the Ultimate Guide to ... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
June/ July 2026 £4.99
rsttimebuyermag.com
WIN! A V33 BUNDLE OF DECKING PRODUCT WORTH £187
GET SET FOR A SIZZLING SUMMER
THE BENEFITS OF SHARED OWNERSHIP
THE GREAT START SCHEME AND #RENTSAVEOWN EXPLAINED
HOTSPOTS •PECKHAM •HENDON • BRACKNELL
“A savings account is a good idea and it's amazing how your savings build and grow”
JB Gill, broadcaster, author and JLS star Chloe Gill, dancer and content creator
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
This year we have had so many entries to our First Time Buyers Readers’ Awards 2026 and we are very excited that after many hours of deliberation our expert panel of judges has decided on the shortlist. You will find the shortlist entries on pages 62-83 and it is now up to you, our very important readers, to vote – please do go to ftbawards.com and cast your all-important votes – it means so much – thank you. With the onset of summer and the warm weather
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
I do hope you like our round-up of some beautiful sunny accessories to enjoy in the great outdoors, (pages 10-11). Spending time in the garden, on your balcony or at the beach is so much fun and I hope we have a lovely summer, especially after what seemed like a very long winter! Shared Ownership is such an affordable way to get on the property ladder and many first time buyers take advantage of this Government- backed scheme. Debbie Clark takes a dive into some recent research from Leeds Building Society and considers its findings and the benefits of the scheme (pages 22-26). I was lucky enough to interview JB Gill and his wife, Chloe, recently – many of you will know him from his time in the boy band JLS. Their story is fascinating and I’m sure you will love reading it (pages 18-21). I hope you enjoy this issue which is packed with information and if you are struggling to understand how it all works then I hope you will find the answers to your questions inside. Thank you again for voting...
Sub Editor KAY HILL
Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY
Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, KAY HILL, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN- OSGOOD, JOEL TAYLOR, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, STEPHEN WARD, BEVIN WOBY, KATIE WRIGHT
ADVERTISING 020 3488 7754
Director of Advertising/Exhibition Sales LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Special Events KATIE WRIGHT – National Home Buying Week – First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards katie@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Accounts accounts@ultimateguidecompany.com Managing Director SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
Until next time, happy house hunting,
@firsttimebuyermag
firsttimebuyeronline
SUBSCRIPTIONS 020 3488 7754
SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754
EDITOR’S PICKS…
All advertising copy for August/September 2026 must be received before 1 July 2026. Send all copy to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk The content of this publication, either in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in First Time Buyer magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. © The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd 2008-2026. The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd t/a First Time Buyer magazine will take no responsibility for any loss/claim resulting from a transaction with one of our advertisers/media partners.
When you’re buying your rst home, you’ll hear a lot about searches and surveys. Paula Higgins, Agony Agent, page 118 James Nightingall, At Home with, page 12 It is so frustrating to see a home you fall in love with only to nd it is out of reach.
Parkside Triangle is very sustainable and the design works hard to ensure there are biodiversity and ecology bene ts. Lynda Clark, Editor’s Choice, page 58
We would feel so lucky to buy our own home in Peckham, which is already so much like home and so close to family. Michael Costen, House Hunter, page 14
Shared Ownership is essential to help get people into their own home. Clive Lewzey, 20 Questions, page 134
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 3
CONTENTS
JUNE/JULY 2026 / ISSUE 119 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK
What’s in…
99 The best FTB properties
98 Ugonna has just bought her rst home using Shared Ownership with L&G, buying a 35% share of a three bedroom apartment in east London.
HOMEPAGE
and fun nds to help you create a feel-good garden to enjoy the warm days of summer! 12 At home with: James Nightingall James is the founder of HomeFinder AI, a dedicated online website to help nd your dream home powered by arti cial intelligence. He talks to Lynda Clark about his rst home, how he started his business and gives some excellent advice for rst time buyers. 14 House Hunter We go on the hunt with Michael Costen and Yuri Spendlove
FEATURED
18 The View: JB and Chloe Gill
22 Shared Ownership – The Long Game Shared Ownership is an affordable and very popular route for getting on to the property ladder. Debbie Clark looks at the ndings of some recent research from Leeds Building Society suggesting that Shared Ownership also has long-term advantages over renting and she considers the bene ts of buying using this scheme.
JB is well known as a member of boy band JLS and is now a TV presenter and radio host. Together with his wife Chloe, who is a professional dancer and content creator, he lives on a smallholding in Kent. They tell Lynda Clark about their careers, life on the farm and have some great advice for rst time buyers.
8 FTB Loves... Think of the delicious ice cream colours of raspberry ripple to bring some soft creamy neutrals mixed with richer berry
22
who are looking to buy a one bedroom home in south east London. 16 Developer’s doctor Jen Anson, Head of Sales at Pocket Living, answers this issue’s 16
tones to add some summer sparkle to your home. 10 Living Choose colourful accessories and bright
property question.
4 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
CONTENTS
18 JB and Chloe Gill
JB AND CHLOE GILL, PAGE 18
IT HAS AROUND 11 ACRES OF LAND AND SO
WE HAVE ABOUT AN ACRE OR SO AS OUR GARDEN AND TURNED
THE REST INTO A SMALLHOLDING 61 First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards – time to vote!
