First Time Buyer February/March 2026

NEW BUILD HOMES

CASE STUDY

READING L&Q at Bankside Gardens

Tucked away among a cluster of lakes and 22 acres of vast open parkland, L&Q at Bankside Gardens combines tranquil lakeside surroundings with convenient transport links. The one and two bedroom homes provide a modern specication,

with ooring in all rooms, contemporary tted kitchens featuring a range of integrated appliances, as well as communal heating, making them the ideal rst home. Residents also benet from secure cycle storage, parking and private outdoor space to every home. Additionally, the on-site Residents’ Club 51 is home to a gym, cinema room and co-working spaces. Journeys into central Reading take six minutes from Reading Green Park station, which is located just a three-minute walk away. From Reading station, London can be reached in 24 minutes.

Jasper , an apprentice management consultant, recently purchased a £340,000 two bedroom conversion apartment in Factory No.1’s Regent House, in Bedminster, with help from the Bank of Mum and Dad. Originally from Reading, Jasper has relocated for work and, given that he is just 19, peace of mind was one of the major factors driving his parents’ decision to help him to become a homeowner. “My parents wanted to ensure I was living in a secure building,” says Jasper, “as this is my rst proper move away from home.” As soon as Jasper secured his new role in July, he began looking for somewhere to live, but was frustrated by the prices. “I wasn’t keen on putting £30-40,000 down the drain in the rst few of years of renting here,” he explains, so he jumped at a helping hand. While buying now is an investment into his future and a smart nancial move, Jasper is still conscious of his monthly outgoings. “I recognise how privileged I am,” he says. “I’m really grateful to my parents for being able to help me out. It makes a huge difference, especially with me being so early in my career. However, renting or buying in a big city is still a massive nancial strain.” While Jasper loves living alone, he is planning to advertise his spare bedroom as a rental, to help cover the cost of his mortgage and bills. For Jasper, a new build home has enabled him to concentrate on his career. He explains, “Moving away and starting a new job is a lot to get your head around. I didn’t have time to worry about getting my home up to scratch. I wanted to be able to hit the ground running and really focus on my job, which I can do here at Factory No.1, thanks to the high- quality nish and modern specication.” Shelley West, Group Sales and Marketing Director at City & Country, says, “We have noticed an inux of younger people who are keen to live in the city but, like Jasper, cannot justify renting, so have enlisted the help of the Bank of Mum and Dad. Choosing to buy is increasingly becoming the rst port of call for young people ying the nest, especially in a city like Bristol which is experiencing an exponential increase in rental costs.”

lqhomes.com/banksidegardens 0333 242 2045

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £285,000

HARROW Northwick Parkside

Countryside Homes has launched the rst collection of homes at Northwick Parkside, a major new neighbourhood. Delivered in partnership with Sovereign Network Group, this rst phase of homes brings a contemporary collection of one, two and three bedroom

apartments and three bedroom townhouses to market. All homes offer a premium specication as standard, and every apartment enjoys a park-facing balcony or terrace. The development has also been designed with energy efciency in mind, using highly insulated external walls and responsibly sourced materials to improve heat retention, reduce carbon footprint and help lower monthly bills for residents. Northwick Park underground station is just a ve-minute walk away, providing direct Metropolitan Line services into central London, while nearby South Kenton and Kenton stations offer Bakerloo and Overground connections.

countrysidehomes.com/developments/london/northwick-parkside 020 3514 7546

HARINGEY L&Q at Alexandra Gate

L&Q is offering an impressive collection of studio, one and two bedroom Shared Ownership apartments at Alexandra Gate, conveniently located just 20 minutes from Crouch End and 10 minutes from Alexandra Park. The homes feature a range of different oorplans, plenty

of natural light and private outside space. Residents can also enjoy access to landscaped communal green spaces, including a new pocket square and public garden. The development also offers excellent transport connections, with four Zone 3 stations – Alexandra Palace, Hornsey, Wood Green, and Turnpike Lane – all within a 13-minute walk.

lqhomes.com/alexandragate 020 8189 7527

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £492,500

28 First Time Buyer February/March 2026

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