The Ultimate Guide to... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
the Ultimate Guide to ... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
December 2024/ January 2025 £4.99
rsttimebuyermag.com
THE BEST FTB HOTSPOTS AROUND THE COUNTRY PLUS SPOTLIGHTS ON WEMBLEY, BEDFORD AND ENFIELD WIN! A DENBY DINNER SET WORTH £276
THE MORTGAGE MARKET
WIN! TWO TUBS OF V33 RENOVATION WALL TILE & PANELLING PAINT WORTH £80
HOW SOCIAL MEDIA AND INFLUENCERS ARE HELPING FIRST TIME BUYERS
“Look around and visit homes you thought would not be for you as you can often be surprised ”
Sophie Liard Content creator, author and in uencer
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
This year seems to have flown by! It’s been interesting with a new Labour Government and the recent Budget. It is a great shame that the Stamp Duty threshold increase will end on 31 March 2025. For first time buyers this means that at the moment there is no Stamp Duty to pay on a property which costs up to £425,000 but that threshold will now return to £300,000.We know many of you are desperate to get on the ladder and we truly believe this is possible. My advice would be that if you are nearly ready to buy it would be advisable to take
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
that leap sooner rather than later to avoid losing out. In the meantime, with Christmas just around the corner I hope you enjoy our festive features – lovely decorations and the best Christmas fayre from the supermarkets. We know that the property market has its ups and downs, but things appear to be looking up. Debbie Clark takes a look at some of the most popular locations for first time buyers, which are well worth checking out and we highlight some affordable homes in those areas too (see pages 22-26). I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. 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, STEVE HIRD, 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
firsttimebuyeronline
@firsttimebuyermag
SUBSCRIPTIONS 020 3488 7754
SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754
EDITOR’S PICKS…
All advertising copy for February/March 2025 must be received before 10 January 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.
I like the idea of a new and growing community, with new facilities, too. Marissa Polydorou, House Hunter, page 14 Securing your rate for a period of ve to 15 years makes it easier to budget and removes the stress. James Pagan, Finance, page 86
I focused on my mood boards where I showed people how to style a luxurious room for less. Jade Waller, At home with, page 12
Buy with the location at the forefront of your thinking; accessibility to family, friends, work and play. Harrison Smith, 20 Questions, page 106
I think it’s fascinating what the same
budget can get in different locations. Joseph Grant, Developer’s Doctor, page 16
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 3
CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 / ISSUE 110 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK
What’s in…
69 The best FTB properties
68 While studying at the University of Southampton, Lucy and her partner, Oliver, both aged 22, were resolute about not returning to their families after graduating. After looking at their options, they bought a two bedroom semi-detached house through shared ownership at the Nobel Park development in Didcot, Oxfordshire, from the Sovereign Network Group and couldn’t be happier.
14 House Hunter We go on the hunt with teacher Marissa Polydorou who is looking for a one bedroom apartment in south east London. 16 Developer’s doctor Joseph Grant, Development Sales Manager for Thrive Homes, answers your property question.
HOMEPAGE 8 FTB Loves... The countdown to Christmas brings a wonderful selection of Advent calendars. FTB highlights our special favourites! 10 Living Ready to decorate your home this festive season? Consider using soft neutrals and subtle greenery to help bring the outdoors inside – natures tones at their best! 12 At home with: Jade Waller Best known for creating beautiful interiors on a budget, stylist Jade Waller has 185,000 followers on Instagram. She talks to Lynda Clark about her story, her future plans, and gives her top tips to help first time buyers take a first step on to the property ladder – including a recommendation not to allow yourself to be pressurised into making a quick decision.
FEATURED
18 The View: Sophie Liard Well-known as The Folding Lady, Sophie is a content creator focusing on home organisation and shares her tips and tricks to over five million followers around the world on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. She shares her story of how her interest in folding and organising first began and also gives some very sound advice for first timers.
of the locations which are most popular with first time buyers plus showcasing some affordable homes in these areas.
54 Trendwatch: What’s hot for 2025? Steve Hird, Director and Co- founder of Edward Thomas Interiors, explains what interior trends you should watch out for and how to refresh your home to embrace the new year.
22 The Roaring Twenties New data reveals that the property market is flourishing and Debbie Clark highlights some
10
4 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
CONTENTS
18 Sophie Liard
THE VIEW, PAGE 18
DO YOUR RESEARCH
AS BUYING A HOME IS SUCH A HUGE COMMITMENT
REGULARS
the key questions you should ask your conveyancer when buying your first home. 86 Finance Mortgage rates are up and down. Kay Hill examines the constantly changing mortgage market and highlights some new initiatives on the scene. 88 Market Social media and influencers are more popular than ever, especially with first time buyers trying to navigate the journey to homeownership. Ginetta Vedrickas investigates the trend and talks to some of those offering advice. 90 Agony Agent All your property questions answered by our panel of experts. 93 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property buying process. 98 The difference between leasehold and freehold Coralie Phelan, Partner and Head of Resales and Staircasing at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, explains the main differences between leasehold and freehold. 100 Directory Check which scheme is right for you, plus some useful contacts. 106 20 Questions We ask 20 quick-fire questions to a property expert and in this issue Harrison Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Tidywork Studio, is in the spotlight.