112 Deposits – How much will I need…? Can I use money from anywhere…? Saving for a deposit can be very tough but understanding how it works can ease the stress. Metro Finance explain how the deposit process works. 114 Finance Kay Hill explores how to navigate the abundance of homes on the market in a dif cult climate. 116 Market Ginetta Vedrickas discovers if global uncertainties will scupper purchases and start to affect rst time buyers. 118 Agony Agent All your property questions answered by our panel of experts. 121 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property buying process. 126 Resale-ability with Owen Paulo Joel Taylor, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Owen Paulo Legal, explains everything you need to know about resales 128 Directory Check which scheme is right for you, plus some useful contacts. 134 20 Questions We ask 20 quick- re questions to a property expert and in this issue Clive Lewzey, Co-Founder & Managing Director of We Are Fred, is in the spotlight.
REGULARS
34 Hotspot We look at Bracknell as a place to live. 48 Hotspot We take a look at Peckham as a place to consider starting your property search. 88 Hotspot Is Hendon the place you would like to buy your rst home? 106 First home, rst meal This delicious recipe for sausage, fennel and gnocchi bake from private chef, content creator and culinary innovator Louisa Ellis, will certainly appeal to all the family. 108 Get ahead of the game! Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the Council of Licenced Conveyancers, guides you carefully through the homebuying process. 110 All you need to know about Stamp Duty Land Tax Bevin Woby, Director at Shared Direction Conveyancing, explains everything that rst time buyers will need to understand about Stamp Duty Land Tax.
105 Competition
WIN A V33 bundle of decking products worth £187.50.
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 5
LETTERS
Mailbox WRITE TO US!
Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions concerning property, or the articles in First Time Buyer magazine.
lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk
BUILDINGS INSURANCE
I am a first time buyer and I have found the home of my dreams, but I am a little confused. If I’m buying a new build home with a warranty, do I still need buildings insurance? Laura Mitchell FTB says: Yes, you’ll still need to arrange buildings insurance. While a warranty provides useful protection, it’s not a replacement for buildings insurance. Warranties cover issues related to the construction of the property, meaning the developer or builder is responsible for fixing defects that arise from their work. However, warranties don’t cover unexpected events outside the developer’s control, such as fire, flooding or subsidence. That’s where buildings insurance becomes essential, as it protects the structure of your home against these risks. In fact, if you’re taking out a mortgage, your lender will almost certainly require you to have buildings insurance in place. If you’re purchasing a leasehold property, such as a flat, buildings insurance is usually handled by the freeholder. But if you’re buying a freehold home, it’s typically your responsibility.
TRUSTWORTHY DEVELOPERS I’m considering buying a new build home, but I’m a bit nervous about being the first person to live in it. How can I make sure the developer is trustworthy before I commit? Rishi Patel FTB says: Buying a property that’s been standing for years can feel reassuring, you can see how it’s held up over time and ask the owner questions. With a new build, you’re placing a lot of trust in the developer to deliver a high-quality home, often before it’s completed. That’s why doing your homework on the developer is essential. Start by checking reviews from other buyers. Platforms like HomeViews allow homeowners to share their experiences of developers, management companies and developments.The Home Builders Federation also publishes rankings based on customer satisfaction surveys, giving you a sense of a builder’s reputation. It’s also worth confirming whether the developer is signed up to an industry code of standards. In the UK, the main ones are the Consumer Code for Home Builders and the New Homes Quality Code. Membership means the developer is expected to meet standards of build quality and customer service, and gives you added protection. Finally, make sure to check the warranty.
This issue’s star letter prize wins a Nordic Ware Naturals Quarter Sheet Pan with Multi-Task Oven and Cooling Rack set worth £29.50. A small but mighty duo ideal for smaller households or cooking for two, it’s perfect for baking, roasting, crisping and cooling in compact batches. The
custom-fit Multi-Task Rack nests neatly inside the Quarter Sheet Pan, making it a go-to for roasting vegetables, crisping bacon or cooling cookies. Available from Divertimenti – divertimenti.co.uk
HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH? When buying my first home, should I always offer the asking price, or is it all right to offer less? How do I know what a property is really worth? Emily Carter FTB says: It’s important to remember that a property’s asking price isn’t always the same as its true market value. Sellers aim to achieve the highest price possible, so the asking price is often set with room for negotiation. In many cases, this means you may be able to make an offer below
VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the first time, go to firsttimebuyermag.com have sold for will give you a clearer picture of value. It’s also worth checking how long the property has been on the market. If it’s been listed for a while or the price has already been reduced, the seller may be more open to negotiation. properties rarely come on the market, homes may sell for the asking price or above it. To make a well-informed offer, research recent sales. Looking at what similar homes
DIP AND AIP I keep hearing about something called a Decision in Principle when applying for a mortgage. Is this different from an Agreement in Principle, and do I need one before I start viewing properties? Daniel Harper
basic information about your finances and what you hope to borrow. The lender will carry out a credit check and indicate whether they would be willing, in principle, to lend to you. A DIP or AIP is not a formal mortgage offer, and you’re under no obligation. However, it does give you a clearer idea of your budget and can make you a more attractive buyer in the eyes of sellers and estate agents. Having one in place before you start viewing is a smart move, as it shows you’re serious and financially prepared.
