see anything until the big day itself. It was brilliant and became a real cult television show. There were all sorts of different themes including Alice in Wonderland and a masquerade ball – it was really great fun. I had to take time off work to take part, but it was worth it. I then got a call from a production company who asked me if I would be the registrar on Married at First Sight on Channel 4. It was a bold social experiment where single people, matched by experts, marry total strangers, who they meet for the very first time on their wedding day.Then Covid came along and there was no work and afterwards they decided not to marry the couples but do a commitment wedding which is what they do on the Australian version. I didn’t do any more until I was asked to do another
show called Love is Blind UK . This show was another social experiment where single men and women look for love and get engaged before meeting in person. They build a bond through talking to each other and connecting emotionally. FTB: What are your plans for the future? CG: I love my work, and my dream is to have my own show. I am also very busy seeing my family and grandchildren and preparing for my wedding next year in Japan. Both my fiancé and I are big fans of the great outdoors and enjoy walks, when Milo is not having problems with his knee, and being with nature, so we would love to buy a house in the country – so who knows? But maybe in a couple of years’ time we will fulfil our dream.
FTB What advice do you have for first time buyers? CG: It is extremely hard for anyone to save, especially with private rents being so high. My daughter is in the position where she is desperately trying to save, but paying an extortionate
rent and with the cost-of-living crisis as well, it is very difficult. She made a list of things she and her family really needed and things they could cut out and has stuck to this. She used to enjoy a manicure but now does it herself and she has cut down on takeaways and going out It’s a case of looking at your lifestyle and trying to adapt it. That, of course, doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying yourself, as everyone needs a little treat every so often. I recently lost a lot of weight by changing my lifestyle, but I did have my cheat days and ate what I wanted – it’s worked and I have lost three stone. Try not to be negative or disheartened as if you really want a home of your own it will happen, but it might just take a little longer than you had hoped for.
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 15
Homepage FIRST RUNG
The HOUSE HUNTER
What we found…
THE QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD THE CONVENIENCE KING
Cassia Oakwood, N14
Meridian One En eld, north London
This month FTB goes on the hunt with Marco and Justin Wilson-Agnietto who are looking for a one bedroom apartment in Enfield, north London or surrounding areas
These one to three bedroom apartments and duplexes offer a well-rounded London lifestyle. The contemporary homes lie within walking distance of great rail links (25 minutes to Euston from Meridian Water station) as well as supermarkets, well-equipped high streets, green spaces and amenities. The properties are arranged around a private central courtyard with seating and a play area, while inside, the apartments are bright and modern with open- plan living areas, tiled bathrooms, en suites in larger properties and large windows for optimal light.
Known for its leafy feel, quality parks and good schools, desirable Oakwood offers a peaceful location just a 30-minute tube ride from central London. The one and two bedroom apartments available are bright and spacious, with private outdoor space and communal gardens to enjoy. Chase Side high street is a short stroll, while nearby Barnet is great for theatre, cinema and a good choice of eateries. The homes here have a Georgian in uence, with stylish and contemporary open-plan interiors. All apartments feature private outdoor space.
PROFILE
Names Marco (34) and Justin (44) Wilson-Agnietto Occupations Hairdresser; Administration Manager Maximum budget £200,000 Requirements An apartment with one or two bedrooms, a balcony or shared gardens, good transport links to central London and some lively areas nearby
What they wanted…
We are looking for a beautiful home that we can call ours. We’ve been living in house shares for too long and though we’ve had some amazing times living with friends and loving London, we’re desperate for our own space. We love the idea of a modern apartment and can’t wait to look around and see what’s on offer in our price range. Marco works mostly in Hackney, so he’d like an easy commute to work, and I work from home mostly, so am really quite exible. We have an active social life and don’t want to give that up or make it too dif cult by moving to a remote area – but are also really hoping to nd somewhere where we can create a calm and tranquil retreat where we really feel we can put down some roots. I have a lump sum from a redundancy a few years ago that we’ve been adding savings to with the view to saving a deposit. We nally have enough to look with the intent to buy!”
sagehomes.co.uk
newlonliving.co.uk
*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £350,000
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £350,000
What they thought…
This looks like a lovely development – we love the idea of the central gardens and the large, corner balconies that would be perfect for enjoying morning coffee and sundown drinks. This is a good location, so close to the station, and there are lots of amenities and things to do at the weekend close by; plenty of things to explore. It would be so convenient for Marco to get to work from here; he’s not great at early mornings, so having the station so close would be genius for him!”