34 Hotspot We look at Wembley as a place to live. 50 Hotspot We take a look at the town of Bedford as a place to consider in your property search. 56 Hotspot We examine what Enfield has to offer as a place for a first home.
74 FTB’s Christmas Feast Face-Off
The supermarkets are all offering a large range of delicious and varied Christmas fayre. We have tried and tested the best to bring you a guide to this season’s most delicious offerings.
80 First home, first meal For a change this festive season try this delicious recipe for Fire Roasted Lamb Shoulder with smoked maple and festive spices, created by Jean Delport, Executive Chef of one-Michelin-starred restaurant, Interlude. 81 Know how Some clever ideas on how to create a budget-friendly Christmas with first time buyers in mind. 82 Digital ID checks Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers explains what is being done to streamline the process of buying a home. 84 Questions you should ask your conveyancer Bevin Woby, Director at Shared Direction Conveyancing, explains
77
Competition Win a stunning collection of Denby tableware worth £276.
79
Competition Win two tubs of V33 renovation wall tile and panelling paint worth £80.
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 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 IS A FIRST TIME BUYER? I was wondering who actually qualifies as a first time buyer? Are there specific requirements that rule you in or out? Emily Davis
SURVEYS I am a first time buyer so I have never had any experience of buying a home before. I know that I will need to have surveys done on the property that I am purchasing but why do I need them and what surveys do I need? Daniel Parish
FTB says: A “first time buyer” is legally defined as someone who has never owned any residential property anywhere in the world. This means you cannot have previously owned a home (with or without a mortgage) or any buy-to-let property. Inherited properties also count, so even if you’ve never personally purchased a home, inheriting one disqualifies you from being considered as a first time buyer. It’s also important to remember that you’re only considered a first time buyer if you’re purchasing a home to live in yourself. If you’re buying a property to rent out or as an investment, you won’t qualify for any first time buyer perks. Additionally, if you’re buying with someone else and your partner has ever owned a residential property, it could mean losing some of the benefits that first timers typically receive.
FTB says:You should have a survey on the
property to help you avoid hidden problems that could be costly in the long run. It will be your property, so it’s in your interest to pay for a decent survey at this stage. It can also help you in renegotiations, if a major issue is highlighted. There are several types of survey available: RICS condition report – a basic “traffic light” survey and the cheapest. It’s most suitable for new build and conventional homes in good condition. No advice or valuation is provided in this survey. RICS homebuyer report – suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. This is a much more detailed survey, looking thoroughly both inside and outside a property. It also includes a valuation of the home. Building or structural survey – this is the most comprehensive survey and suitable for all residential properties. It’s particularly good for older homes or homes that might need repairs.
This issue’s star letter prize wins a bundle of Christmas goodies worth £27.30 from rexlondon.com. Perfect for your Christmas festivities, there is a red glass candleholder, £9.95, which will add a lovely pop of colour to your dining table; a double-ended red glass candle holder which can be placed either way up to accommodate a taper candle or a tealight, £6.95 and a pack of two twisted candles, £5.95. Ideal for that special lunch or dinner, there is also a
WHAT IS LOAN-TO-VALUE I am hoping to buy my first home soon and I’ve been doing a great deal of research. Could you tell me what loan-to-value means and why is it important? George Peck FTB says: Loan-to-value (LTV) is a formula or ratio used by lenders to measure the amount of borrowing needed against the value of the property (determined by a RICS valuer, not the price paid).When looking for a mortgage, products will have an LTV that you will need to meet, and the LTV ratio can affect the interest rate on offer. The bigger your deposit, the lower your LTV ratio might be. Having a lower LTV often means you have a larger deposit, improving the chance of being offered a lower interest rate that
VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the rst time, go to rsttimebuyermag.com will mean you will have cheaper monthly mortgage payments. If you have a larger deposit, reducing the loan-to-value to say 75%, lenders may view you as a safer option than someone with a 95% LTV as you will borrow a smaller percentage of the value of the property. Although it is tempting to put all your savings into the deposit, remember you’ll have legal costs, mortgage arrangement fees and moving costs, so you need to keep some money back. It’s best to speak with an experienced mortgage adviser who can advise on the best mortgage for your personal situation and goals.
pack of retro Christmas napkins featuring a lovely 50s inspired design, £2.95, and a pretty straw star decoration, £1.50, to hang on your tree. rexlondon.com
JOINT MORTGAGES I am struggling to save enough for a deposit by myself. I have two friends in a similar situation as me. Is it possible for us to get a three-way mortgage? David Parsons FTB says: Getting a mortgage with friends is possible. Normally you can take out a joint mortgage with one friend, although some lenders will allow up to four people to be on the mortgage application. Everyone is responsible for
the mortgage repayments. For shared ownership, all applicants must qualify for the scheme and must meet the maximum regional household income cap. It is very important when buying with friends that you all get legal advice and have some form of legal agreement in place between yourselves as this is a big financial commitment and circumstances may change. It is always best to speak to a specialist solicitor and a mortgage broker to go through the options available.