FTB says: A Decision in Principle (DIP) and an
Agreement in Principle (AIP) are different names for the same thing. This is an early step in the mortgage process where you provide a lender with
the asking price. However, in desirable areas where
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 7
FTB LOVES
RASPBERRY RIPPLE
Raspberry Ripple is an easy way to bring a bit of fun into your home, mixing soft pinks, creamy neutrals and richer berry tones. It’s a look that feels fresh yet comforting – perfect for first time buyers wanting to add personality without overwhelming their space. Think stripes, glossy finishes and cosy textures, adding a pop of colour that still feels relaxed and totally liveable
Geo trellis print duvet , from £18, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
Ceramic stripe jug , £8, Dunelm, dunelm.com
Desk calendar with wooden block , from £9.00, Aim Studio Co, aimstudio.co
Woven wiggle edge basket , £20, HomeSense, homesense.com
Foxwhelp red paint , from £22, Thorndown Paints, thorndown.co.uk
Stripe ruf e lumbar cushion , £18, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
8 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
FTB LOVES
Stacked three-tier lampshade , £25, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
Striped oval frame , £7, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
12-piece dinner set in two tone red , £32, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
Alyssa pink and burgundy coloured glass mirror , £95, Oliver Bonas, oliverbonas.com
Sophie Robinson Riad star lamp ,
£40, Dunelm, dunelm.com
Peach textured throw , £16, HomeSense, homesense.com
Quotation canvas , £7, B&M, bmstores.co.uk
Peach glass mushroom lamp , £35, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
Scallop cushion , £12, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 9
Homepage LIVING
GARDEN GOALS As the days grow longer and gardens burst into bloom, it’s the perfect time to take your living space outdoors. From colourful accessories to clever touches that add personality, these bright and quirky finds will help you create a feel-good garden set-up for everyone, perfect for welcoming the sun!
Mirrored cocktail plaque , £5; disco toadstool , £15; cocktail glass candle , £3; cocktail plant stand , £20, B&M
Mini tray , set of three, £5, George Home
Parasol , £59, George Home
Gonk strawberry , £12, B&M
Lucky Ducky , £3.99, Dobbies Garden Centres
Butterfly decoration , £2, Poundland
Sausage dog ornament , £15, B&M
Stained glass hanging decoration , £4, B&M
Watering can , £11, George Home
Xplor two-person dome tent , £38, George Home
Gnomes , £2 each, Poundland
Bucket plant pot , £2, Poundland
10 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
Homepage LIVING
Outdoor cactus stacking tumblers , set of four, £6.50, George Home
Tuscany sofa set , £288, George Home
Blackstone 22in tabletop griddle , £299.99, Dobbies Garden Centres
Foiled cushion , £8, B&M
Outdoor stacking tumblers , set of four, £6.50, George Home
Planter , £14.99, Ivyline
Pots , £1 each, Poundland
Candle lantern , £15, George Home
Cocktail plaque , £5, B&M
Picnic rug , £9.75, George Home
Cocktail glass candle , £3, B&M
Wooden sandpit with canopy , £129.99, Dobbies Garden Centres
CONTACTS » B&M bmstores.co.uk » Dobbies Garden Centres dobbies.com » George Home direct.asda.com » Ivyline ivylinegb.co.uk » Poundland poundland.co.uk
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 11
Homepage LIVING
James is the founder of HomeFinder AI, a dedicated online website to help find your dream home powered by artificial intelligence. A true entrepreneur, he talks to Lynda Clark about his first home, how he started his business and gives some excellent advice for first time buyers At home with: James Nightingall
FTB : Tell us about your first step on the property ladder? JN: I bought my first home about nine years ago through Shared Ownership. I wanted to buy in an area that I knew was “on the up” and would be a good investment. My two bedroom apartment is in Nine Elms right next door to Battersea Power Station. When I first moved in it was like no-man’s-land as there was no tube, one supermarket and a restaurant, and all my friends and family thought I was completely mad to even consider it. But I made a calculated risk and I was right, as now with the Northern Line extension and a £15bn pound investment into the area it’s pretty amazing. I lived in Wandsworth and kept an eye on the market and eventually found this development from Berkeley Homes. I bought Shared Ownership through Optivo the housing association and I absolutely love it! I live on the sixth floor so I have amazing views and can see the Thames from my winter garden, which is like a sauna in the summer as it gets so much sun. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light and it only takes me five minutes to walk to the tube. There are still opportunities to find a home in areas which are being regenerated but you just have to keep an open mind. Most first time buyers will stay in their home for at least five years and so they have to do their research and find the right area where prices are affordable and watch it grow and flourish as it will be a great investment.
“ALWAYS WORK OUT HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD AND DON’T GO SHOPPING WITHOUT TALKING TO AN INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE ADVISER – NOT JUST YOUR BANK”
FTB : Tell us how you started HomeFinder AI?