We have friends in nearby Cockfosters and Southgate – and we think this looks like a really nice part of north London. The transport links to central London look great from here – there’s a choice of tube stations within walking distance. And there’s a lot of green space – we do love Trent Park, it is huge and would be great for jogging and summer walks, and we may even get the rescue dog we’ve been hoping for. The development itself is super stylish, and the fact that there’s parking is a big bonus.”
16 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
Homepage FIRST RUNG
First choice!
THE PARKLAND SETTING
THE WILDCARD
The Chase Collection Trent Park En eld, north London
SO Resi Whetstone Whetstone, north London
Only a few one bedroom apartments remain at this popular development in the leafy suburb of Whetstone. The homes are located on a tree-lined residential road and sit around a pretty, landscaped central courtyard. Inside, the interiors are lush and stylish, with oak-effect ooring, open-plan living areas and well- sized integral balconies. The High Road, for cafes, shops, foodie pubs and an underground station, is a short walk away, and London Euston can be reached in 26 minutes from the travel Zone 4 Totteridge & Whetstone station.
Things couldn’t look any greener at this new collection of one bedroom homes set within 413 acres of stunning parkland. The properties sit within Trent Park, which consists of ancient woodland, lakes and historic monuments. Cockfosters high street, with cafes, restaurants and local shops, lies within walking distance, while travel from nearby Cockfosters tube takes less than 30 minutes to King’s Cross. The apartments are thoughtfully designed, with well-sized living spaces and decked balconies that enjoy beautiful views.
THE NEXT STEP
“We’ve been planning to buy for a while, so have spoken to a mortgage broker and received a mortgage offer in principle – we really are ready to go! We’ve expressed our interest in this development and will be spending a few of our weekends looking around the area. We’re really excited that this could be our new home and already have our Amazon wish list on the go!”
soresi.co.uk
landgah.com
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £442,500
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £400,000
We don’t know a great deal about this area, but we have visited friends in Whetstone previously, and we really loved the beautiful period homes and nice shops and cafes in the area. We also really like Barnet and Finchley, so we would de nitely be open to living close by. We love that these apartments are on a tree-lined, residential street – we have quite busy lives both at work and socially, and really do want our home to be a peaceful escape from everyday life.”
Wow, what an amazing setting. We never imagined you could buy a new build apartment in London with such fantastic, green surroundings. These homes would be a tranquil retreat for us – and all so close to Cockfosters and central London. There are some great sports facilities right on the doorstep, too, which would be such a positive for us as we’ve been hoping to get back into running and tennis. We’d need to work out if the commute works well for Marco, but this is a serious contender.”
For us, this development has just what we’re looking for: the location is great for keeping up our active social life, for getting to work and around London – plus the homes are incredibly stylish. There’s nothing not to like! There is a gym, shops and doctors right on the doorstop, and waterside pubs close by on the canal. You can also get to Hackney and Stratford so easily. I think we’d be able to have our peaceful home without ever feeling like we’re missing out on the buzz of London. We love the styling – those new kitchens, the gorgeous wooden ooring and massive balconies are exactly what we’ve been looking for.”