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 7
FTB LOVES
This festive season enjoy your countdown to Christmas with a diverse selection of Advent calendars! From tea and rich coffee to tasty chocolate, beauty products, and even something for the cat! The perfect early Christmas gift to get you feeling merry! COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS: 25 DAYS OF HOLIDAY FINDS
Grind Advent Calendar , £28, Grind Experience the countdown to Christmas with 25 days of home- compostable, Nespresso-compatible pods, each lled with a unique, specialty- grade coffee blend. From the classic House Blend to the bold Extra Dark Blend and the sweet Caramel Blend, there’s a new avour to enjoy every day. With so many different varieties, you’ll never get bored! grind.co.uk
Webbox Lick-e-Lix Turkey & Cranberry 4pk , £2.50, B&M Make your cat’s Christmas magical with this festive treat! The purr-fect way to spoil your feline friend throughout the festive season! bmstores.co.uk
Beauty Advent Calendar , £45, Holland & Barrett
Beauty Advent Calendar, valued at nearly £220 – its most luxurious calendar yet! This deluxe calendar offers 25 days of beauty treats, including relaxation essentials like a candle, luxurious oils, fragrant bath salts and a massage brush. Every product in the carefully curated collection is vegan-friendly. hollandandbarrett.com
8 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
FTB LOVES
Pringles 12 Day Advent Calendar , £10, B&M Calling all crisp lovers, get
ready to be amazed! Once you pop you won’t have to stop as you enjoy the run up to Christmas. Perfect for those who prefer savoury to sweet! bmstores.co.uk
Moo Free Original Advent Calendar , £4.90, Ocado
Celebrate the lead up to Christmas with this dairy-free and vegan Advent Chocolate Calendar! Indulge in a daily treat with rich, creamy avours, perfect for everyone. Countdown to Christmas with guilt-free joy! ocado.com
English Tea Shop Advent Calendar , £9.99, Dobbies Garden Centre
Experience the magic of Christmas with this tea Advent calendar! Savour a new, delicious blend each day, perfect for cosy winter moments. A festive countdown that’s ideal for tea lovers everywhere! dobbies.com
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 9
Homepage LIVING
NATURAL NOEL
Embrace the warmth of the season with Natural Noel, creating a festive yet peaceful haven. A blend of soft neutrals, natural materials and subtle greenery that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. Let the simplicity of nature’s tones create a cosy, peaceful holiday atmosphere
Christmas tree with jute sack , £4, Poundland /Pepco
Beaded mistletoe
decoration , £4, Dunelm
Pinecone half ring wreath , £22, Marks and Spencer
Stag bamboo serving board , £4, B&M
Glass Christmas tree candle , £5, B&M
Star stoneware dish , £7, John Lewis
Stag decoration duo , £18, Marks & Spencer
Mini star , £5, Marks & Spencer
10 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
Homepage LIVING
Acorn decorations , 3 pack, £5, Marks and Spencer
Light up houses with trees , £7, B&M
LED greenhouse lantern , £40, Matalan
Christmas felt mushroom , £8, Accessorize
Sitting gonk with antlers , £2.50, B&M
LED metallic tree , £15, Matalan
LED tree candles , 3 pack, £10, B&M
Snow globe candle , £5, B&M
CONTACTS » Accessorize accessorize.com » B&M bmstores.co.uk » Dunelm dunelm.com » John Lewis johnlewis.com » Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com » Matalan matalan.co.uk » Poundland poundland.co.uk
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 11
Homepage LIVING
At home with: Jade Waller
Jade Waller is a home styling expert best known for her unique ability to create stunning, cosy and practical spaces on a budget. She has 185,000 followers on Instagram and is a true mumpreneur. She talks to Lynda Clark about buying her first home, how she started her business and has some great advice for first time buyers FTB: Tell us about your first step on to the property ladder? JW: Both my husband and I come from very humble beginnings, so we both wanted to buy our first home but we knew our families were not in a position to be able to help us financially. Both of our mums never owned their own home but I was determined to buy, as I think it is a very important step and I wanted the stability for our children (we have a son together and I have two stepchildren) and it is also a very good investment. We were very lucky that my mum has a small annex attached to her home that is self-contained. We lived there for five years while we saved, which was amazing but it was challenging too. We were both brought up on
council estates in different London boroughs, which were very diverse but sometimes not easy. I wouldn’t have changed my childhood, though, as it gave me real grit and set me up for the future. But I always wanted to live further outside of London as I love the country and going on nature walks and the peacefulness of it all. I also wanted a garden for the children to play in and I adore hosting parties and family gatherings. I am the “go-to” person when it comes to Easter, Christmas and having summer barbecues! So the house we have bought is not our dream home but a stepping stone and it ticked lots of the boxes. It is a 70s bungalow, which doesn’t look much from the outside but once you go in it’s completely different. It’s a bit like a Tardis! We didn’t have the money for a big renovation but with a budget of about £2,000 I knew I could create the perfect space for us. We are all very settled and happy living there. FTB: How did your career in social media start? JW: My mum has always loved interiors and when I was young she used to buy all