JN: I started it during Covid. I was working for a company that found luxury homes for the rich and famous and worked with footballers and celebrities and I met some very interesting people. I really enjoyed it but I knew I wanted to do something similar for everyone, not just people who had a lot of money. I had heard about the Geovation Accelerator Programme. Geovation is an Ordnance Survey initiative and together with HM Land Registry they give an equity-free grant of £20,000 to around 12 start-ups each year. It was a very tough process to go through and I had to undergo four interviews but I was delighted when they gave me the grant. So, I quit my other
50 who are not going to proceed. I have relationships with the top developers and access to homes which are not on their websites. I get weekly price lists and exclusive listings so I can match buyers to possible homes they can afford. We have recently started selling homes too. This is because many sellers don’t want to use the traditional estate agents on the high street and we can give them a far more personal service which works.
role and started HomeFinder AI. It was very hard to start with as I had to build relations with all the different markets. A lot of developers don’t advertise everything on Rightmove or Zoopla as they don’t want the overexposure of all listings that are selling. So, first time buyers who always look at these websites may not get to see the homes they are looking for pop into their in-boxes. Also, many estate agents would rather go on a viewing with one good buyer than
12 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
Homepage LIVING
FTB : What advice do you have for first time buyers? JN: Always work out how much you can afford and don’t go shopping without talking to an independent mortgage adviser – not just your bank – to see how much you can borrow and how much you can actually afford. It is so frustrating to see a home you fall in love with only to find it is out of reach. Also, don’t just rely on the internet as viewing a home in person is so special and brings everything to life. Be confident and put in an offer as people can only say “no”.
FTB : Tell us more about HomeFinder AI? JN: I think what makes us very special is we offer everything the buyer would need to buy their first home for free. We arrange viewings and are there every step of the way. We answer all their questions and give them help when choosing a mortgage adviser and conveyancer. We give them around four companies to pick from that we know are excellent and are experts in their field. There is myself and Jade working in the UK and we have people in Kenya, Pakistan and India who work on coding, building our database and creating a new website which we are very excited about – it really is a global operation and very cost effective too. We are powered by AI and unlike Chat GPT where you can search for a home but you can’t actually talk to anyone, we can speak to the buyer and find them their perfect home. We understand that new builds are often the best way to go as there is no chain, they have a 10-year NHBC warranty and are sold at a realistic price. If you are looking at a home for £300,000, it takes a lot of work to find somewhere suitable and that is where we come in. We have been going for five years and growing all the time. FTB : Tell us a little more about yourself and your experience? JN: I am one of those rare people who did a degree in Real Estate at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. They offer five undergraduate courses which are Land and Property, Agriculture, Business, Environment and Equine. It was a great course and I really enjoyed my time there. I have always wanted to do something in property so it was the perfect course for me. I then did a Post Graduate course for a year at the Judge Business School in Cambridge in entrepreneurship which was extremely hard work but really worth it. FTB : What are your plans for the future? JN: I want HomeFinder AI to be one of the most well-known property brands in the UK – you have the Knight Frank and Savills for example, but I want to be the best! I pride myself that HomeFinder AI has excellent customer service and is totally transparent and we only get five star reviews on Google. This proves it is a trusted brand and people have a good experience when they use us – you can’t ask for much more!
HomeFinder.AI
“MOST FIRST TIME BUYERS WILL STAY IN THEIR HOME FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AND SO THEY HAVE TO DO THEIR RESEARCH AND FIND THE RIGHT AREA WHERE PRICES ARE AFFORDABLE AND WATCH IT GROW AND FLOURISH AS IT WILL BE A GREAT INVESTMENT”
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 13
Homepage FIRST RUNG
The HOUSE HUNTER
What we found…
THE RIVERSIDE COLLECTION THE PEACEFUL POSITION
Deptford Edge Deptford, south east London
Lombard Square Plumstead, south London
This month, FTB goes on the hunt with Michael and Yuri, who are looking for a one bedroom home in south east London, with good public transport links and plenty to do in the local area
Set within 1.8 acres of green space and surrounded by lakes, canals and parkland, Lombard Place provides residents with a city oasis in one of the capital’s most up-and- coming neighbourhoods. The one and two bedroom apartments lie just a few minutes from Plumstead high street, while the Thames and popular Greenwich sit just beyond. On-site facilities include a concierge and gym, while inside the properties, styling is modern, with open-plan living spaces, en suite from the main bedroom in the larger homes, separate utility area, and well-sized balconies.
Located just a three-minute walk from the River Thames and the Thames Path, and on the edge of one of London’s most buzzing neighbourhoods, these stylish new one and two bedroom apartments sit around a private, central courtyard and feature sleek open-plan living areas and integrated Bosch appliances. Nearby Deptford offers a bustling market, galleries, bars and leisure centre – all moments from the front door. With the Thames and world- famous Greenwich close by too, it’s easy to see why these homes are proving so popular.