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 17
ADVICE
Ellie Miners is Sales Manager at Park Properties Housing Association (PPHA), part of HSPG. PPHA provides high-quality affordable homes for rent and sale. She has worked in the property industry for more than eight years, previously working on the sale of open market homes before joining PPHA and working with social housing. Ellie is driven by her passion to help people find homes they couldn’t otherwise afford to buy, from first time buyers looking for their first home to couples looking for extra space as their families grow q I am a first time buyer who has been priced out of the market, but shared ownership sounds too
Ellie Miners, Sales Manager, Park Properties Housing Association
you do it your way, to suit your financial situation.There is never any pressure to increase your share if it doesn’t work for you. That’s what makes shared ownership such a great opportunity for so many people looking to get on the property ladder. It’s a way of pulling that ladder down to make homeownership affordable sooner and that’s something I’m so proud to be involved with. Buying a home is a major decision, whatever route you take.When you’re ready, get in touch with PPHA and look at the amazing options we have available, and we can help you
Let’s quickly run through how it works. Shared ownership is where you can buy a portion of a new home, while paying rent on the rest of it. You will have a home that is yours and it is affordable, instead of having to save up for years for a huge deposit.The process is quick and straightforward. Take our four bedroom, detached shared ownership home in Market Drayton as an example. The open market value is £355,000. If you buy a 40% share, you’ll need: • Mortgage: £142,000 • 5% deposit: £7,100 • Monthly mortgage payment on 40% share: £778* • Monthly rent at 2.75%: £489 • Estimated monthly service charge: £60 *(based on 4.9% interest rate) Buying this home on the open market would usually require a minimum 10% deposit of £35,000, therefore shared ownership is a much more accessible and affordable option. We sell through shared ownership specialist agents alongside independent financial advisers who are experts in this field. They can provide help and advice every step of the way, making it a straightforward process throughout. You mentioned staircasing as one of the elements that seems daunting, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s simply a way you could increase how much of the property you own, over time. It’s a process you are in control of, and we would work with you to help
take the next steps towards having a place of your own.
Next steps
complicated and daunting. Is it really a good option for families like ours who just want to find a home without having to worry about things like staircasing or paying rent and a mortgage at the same time? A This is an excellent question and one we often hear! It’s completely understandable that people can be put off by concepts like shared ownership, as they often don’t understand what it means and what is involved. That’s why it’s my job to inform and reassure first time buyers that shared ownership is nothing to fear. It really is a great opportunity for people who have otherwise been priced out of the housing market to get on to or move up the property ladder. If you’re at the stage of your life where you are ready to buy a house or looking to move, but aren’t able to afford the incredibly high deposits you need to buy on the open market, shared ownership can help you achieve that dream much more quickly and affordably. Shared ownership homes are available all over the country, not just in large towns and cities. Many of the homes we sell through shared ownership are houses in semi-rural locations, in smaller towns and villages, allowing individuals, couples or young families to buy a home in the area they grew up in or want to move to.
At PPHA we provide homes in city suburbs and semi-rural locations, ideal for families looking for the benefits of countryside living.We offer affordable homes from Shropshire to Yorkshire to Gloucestershire to Suffolk, among many other locations. So, if you are looking for help finding your dream home, get in touch with us today. To register your interest please
visit our website ppha.uk or contact us on info@ppha.uk
A selection of our current homes available under shared ownership: Market Drayton, Shropshire: Park Properties
has delivered 37 attractive three and
four bedroom homes for sale through shared ownership, which are available to move into now.
Upper Outwoods, Burton-on-Trent: We will have seven high-quality two bedroom homes for sale through shared ownership coming soon, with the homes ready to move into shortly afterwards. Banbury, Oxfordshire: A stunning collection of 26 shared ownership homes recently launched in a fantastic rural location in Banbury, with plenty of green spaces and easy access to the town centre. Great Dunmow, Essex: We have 22 shared ownership homes located in the heart of this picturesque market town, with some excellent schools nearby.