“DON’T GET PRESSURISED BECAUSE YOUR FIRST HOME WON’T TICK EVERY BOX”
12 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
Homepage LIVING
the home magazines and I would cut out the photos and create my own mood boards. I loved to go to Roman Road market and buy little pieces of fabric to use on the board as well. I remember that at Christmas my mum created an amazing grotto every year and our Christmas tree was something else! It taught me that it doesn’t matter what you have, you can always create something spectacular on a small budget. About six years ago, the high street shops went into selling more interior- based products like accessories that were affordable and enabled people to use them and create a look which mirrored a designer home. It’s not what you have, but the way you style it that counts. So, during Covid, before we bought our home, I focused on my mood boards where I showed people how to style a luxurious room for less and put them on Instagram.They were very popular and I also had a great deal of interest from people who were disabled or very ill as they loved looking at what I was doing, so I built up a great community and many of them are now like friends. I quickly gathered a bigger and bigger following which just grew all the time. FTB So what happened next? JW: I was a full-time teacher and just couldn’t give up my career. But I saved a small amount and decided to throw it all in. Sometimes in life you need to take a gamble and I wanted to allow myself time to focus on my social media and get my new house done. I thought if I take around a year off and it doesn’t work out I can always go back to teaching. I now have 185,000 followers on Instagram and partnerships with renowned brands including KP Snacks, Primark, Next, Matalan and Aldi. I was the face of the Aldi homeware campaign in March and did the whole press campaign and created the content on how to achieve a “look for less”. My signature style blends high street saves with high-end splurges, ensuring everyone can have a touch of luxury in their home regardless of their budget. FTB What are your plans for the future? JW: I have just started writing a monthly column for Essex Life magazine on home interiors. One feature was on Save or Splurge – so, for example, you can invest in a White Company lamp for £150 or you can find an equivalent for a lot less and still achieve the same look. I love finding a budget alternative for things – it’s so exciting. I am doing another feature on Home Hacks for Autumn – I really enjoy foraging and going round charity shops and generally finding things that are free or don’t cost very much at all. Last Christmas I went foraging and made a beautiful wreath for the front door and did the centrepiece for my dinner table and it cost nothing
“WE LIVED THERE FOR FIVE YEARS WHILE WE SAVED, WHICH WAS AMAZING BUT IT WAS CHALLENGING TOO”
except a few scratches from picking the leaves and branches. I would very much like to do a home and interiors section on This Morning on ITV and we are working on that. We are also talking to a TV production company about creating a show particularly about women who may be like my mum as a single parent and struggled or have been in an abusive relationship, for example, and help them to change their lives and create a safe haven and happy home but on a realistic budget. It really doesn’t cost much to make a space like a little cocoon, which is your special, secure place – that is what a home is.
FTB: What tips do you have for first time buyers? JW: Always go with your heart and follow what feels right for you. If you are buying as a couple or family then everyone has different ideas of what they want from a home, so take that into consideration. Don’t get pressurised because your first home won’t tick every box. There will always be other chances and new journeys so if things don’t quite work out first time you should still enjoy the experience.
instagram.com/feel.at.home.inspo tiktok.com/@feelathomeinspo
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 13
Homepage FIRST RUNG
The HOUSE HUNTER
What we found…
THE EASTENDER
THE ICONIC SETTING
Leaside Lock Bow, east London
Prime Point Greenwich, south east London
This month FTB goes on the hunt with Marissa Polydorou who is looking for a one bedroom apartment in south east London
Located on the Greenwich Peninsula, with Canary Wharf, the O2 stadium and the stunning River Thames all in the eye line, these new one, two and three bedroom apartments enjoy an iconic setting. The properties overlook pretty Central Park and enjoy tranquil shared communal gardens. The interiors are smart and stylish, with modern living at the forefront of the design. From nearby North Greenwich station (Jubilee Line), tubes into central London take around 20 minutes, while local buses run to Lewisham, Peckham and beyond.
Just east of the City, London’s E3 is ideally placed, with fantastic links into central London and a host of trendy locales on the doorstep. South London lies within easy reach thanks to the DLR: from Bow Church station, it runs directly to Lewisham. This stylish two bedroom apartment by Guinness Homes sits on the banks of the River Lea, with communal courtyard gardens, co-working space and leisure facilities. The apartment features well-sized living spaces with a separate utility room and private outdoor space.