PROFILE
Names Michael Costen, 26; Yuri Spendlove, 27 Occupations Hospital administrator, events assistant Maximum budget £420,000
Requirements A one bedroom home in south east London, with good bus and rail links, a lively local area and a balcony or courtyard to enjoy
What they wanted…
Michael and I currently live in a shared house in Peckham, south east London. Although we love our housemates, we do really want to buy our own place. We got engaged last year and feel like we want our own space and place to grow. We are both from the local area and wouldn’t dream of living anywhere other than south London. We’d like to be within easy reach of Peckham, Deptford, Camberwell and Brixton. Michael works at the hospital in Camberwell and I work in Brixton – we don’t have a car and travel by bike or public transport, so having a station or bus route close by is a must. Something we really want is a nice space to retreat to – just us – after years of living in shared houses. But we also still want be close to our friends and all the things we love about the area. My parents have gifted us £20,000, which we’re adding to our savings, and this has given us a healthy deposit, which we’re really proud of having saved in the current economic climate.”
peabodynewhomes.co.uk
peabodynewhomes.co.uk
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £395,000
*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £330,000
What they thought…
We didn’t know that developments like this even existed. It looks so beautiful and serene, and it’s only a few miles down the road. The facilities for the residents are amazing; we are both really into tness and are always at our local gym. Having somewhere to work out within a few paces would be really great. The peaceful surroundings are a far cry from our current house’s location, which has an almost 24-hour hum, but we do wonder if it might be a little too far removed from our current lifestyle to be the right choice for us.”
This is a really great location – so close to the river and with some really varied options for going out within really easy reach. We cycle a lot, and being so close to the Thames Path would mean that some long and very cool bike rides would be right on our doorstep; there’s so much to explore. Then Deptford, New Cross and Greenwich are all an easy ride away. We absolutely love the styling, with the chic wooden nishes, and the low- energy features mean that we might be able to save money on some bills, which is de nitely a welcome bonus.”
14 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
Homepage FIRST RUNG
First choice!
THE UP AND COMING
THE LEAFY LOCALE
Square Roots Lewisham, Riverside Quarter, south east London
Laney House at Kidbrooke Village Kidbrooke, south east London
This range of one and two bedroom apartments in Laney House forms part of the popular Kidbrooke Village development. Located in the borough of Greenwich, this is a peaceful location within easy reach of the buzz of the city. Kidbrooke station is seconds away for direct trains to London Bridge or Waterloo in 16 minutes. The one, two and three bedroom apartments have bright interiors, open-plan living spaces, ample storage and private balcony or terrace. Residents bene t from an on-site gym and concierge. Homes are set around landscaped gardens, with parks nearby.
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 a multitude of amenities, including an extensive high street, supermarkets, cafes, railway 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 and feature private balconies accessible from the bright, open-plan living spaces.
THE NEXT STEP
nhghomes.co.uk
squareroots.co.uk
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £417,500
*Based on a 10% share of the full market value of £395,000
We are really impressed that you have found a development that is so perfect for us. The properties themselves are architecturally attractive from the outside and have super-stylish interiors. We love the open-plan layouts and spacious balconies. From a personal point of view, it’s the location that clinches it for us. We know this area inside out and we know that we love living here. Being able to buy a home in Peckham would be a dream come true for us. There are so many great things so close by – with Burgess Park, Peckham Rye, New Cross and Surrey Quays all within such easy reach – while the buses whisk you into central London so quickly.” ”We would feel so lucky to buy our own home in Peckham, which is already so much like home – and so close to family and friends. We have already had our affordability of a one bedroom apartment approved and will really enjoy taking a look around, and hopefully making an offer as soon as possible!”
Oh we do love Blackheath and Greenwich, and it would be so nice to live so close by in Kidbrooke. The setting is just lovely: the gardens are so pretty and the train links into central London are amazing, with the station so close by. We really like the look of the interiors – so much natural light and very stylish features. This is such a great option, and though it is a bit further east than we had originally imagined, it’s certainly food for thought.”
It’s exciting for a local like me to see that Lewisham has seen so much growth and investment in recent years. The apartments are in a really convenient location, with the railway station a very short walk away, so it’s so easy to get into town and home easily from nights out. We’re big fans of the styling here – with the dark kitchens and large tiles in the bathroom. There are some stunning views from the balconies, and the shared outside areas provide a great chance to enjoy the outdoors without going too far!”
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 15
ADVICE
Jen Anson is the Head of Sales at Pocket Living, a London-based affordable housing developer that sells discounted homes to first time buyers. She has been with the company for 10 years and is passionate about helping aspiring homeowners get on to the property ladder. She loves attending the welcome events that take place whenever residents move into a new development – their energy and excitement to meet their new neighbours, who are also first time buyers, is unbeatable! Q I’m keen to get on the property ladder, but I’m nervous about you’ll have certainty over your costs for that whole period.