18 First Time Buyer June/July 2018
February/March 2025
THE VIEW
20 First Time Buyer December 2021/January 2022
20 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
THE VIEW
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! Lucy Alexander is already a household name having co-presented Homes Under the Hammer for BBC1 every morning for 13 years. Since then, she has worked on a number of different shows and is now a presenter on A Place in the Sun for Channel 4. A massive fan of property, Lucy talks to Lynda Clark about her buying experiences, her TV career and offers her expert knowledge of buying for the first time
Photos: Mike Prior
L ucy is one of the most enthusiastic, bubbly people you are ever likely to meet. Her life hasn’t always been easy but she is so positive and up-beat about everything. We met as she was preparing to fly to Spain to present A Place in the Sun , but still had plenty of time to have coffee, delicious croissants and a catch-up. She is married to Stewart Castledine, a former Premier League footballer, and has two children of whom they are very proud. Leo, 19, who is
was paid her father very sensibly said that he would take the cheques so she didn’t spend it on clothes and going out! Her parents were always interested in property and they advised her to put the money into buying a home. Even though she was very young she decided to buy a two bedroom apartment in Clapham, south London, for £49,000 and her father acted as guarantor. She said, “At that point in my life I didn’t see it as an investment but I just loved the idea of being independent. I had various friends come and stay which helped out with the mortgage and I ended up living there for eight years. I eventually sold it for about £150,000, which was a good profit.” She then met her future husband, Stewart, who was also interested in property, and he sold his house and they bought a place together in Teddington,
following in his father’s footsteps and plays football at Chelsea, and Kitty, who plays Penny Branning in EastEnders .When she was about seven, Kitty became paralysed from an illness and is now a full-time wheelchair user. “Nothing stops her and it certainly doesn’t define her and she loves acting and is brilliant. She went to LAMDA and we were so delighted when she landed the part in this iconic soap.” When Lucy was about 18, she made a couple of TV commercials and when she
"I LOVE THE PEOPLE WE FIND A HOME FOR AND IT’S WONDERFUL TO BE PART OF THEIR JOURNEY"
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 21
THE VIEW
which they did up and eventually sold. “It was really the start of the property bug for us both.”They have bought and sold many properties and do a great deal of the work needed on the houses themselves and get builders to do the bigger projects. Lucy certainly doesn’t hang around if she sees a property she likes. At one point she saw one about 30 seconds up the road from a house she lived in so she knew the place and location well. “I knew it was in a terrible state but had masses of potential. I got to hear about it as it had been to auction and not sold. I did peer into all the windows though and it confirmed how awful it really was! It had been converted into five flats, which was also complicated; when we eventually bought it we wanted to turn it back into one house, which involved planning issues and jumping through lots of hoops. We also had to wait until all the tenants left before we could start work on it. It was a big risk but definitely worth it as it became a wonderful family home.” But Lucy and Stewart then had an even bigger project and found a wonderful plot which had an old 1930s house on it. She said, “We decided to sell the Manor House and move just one more time. The plot was just around the corner from where we lived and so we knew the locality very well. We eventually decided to knock the original house down and only kept four of the walls and we completely changed the look and feel of the new house that we built. It is gorgeous and is a Georgian-style double-fronted house with a slate roof, sash windows and a huge front door. "We painted it in a soft grey colour with white windows and it’s very pretty. It was a mega project and of course it took much longer than expected and cost so much more than we budgeted for, but it’s the perfect home for the family and we all love it here. Leo isn’t here all the time as he is on loan to Shrewsbury Town Football Club at the moment and lives there mostly, but he comes home as much as he can.We have made our house accessible with a lift and wider doorways and there is lots of patio area, which is better for Kitty than muddy grass to wheel over.We also have a gorgeous Cavapoo dog, called Teddy as he looks just like a teddy bear, and we all adore him.”