PROFILE
Names Marissa Polydorou Occupation Teacher Maximum budget £550,000
Requirements A one bedroom home in south east London with good transport links to central Lewisham for work. Outside space, local parks, local amenities and strong community are a high priority
What she wanted…
After a break-up and a couple of years living back at mum and dad’s, I nally feel I’m in the position to buy my own place. In fact, I am so ready! I know south east London well; I was born here and only moved away for university – and then I came back. I love it! I am exible though – I work as a teacher in Lewisham and I’d rather not live super close to the school. So areas such as Deptford, Greenwich or Catford would be perfect. I’d like a simple journey to work via public transport and I’d also like a place with a balcony and shared gardens, as well as shops, cafes and a GP surgery within easy reach. I don’t drive, so having things like that close by is important to me. My grandmother left me some money a few years ago and I promised I’d use it to get my foot on the property ladder. I’ll be using that and my hard-earned savings plus a small contribution from my parents, so with that my budget is around £550,000.”
lqhomes.com
leasidelock.com
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £525,000
*Shared ownership available
What she thought…
I have spent many a weekend at Greenwich market and park, and grew up doing family walks along this stretch of the Thames. Living on the peninsula would be amazing – it would be a dream come true to wake up to Thames views every morning and I know my friends would love visiting, too. The apartments have a real NYC vibe and the communal gardens look lovely. The local bus routes are excellent, so getting to work in Lewisham would be really simple. Perhaps I could even start cycling to work again.”
I do love east London! A few of my friends have moved over to the Bow and Hackney areas, and we’ve had many a night out in Shoreditch because the train links are so brilliant! This is a lovely looking development – I especially love that it’s by the canal as it means there are endless walks and cycle rides right on the doorstep. Limehouse Cut and Three Mill island are both close by – there’d be no end of adventure to be found here. The journey to work would be just one direct train, too, so it’s certainly an attractive proposition.”
14 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
Homepage FIRST RUNG
First choice!
THE LEAFY LOCALE
THE NEW COMMUNITY
Excalibur Catford, south London
Square Roots Lewisham, south east London
This superbly located collection of one to three bedroom apartments sits within the popular Riverside Quarter development. The 131 new properties lie within easy reach of everyday amenities, including high street shops, supermarkets, cafes, stations, good schools and health and tness facilities. The development features landscaped gardens, a communal roof terrace, play areas and retail space. Inside, the apartments are ooded with natural light via the oor-to-ceiling windows, with private balconies accessible from the bright, open-plan living spaces.
Set in a leafy, residential area in blossoming Catford, these new one and two bedroom homes enjoy an envied location. There are green spaces and shops within a 10-minute walk, while Catford town centre and a choice of four stations are around 20 minutes on foot. Residents have a fantastic area to explore, including popular Ladywell Fields and Hither Green. The apartments are contemporary and stylish, with open-plan living spaces that lead to private balconies, separate utility room and built-in wardrobe. Parking and cycle storage is also available.
THE NEXT STEP
“I am so impressed with this development, and have started the application process as well as arranging a mortgage in principle. My friends and family are really excited for me and I can’t wait to explore the area that will hopefully be my new home!”
squareroots.co.uk
lqhomes.com
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £319,000
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £410,000
I’ve tried to nd one, but I just can’t nd a downside to these gorgeous apartments and the great location. First of all, I just love Greenwich and being near the river, so this is a wonderful opportunity for me. I like the idea of a new and growing community, with new facilities, too. I’m sure there are plenty of young professionals and young families living in the development, which would be lovely for me. As for the apartments at The Galleria, I love the styling. The oor-to-ceiling windows bring in so much light and create such a spacious and uplifting environment. The wooden ooring, sleek kitchens and recessed balconies are just lovely, too. I will be interested in seeing what the latest phase, Western Plaza, offers too.”
It’s exciting for a local like me to see that Lewisham is getting so popular and seeing so much growth. It’s a great location for getting around to some of my favourite areas such as New Cross and Peckham, and Lewisham station is a short walk away, so it’s so easy to get into town and home easily from nights out. I really like the style of the apartments – with the dark kitchens and large tiles in the bathroom. There are stunning views from the balconies, and the shared outside areas provide a great chance to enjoy the outdoors.”
It’s so pretty around this way – with lots of tree-lined roads and parks – and it’s nice that this development is set slightly away from the town centre, as it means you will really be able to escape city life. It’s still a really well connected spot, though, with so many public transport options in the area to choose from. I grew up living fairly close to Catford and have seen it evolve – it has some really nice bars and restaurants now. I also have loads of friends very close by, so living around here would be plenty of fun.”