Jen Anson, Head of Sales, Pocket Living
Then, there’s Shared Ownership, where you’ll own a share of a property and rent the remainder. It’s also a Government scheme, and you can generally buy additional shares in the property (this is called staircasing). When selling a Pocket home, you’ll need to find a buyer who meets the eligibility criteria – this keeps pricing accessible for the next first time buyer, while sellers still benefit from any market uplift. A more affordable home should have wider appeal, and our Resale Team can guide you through the process. I know this is a lot to take in, but our team has been guiding first time buyers for over two decades. Get in touch or visit our website for our comprehensive First Time Buyer Guide. Rental gures from trustforlondon.org.uk. Mortgage gures based on a purchase price of £262,000 and a 30-year mortgage term. Mortgage costs correct as of 16 April 2026 and are subject to change. Mortgage costs and terms are subject to full assessment and individual circumstances. Service charges also apply
Service charges depend on building upkeep and typically rise in line with inflation. In Pocket buildings, residents form a Residents’ Management Company, giving them more say in how their building is run. Finally, let’s talk about the different schemes available to help first time buyers. Of course, I’ll start with Pocket – we sell 100% ownership homes that are at least 20% discounted to market value.We’re a private developer, and we’re only available in London. Buyers have to meet our eligibility criteria, which generally means they are middle-earning first time buyers who live or work in London. In contrast, First Homes offers 100% ownership homes that are at least 30% discounted to market value.They are a Government scheme that has very limited availability in London. Buyers have to meet the eligibility criteria, which generally means they are middle-earning first time buyers or key workers.
whether it’s a good time to buy – how do I know when the time is right? Will changes in interest rates affect me, and will the service charge go up? I understand that there are different schemes available to help first time buyers, but will I be able to sell the home when I’m ready to move on? A There’s no doubt that deciding whether to buy a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. I often start by discussing affordability. Many people don’t realise that owning can be cheaper than renting. The average one bedroom rental property in London costs £1,620 every month, but at Sheepcote Road HA1 in Harrow, with a 15% deposit, monthly mortgage payments could be as low as £1,106.¹ Plus, with each monthly mortgage repayment, you build more equity in your home.That means your money is going towards your security and future, rather than a landlord’s pocket. And if property prices rise, you’ll benefit from the increase in value, especially if you downsize at a later stage. Now, in terms of timing – of course this is different for everyone. But some things to bear in mind are:: • Whether you are comfortable with the monthly mortgage costs on your current income (if you fix your mortgage rate then that cost will not change for the period of the fixed term – usually two or five years, but sometimes longer) • Whether you’re happy to settle down in one place for a few years • How much you will spend on rent if you keep waiting. And perhaps a question to ask yourself is, if not now, then when? If you can afford the monthly mortgage payments and fix these for a set term (perhaps five years),
Sheepcote Road HA1 is your chance to get on to the property ladder in north west London. Perfectly positioned between central London and the Green Belt, it offers a selection of discounted one bedroom Pocket homes for local rst time buyers. Each home is a blank canvas with clean, modern details, oor-to-ceiling windows and energy-ef cient appliances to keep bills low – every inch of space thoughtfully designed. Every resident has access to rooftop gardens, allotments and a co-working lounge to foster a sense of community.
Harrow Recreation Ground, Bentley Priory Nature Reserve and Canons Park are on your doorstep, and Harrow-on-the- Hill station is just a 10-minute walk away. Each home is discounted by 20% to the local market. Prices start from £262,000.
To nd out more and speak to our team, email sales@pocketliving.com or call 020 7291 3683
16 First Time Buyer June/July 2018 June/July 2026
THE VIEW
20 First Time Buyer December 2021/January 2022
18 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
THE VIEW
Best known as a member of one of the UK's most successful boybands, JLS, JB Gill is now a highly regarded TV presenter and radio host. Together with his wife, Chloe, who is a professional dancer and content creator, and their two children, he lives on a smallholding in Kent, where they are passionate about farming. Lynda Clark talks to them about their careers, what they are currently working on, the farm and what advice they have for first time buyers THE DREAM TEAM!