"CHAT TO THE NEIGHBOURS AND DO ALL YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU COMMIT, TO MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU"
lives changed radically. Lucy said, “It was a very difficult time for everyone but my mum became seriously ill, which was a shock and there was no work. I looked after my mum until she passed away, but I decided to buy a cottage in Whitstable which is where my parents lived and she adored it there, so I always feel that my mum gifted me that passion for the place and I love the sea, so it seemed the perfect thing to do. "I bought the cottage after an old lady had died and it was a complete wreck. I did a great deal of work to it on a shoestring budget and was very strict that I kept to my budget and didn’t get carried away! Having the cottage was like therapy after I lost my mum. Actually, my mum was really enthusiastic about me buying a place there and she managed to come along to the viewing, and was very keen I went ahead, which was lovely. I painted the outside pale blue and installed new heating, a new bathroom and sanded the floors. It’s my bolt hole and I spend as much time there as I possibly can. Whitstable is famous for its sunsets and sometimes I drive down in my pyjamas and go straight to the beach, which is only about a minute from the cottage and watch the sunset – it’s stunning. “Then I was sitting in my cottage one day and got a phone call from the head of Channel 4 telling me they were looking for a stand-in presenter for A Place in the Sun . I had watched the show all my life and knew the format so I was very excited. Four days later I was filming and secretly hoped they might give me a few more shows, which they did. I have now done 16 episodes and have been to Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Italy and I am due to go to Florida and the Caribbean soon. I love the people we find a home for and it’s wonderful to be part of their journey. We show them five possible places to buy and I get so excited as the week unfolds and they make their decision. It’s a dream job! "Property is my passion and I have thoroughly enjoyed building our gorgeous new home. I’ve had to make some big decisions but if you don’t do anything a bit out of the ordinary in life you will always regret it. Go for gold and even if it’s a rocky ride it will be a stepping stone to lead on to bigger and better things. I am also delighted that Leo and Kitty have decided to buy
Lucy’s career has always gone from strength to strength. “I absolutely adored Homes Under the Hammer, but after 13 years I felt like I should dip my toe in the water and see what else was out there. I was approached by Carpetright to become its ambassador for all its brand new stores and new marketing campaign. I knew that if I took it on then I wouldn’t be able to work for the BBC any more but it was the push I needed, so I agreed." Then in a very short space of time she was approached by Channel 4 and given a number of different shows. She presented Best of Both Worlds . “This was a great show and basically I found a property for couples where one wants to live in the town and the other in the countryside. I had to think outside the box and try to find a home which combined both the joys of town and country living. We looked at three homes and everyone was blown away.They always tell me that they would never have thought of looking at the places I showed them and many of them ended up buying one of the homes. It was very hard work and I had to drive all over the country and do lots of research beforehand and if they wanted to make an offer it was up to me to seal the deal.” She also presented Bang on Budget which was a home renovation show and Lost and Found showing the work of the dog rescue charity, Dogs Trust, as well as following dog owners as they searched for their missing pets. “I was then approached by the BBC again as it had a show called The Customer is Always Right , where entrepreneurs from across the UK discovered how customers from different backgrounds felt towards their innovative products. I worked on two series and it was great fun and very successful.” Then we experienced the pandemic and lockdown and everyone’s
"I THINK LOCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT BUT THERE ARE SOME AMAZING PLACES WHICH MAY NOT BE QUITE WHERE YOU HAD THOUGHT OF LIVING AND ARE REALLY ON THE UP"
22 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
THE VIEW
their first home together. It makes sense for them to pool their funds and we are busy looking for the right place but I am sure we will find something they both like – I am chief project manager and loving every minute of it.” Lucy has some very good advice for first time buyers and said, “During tough financial times, pooling funds with friends and family, if you can, is a great way to start. Buy if you can and then the home is yours. There is a big percentage of parents who are helping out their children one way or another, and the bank of mum and dad is becoming more and more popular. "I think location is very important but there are some amazing places which may not be quite where you had thought of living and are really on the up. In these up-and-coming areas you will get more for your money and even if it’s not trendy or has a cafe culture it will eventually come. My advice is to buy the worst house on the best street, basically the ugly duckling, as from my experience a good location means that property prices hold their own. Everyone has a different list of things they need and want from a home, but things like transport links, proximity to shops and schools, are very important. "It is vital to secure funds and it is sensible to make sure you have a mortgage offer in place before you start. If you don't have a mortgage offer then it is pretty pointless to start house hunting as you could end up very disappointed.View as many properties as you can and make friends with the estate agent and regularly call them so you don’t miss out on anything new coming to the market.Visit the area at all times of the day and at weekends too. Chat to the neighbours and do all your research before you commit, to make sure it is the home for you. "You should also add value to your home once you have bought it – even if it’s a new build you can change the door or knock through the garage and create a car port – it will then have your own personality stamped on it and will certainly add value and space." Lucy is very keen on buying at auction and said, “If you buy at auction it will mostly be a wreck but you could make a lot of money. It is not for the faint-hearted and hard for first timers who are not cash rich, but if you can take the plunge and are young and have lots of energy then an auction property is the way to go.” Lucy has a busy schedule but manages to juggle home and work so that everyone is very happy. “I just love what I do and couldn’t be happier. Life is full of fun and our house is always filled with laughter and I have my beautiful cottage by the sea, so I guess I have the best of all worlds,”
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 23
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