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 15
ADVICE
Joseph Grant is the Development Sales Manager for Thrive Homes, recently joining it on its mission to produce high quality and affordable homes in the surrounding counties to London. Having started his property career in lettings for an independent agency in north west London, he quickly resonated with the demands of a fast- paced industry and allowed his passion for property to grow.The new homes sector came calling and this was to be his niche, establishing his name with a 5-star developer and now working with a leading housing association. Having spent many years working both in and out of London, he is no stranger to the motivation of today’s buyers on their quest to find the perfect place to call home q Location based question – I am a first time buyer and I am struggling to find wants and needs were fulfilled and this allowed them to live the lifestyles they wanted as homeowners, and this is key and can greatly influence where you buy.
Joseph Grant, Development Sales Manager, Thrive Homes
phenomenal amount of time on the commute. The likelihood is that you will be in similar company on a development out of London with a mixture of existing locals wanting to be on the ladder just like you and wanting to stay close to their family network. Our Parkside development in Watford is a great example of an outer London location with superb connectivity back into London, with notable value for money. Offering enough space to entertain the friends and family that will visit you, enough room for the cat or dog (we welcome both) and the potential affordability to change London’s typical studio/ one bedroom applicant into potentially a two-bedroom applicant. It could open a world of opportunity, just be sure to verify numbers with a broker first, as London and outer London have salary caps for shared ownership. Deposits start from as low as £3,875 (5%).
something suitable. My affordability to buy in London means I am not able to buy what I really desire, so what would be the next best thing? A An excellent question and the answer can really get you thinking. London will always be the holy grail location with more and more innovative developments being constructed.The ever-impressive resident amenities on offer can enable homeowners to never actually have to leave their buildings in some cases. But naturally this comes at a cost, not only because of the London location but factoring in the cost of these amenities too.Then we have the more practical side of things to consider like parking and transportation links, not only for commuting purposes, but for those friends and family members we hope will come and visit once you move in. Going deeper into it, you have to spare a thought on longevity as well as affordability; for example, will that studio flat in the most amazing complex be the end goal or is this just scratching the surface? I think it’s fascinating what the same budget can get in different locations, and the question to ask as a buyer is, what actually is important to me? What do I need for my first home? Besides the obvious roof and four walls, the question can seem too simple, but the answer often isn’t. I remember selling an “almost one bedroom sized” studio apartment in south London (a plot in high demand let me assure you) and in the back of my mind remembering less than a year prior, I had sold a two bedroom house with its own private garden for £50,000 less outside of London (both properties available via shared ownership).The buyer profiles were almost identical, young first time buying professionals who worked from home, both cat lovers and keen to get on the property ladder. Both were over the moon come completion day because their individual
Neighbouring towns have definitely caught the eye of the traditional London audience, with more and more buyers opting to leave their London roots behind and seek better value for money outside the capital. I often refer to the M1 motorway as the gauge of affordability, with the pricier hotspots being London and Milton Keynes. Now, the areas in between are the ones seeing the growth and desirability because of the ease of connectivity to go in either direction. Use this as a starting point, or for those who do not drive, use the National Rail services from the more notable London stations, Euston, King’s Cross St Pancras, Liverpool Street etc.There are often services that travel directly and this can save a
The clue really is in the name. The Parkside development is a modern collection of 127 one, two and three bedroom
apartments neighbouring 6.4 hectares of public green space. All apartments have an outdoor offering by way of a balcony or terrace, and residents additionally have communal landscaped grounds directly in the centre of the development as a picturesque background. Being that Watford is the largest town in Hertfordshire, its transport links are unrivalled to and from London with trains to London Euston in as little as 15 minutes. Pricing starting from £310,000 is available with a minimum 25% share and deposits as low as £3,875. • One bedroom from £310,000 • Two bedrooms from £390,000 • Three bedrooms from £492,500.