Photo © Anna Fowler
"WE KNEW STRAIGHT AWAY IT WAS WHAT WE WANTED AND ALTHOUGH IT WASN’T EXACTLY TO OUR STYLE WE SAW LOTS OF POTENTIAL. WE DID SOME RENOVATIONS AND IT IS THE PERFECT FAMILY HOME"
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 19
THE VIEW
I was really looking forward to chatting with JB and Chloe as I was fascinated to hear how their lives have panned out since JLS became runners-up on the X Factor in 2008. Both JB and Chloe ooze passion for everything they do and just how they fit everything into their super busy lifestyle makes me quite breathless!! JB was the eldest of two boys and was born in London but when he was two years old the family moved to the Caribbean where his parents worked.When he was five they moved back to the UK and JB went to school in south London. “I was always into music and sang in a choir and learned how to play the flute, piano and recorder and even tried my hand at playing the guitar. "Eventually I left school and had a gap year and then went to King's College London university to study theology. I decided to choose a university in London as I knew music was my passion and there is more going on in London’s music scene. I studied for two years and I was also working with a vocal coach who introduced me to Oritse who was already part of the band and I was the final member to join. When we came runners-up on the X Factor it really kick-started our careers and all my dreams of going into the music business came true. I had the opportunity to write songs as well, which is what I had always wanted.” Chloe grew up in Epsom, Surrey, and was always passionate about dancing and started ballet lessons when she was just three years old. With lots of support
from her mum she went to Laine Theatre Arts, which is an independent performing arts college. She said, “I did a BTEC in performing arts and then went for an audition and worked with
the New Contemporary Ballet Company. I never really loved ballet that much but I made myself do it and later became a backing dancer which I really enjoyed.” Chloe met JB when she was a dancer on the X Factor and they eventually got married in 2014 and went on to have their first child, Ace, followed by their daughter, Chiara, in 2018. JB and Chloe bought their first home together and said, “It was a farmhouse which was owned by an older couple who wanted to downsize. It was a lovely family home and you could see it was well loved. We knew straight away it was what we wanted
"TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. YOU WILL KNOW THE MOMENT YOU WALK INTO A PROPERTY IF YOU GET THAT SPECIAL FEELING THAT THIS IS THE HOME FOR YOU"
20 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
THE VIEW
and although it wasn’t exactly to our style we saw lots of potential. We did some renovations and it is the perfect family home. It has around 11 acres of land and so we have about an acre or so as our garden and turned the rest into a smallholding. We started off rescuing a pig from the RSPCA and built up to having five or six working sows and a couple of boars and specialised in free-range Tamworth pork. Then, after lockdown we decided to scale back with the pigs and started breeding free-range award-winning KellyBronze turkeys especially for the Christmas market. We have been doing this for around 10 years and it works very well indeed. We also have some chickens and wild deer and it is a wonderful place to live.” JB is currently a guest presenter on BBC's flagship prime time programme The One Show . He is also a lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated Down on the Farm and stars in the RTS award-winning family series Cooking with the Gills . He said, “I am on The One Show five days a week and we cover lots of different topics including current affairs so I have to be up- to-speed with everything that is happening. It’s a live show so there is no room for anything to go wrong but it’s great fun as well. I have also appeared on Countryfile , Springwatch and On the Farm specials. I really enjoyed doing Songs of Praise and visited a lot of different people which was so interesting and of course I loved all the music as it took me back to my days of singing in the church choir. I was also a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing which was very hard work but lots of fun. I have written two children’s books called Ace and the Animal Heroes, which are really an extension of my own personal experiences as a boy living in the city and moving to the countryside. It’s basically the story of Ace who lives on a run-down farm and when he tries on some magical wellies he realises he can talk to the animals! The second book was published last year." JB also works at Hits Radio on the Hits UK Charts and he presents Tractor Ted , which is aimed at young children to teach them about farming and the countryside. "It’s not just for children who actually live on a farm but to show all children the importance and joy of what the great outdoors and being on a farm is all about.” Chloe is also super-busy and she said, “Our diaries are always full as we both have so many different commitments and projects we are working on. Apart from helping to run the farm, both the children lead very active lives. Ace has just been signed by a professional football club which is great but involves a lot of travelling and we have just returned from North Yorkshire as he worked on the CBeebies’ Football
"I WAS ALWAYS INTO MUSIC AND SANG IN A CHOIR AND LEARNED HOW TO PLAY THE FLUTE, PIANO AND RECORDER AND EVEN TRIED MY HAND AT PLAYING THE GUITAR"
rights and wellbeing. Like JB, this work is so fulfilling and works well with my life on the farm and looking after the children.” They have some great advice for first time buyers and said, “Trust your instincts. You will know the moment you walk into a property if you get that special feeling that this is the home for you. It is really important that you can imagine living there and making it into your dream home. It is also a good idea to take somebody with you when you are viewing as it’s nice to have their valued opinion too. Make sure it ticks all your boxes and has what you are looking for.” Chloe added, “My mum brought me up to always save and was adamant that I put something aside. I used to put some money in an envelope and save it up so I could buy something I really wanted at the end of the year. It made it much more special and we have taught our children to do the same. It is important that children understand the value of money. Of course, nowadays we don’t use cash like we used to, but a little savings account is a good idea and it’s amazing how your savings build and grow.” As we finish our chat I was truly humbled to meet a family who are so happy and fulfilled and though they are so busy with work they manage to fit in all the other projects they get involved with – they are making a huge social impact as well as being fabulous entertainers.