parksidewatford.co.uk
*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £310,000
16 First Time Buyer June/July 2018
December 2024/January 2025
THE VIEW
THE FOLDING LADY
Sophie Liard, also known as The Folding Lady, is a global content creator focusing on home organisation. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram,TikTok and YouTube and has over five million followers from the UK, US and Canada. She shares her story with Lynda Clark and gives some great advice for first time buyers
20 First Time Buyer December 2021/January 2022
18 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
THE VIEW
"I JUST ADORE THE ACT OF FOLDING AND IT’S VERY
THERAPEUTIC AS USUALLY MY BRAIN IS ALL OVER THE PLACE"
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 19
THE VIEW
I was really intrigued to talk to Sophie, as to be honest, folding clothes is not one of my greatest strengths! I put it down to being left-handed but really that is no excuse! Sophie is so easy to talk to and you know immediately she is passionate about everything she does. She was born in Manchester and moved south, to Guildford, when she was 11. When she was 15 she eventually got a temporary Christmas job in a department store. She said, “I worked over the Christmas period and when it was time for me to leave they asked me to stay on. I loved my work there and it was ideal and I was going to college and I could still work and earn a little at weekends. I then decided I didn’t really enjoy college and decided to give it up. I was studying law, media and psychology and strangely in later life I went on to do a degree in early childhood studies and got a first. This is very aligned to psychology and I now work in media, but at the time it just wasn’t right for me. “I never really had a career plan and I just wanted to work. When I gave up college, my parents told me that I had to do something with my time and I asked the manager if I could do extra hours. She was happy to give me more time and I started to take my career in retail very seriously. My manager was like something out of The Devil Wears Prada which wasn’t always easy to cope with, but I learnt so much. I loved the organisation of it all – from arranging the stockroom to folding the clothes and selling to the customers. Some of the main brands would come in and show you how they liked their clothes to be folded when they were put on the shop floor. I found it really therapeutic and I just loved the merchandise.” Eventually the manager left and Sophie felt it was the end of an era. It was never the same and the new manager was very tricky indeed and hated anyone who worked there and had children. Sophie said, “I was a single mum at the time so she most definitely didn’t take to me. It was time to leave and move on to somewhere else.” She then joined a shop which specialised in DIY. She became an account manager and had lots of training and she also loved being on the shop floor, talking to people
commented, “It is such an honour to work alongside a big high street brand and I really love what they do. I have also worked alongside On the Beach, Albion Fit and Stitch Fix as well, and through engaging with them including content creation, press releases, product launches and content posted on my platforms, which has all worked very well.” She has also appeared on TV shows like This Morning , Steph’s Packed Lunch , Good Morning America and Live with Kelly and Mark . Sophie has written a book, The Folding Lady: tools & tricks to make the most of your space & find after value in your home . “I really believe that everyone has their own special way of organising their home to suit their lifestyle.You might, for example, have a hobby like tennis or going to the gym or you have a baby or teenagers, so everyone has different priorities and needs and has to sort their things out accordingly. I have a lot of followers in the US and my book was picked up by an American publisher which was amazing. I went over there and did some television interviews and book signings which was great fun! The book is also available in Germany, Poland and Italy.” Sophie is an advocate for using her online presence to support charities. “In 2023 I ran the London Marathon for Friends of the Elderly, which supports older people in many different ways. They may get a grant for a new boiler or get a new microwave if theirs is broken and its aim is to try and help elderly people stay in their own home. My mum used to work for them so I have grown up around the work the charity does. I trained for nine months and raised over £8,000, which was amazing.” Sophie is currently working on her website to make it very user friendly. “It’s a big job and I have lots of content to put up and blogs and articles. I want to do more YouTube videos as well and, of course, partner with brands. It’s a really busy time as we have just sold our house and are in
and dealing with customer service. “During the pandemic I was furloughed but then DIY stores were deemed ok to open. It was a crazy time as everyone had time on their hands and were into DIY and they were decorating their homes. On the run up to lockdown people were buying paint like we had never seen before and there were long queues and the shelves were empty and they were even taking pots of paint off the pallets! We literally just had to go in and work on the shop floor as it was so busy. “Not long after that I went part-time and then I had my second child. It was during this time I put up a short film on TikTok on how to wash and fold baby clothes. To my absolute surprise it went viral and so I carried on as it was like a hobby. People engaged with me and asked things like, ‘how do you fold socks’ and I would reply with a quick video showing them how to do it. I saved about four months' salary and decided to just go for it with no guarantees, but I think everyone should believe in themselves. After about a year, brands started reaching out to me to form a collaboration and I began to get paid. I became known as The Folding Lady as both my mum and sister suggested this should become my brand. I think this was a great idea as I want my privacy and wanted to turn my social media into a brand which wasn’t personal to me.” One of the brands Sophie works alongside is Marks & Spencer and she
"DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS. IN FACT, ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU CAN. DO YOUR RESEARCH, AS BUYING A HOME IS SUCH A HUGE COMMITMENT AND YOU NEED TO GET VALUE FOR MONEY"
20 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
THE VIEW
the process of moving. I was 30 when we bought our first home and we saved and we were fortunate to be given some money from the family.We bought a two bedroom maisonette. Eventually we needed more space and moved during the pandemic as we wanted to take advantage of the cut in Stamp Duty. Stamp Duty adds so much on to the costs of buying and this is money that you would like to use for maybe buying furniture or other costs, especially if you are a first time buyer. We got a bargain as it needed new heating and a few things doing to it but we have been here four years and it’s time to move on. I am a Rightmove addict and we knew this place was not our forever home but I think it’s important to keep an eye on the area you are interested in and watch the prices. “We were so lucky as the house had only been on the market for 24 hours when we got an offer and we actually sold it in 48 hours. We even managed to get a little over the asking price as there were two people interested who were both renting and had been looking for a while and both fell in love with it. This has enabled us to have some extra money to do things in the new home.” So what advice has Sophie for first time buyers? “Be patient – viewings are like buying a wedding dress as you think you know what you want but often that can change when you look at a property. Photographs never really give the whole picture so I advise people to look around and visit homes you thought would not be for you as you can often be surprised. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, ask as many questions as you can. Do your research, as buying a home is such a huge commitment and you need to get value for money. Don’t be afraid to walk away, and be solid and confident in your decisions.” I was intrigued to know what clothes Sophie enjoys folding the most and she said, “I love folding all clothes but particularly jeans and denim and, of course, baby clothes. I just adore the act of folding and it’s very therapeutic as usually my brain is all over the place. Everyone has a different system of organisation but I really believe we should all work together, to achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances.” At the end of our chat I was inspired to take everything out of my cupboards and organise it all, with not quite but nearly, neatly folded clothes – simply amazing! Instagram: @thefoldinglady TikTok: @thefoldinglady YouTube: @thefoldinglady Book: amazon.co.uk/Folding-Lady-Tools- tricks-space/dp/1529385261
"WE WERE SO LUCKY AS THE HOUSE HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE MARKET FOR 24 HOURS WHEN WE GOT AN OFFER AND WE ACTUALLY SOLD IT IN 48 HOURS"
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 21
LOCATION
Turbulent times have impacted the property market in recent years, but new data suggests things are finally on the up! Debbie Clark looks at how the tide is turning, and takes a closer look at the locations that have resiliently ridden the waves to become the most popular locations with first time buyers THE ROARING TWENTIES
as starting a new job or beginning a family can sway the decision. First time buyers are often more willing to relocate to new areas in pursuit of finding the ideal home within their financial reach. This flexibility opens up a broader range of possibilities and can lead to more affordable housing options.” But where are first time buyers buying in the 2020s? New research by Halifax has revealed Britain’s hottest locations for first time buyers, with Manchester topping the table. The research, based on data from the Halifax House Price Index, analysed the areas of the country (outside of London) where first time buyers account for the biggest proportion of home sales. Popular areas are spread across the country, so what is the appeal of these property hotspots? MANCHESTER First time buyers accounted for 75% of all home purchases made with a mortgage last year in Manchester, up from 65% in 2020. The city offers diverse housing stock and very favorable property prices, with an average first time buyer property price of £212,891, around £35,000 below the British average. This, combined with a strong jobs market, excellent transport links, a rich cultural scene and ongoing urban regeneration make it an understandably attractive location. SLOUGH Up from 54% in 2020, first time buyers in Slough, Berkshire, represented 73% of all properties purchased with a mortgage last year as a result of significant investment in regeneration projects in the town, including new residential, retail and leisure developments. The average property price in the town for first time buyers is £322,961, around £75,000 above the British average,
recovery. The UK has seen an estimated 5,337,000 residential transactions so far this decade; equivalent to an average of 1,186,000 per year – a 7.5% increase versus the previous decade Gemma Young, Moverly CEO, says, “These positive figures come despite the fact that the property market has had to weather a period of prolonged uncertainty spurred by higher interest rates, and now that we’ve weathered the storm and are heading in the right direction, the market looks set to continue performing well over the coming years.” At a national level, first time buyers account for around half (49%) of all homes bought with a mortgage, but in the most popular areas for first time buyers that figure jumps as high as 75%. Amanda Bryden, Head of Halifax Mortgages, says, “Deciding when and where to buy your first home is a deeply personal choice. While saving for a deposit and navigating higher interest rates pose a significant challenge for many prospective homeowners, life often intervenes and major milestones such
Research by digital property pack provider, Moverly, has revealed that so far this decade, there has already been a significant increase in the average number of transactions seen across the property market. Moverly analysed the average number of annual UK residential property transactions each decade from 1990 to the present day to gain insight into how the UK property market has evolved through the decades. The data shows that during the 1990s, a total of 12,935,000 homes were sold across the UK, equating to an average of 1,293,500 transactions for each of the 10 years. This accelerated in the noughties, with 1,405,000 homes sold on average each year, an increase of 8.6% versus the previous decade, despite the market turmoil seen in 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis. This market crash left its mark with only 11,036,000 homes sold across the UK during the 2010s, sitting 22% below the previous decade. However, as we approach the halfway point of the 2020s, transaction numbers seem to be making a strong
Local authority area Region
Percentage of FTBs among all buyers (2023)
Average FTB price (2023)
City of Manchester
North West South East
75% 73% 73% 72% 72% 72% 71% 71% 70% 70% 49%
£212,891 £322,961 £179,058 £218,900 £302,616 £286,391 £314,090 £157,139 £172,554 £245,207 £247,862
Slough
Sandwell
West Midlands East Midlands
Leicester/Oadby
Reading Thurrock Dartford Knowsley
South East
Eastern England
South East North West
Wolverhampton
West Midlands Eastern England
Luton
Great Britain average (excluding London)
22 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
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