Fantastic second series. Chiara adores performing and dancing and has been in TV commercials so I spend a great deal of my time being a taxi driver! It is as if I have had two careers as before I had the children I worked on major UK stages and televised events including The Brit Awards , Britain’s Got Talent and the MOBO Awards and I travelled the world as a professional dancer including featuring in Beyonce’s iconic Run the World (Girls) music video.” One of the shows both Chloe and JB enjoy doing with their children is Cooking with the Gills . “We cook as a family and team up with another talented young cook to prepare some delicious recipes from around the world. It’s a fabulous show and encourages children to try their hand and prepare and cook some really tasty dishes. We all love taking part and it’s lovely to work together as a family.” JB added, “I am an ambassador for the Woodland Trust, British Red Cross and Farms for City Children and I am Vice- President of the RSPCA and support the Royal Countryside Fund and Mercy Ships. This work is very important to me and I love being involved. Chloe is also passionate about creating family- focused, relatable content that resonates with parents." Chloe continued, “I am an ambassador for the NSPCC and mothers2mothers, championing children’s
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 21
SHARED OWNERSHIP
As a first time buyer, the ultimate aim is to get on the property ladder, and Shared Ownership is a tried-and-tested route to achieving this goal. Historically, there has been little research into the long-term outcomes for buyers but Leeds Building Society (in conjunction with UK Finance) has just published an independent assessment of the scheme, aiming to address this gap in knowledge. Debbie Clark considers the findings, and the ongoing benefits of Shared Ownership SHARED OWNERSHIP THE LONG GAME
these cases the gains would of course be even greater. The impartial study, which used deliberately conservative models, concluded, “Looked at over a decade and across the whole of England, Shared Ownership is capable of delivering beyond its headline attraction of reducing the deposit hurdle. It provides ongoing and improving affordability from year one onwards and, crucially, delivers benefits in terms of asset accumulation. On these metrics, Shared Ownership delivers strongly… Without any doubt, the majority of shared owners will be materially better off by making this choice.” These findings are fantastic news for those taking their first tentative steps into the Shared Ownership market, building confidence that it is a strong move financially long-term, and not simply a shortcut to getting a foot in the door.
Suffice to say, the evidence does exactly that. Of 294 local authorities, Shared Ownership is forecast to be more affordable than private renting in 227 (77%) in year one, rising to 232 (79%) in year five and 272 (93%) in year 10. These results were even more significant in “high rent” local authorities (where rental payments make up over 30% of income). Shared Ownership is more affordable in 93% of these areas in year 1, and 98% of them by year 10. The next stage of the analysis factored in capital repayments and house price growth, and the results indicated that in 97% of local authorities shared owners are also financially better off as a result of growing equity. In fact, by year 10, shared owners are on average £29,000 better off than private renters, peaking at £42,000 in London. For simplicity, the study did not factor in “staircasing”, where the owned share of the property is increased over time, but in
Taking the Longer View. Shared Ownership, Costs and Opportunities – an Independent Assessment is a report undertaken by Bob Pannell and Peter Williams – both respected independent experts on housing markets – for Leeds Building Society, published in February 2025. Andrew Greenwood, Deputy Chief Executive at Leeds Building Society, explains, “We’ve taken the step of using extensive data from our own lending as well as the wider mortgage market, kindly provided by UK Finance, to support a thorough and objective study which explores an important question: when is Shared Ownership a better financial option than staying in the private rented sector?” He continues, “The job was not to make a case for Shared Ownership or any other housing option, but to weigh the numbers, analyse the outcomes, and let the evidence speak for itself.”
22 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
SHARED OWNERSHIP
HOMES AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET
CASE STUDY
For chef Samuel Baeza Jimenez , 32, stepping on to the property ladder through Shared Ownership meant securing his dream home in the London neighbourhood he loved. For Samuel, who moved to London from Spain 13 years ago, staying in Elephant and Castle was non-negotiable, “I looked at properties in Streatham, but I’m used to Zone 1 living! When I moved to Elephant and Castle, it wasn’t a super popular area. But now, with the amazing development that’s gone on, it’s a fantastic, buzzy place. It’s like living in a village; there’s a strong sense of community. “There are so many nice pubs and bars locally, and all my friends live nearby. I’ve got a busy social life. I normally cycle to work, but you’ve also got buses and the Northern and Bakerloo Lines. You’re 25 minutes from everywhere you’d want to be. “I’d already been renting around Elephant and Castle for 13 years. I started looking into buying just before Covid hit, but then life just got in the way. It wasn’t until October 2024 that I picked up the search again.” Samuel came across L&Q at Elephant Park, a development located in the heart of one of London’s most exciting regeneration zones. “I’d had my eye on L&Q’s homes at Elephant Park and went along to a sales appointment in November 2024. I was moved in by January 2025. I was one of the rst people to move into the block, which was fun!” Samuel bought a 25% share of a three bedroom apartment. These parkside homes form part of a vibrant community alongside businesses, creative enterprises, independent eateries and more. Residents can enjoy access to a landscaped communal podium garden, which overlooks Castle Square. Re ecting on using Shared Ownership, Samuel says, “It’s so dif cult to step on to the ladder alone. I did look at a few homes for traditional sale, but they were completely out of my budget. Buying a new build has its perks. I wouldn’t have minded a DIY project, but I’ve been able to move in straight away and get on with my life. When I rst viewed my at, it felt like mine – I could see myself there instantly. It has a massive balcony that gets the sun, and with three bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for friends and family to stay over. I’d love to staircase one day and own 100% of my home. I see myself here for a while.”
BEXHILL-ON-SEA, EAST SUSSEX The Gateway
HENDON, BARNET SO Resi Westgrove
This suburban development offers one and two bedroom apartments with private balconies or terraces, integrated Bosch appliances and under oor heating. Eco-conscious design features include green roofs, solar panels and natural materials. Conveniently located just a mile from Hendon Central tube station, you are also within easy reach of local shops and green spaces.
Located between Hastings and Eastbourne, this collection of three and four bedroom houses is available with Home Reach, delivered in partnership with Countryside. Following strong demand for the rst release – which saw all 18 homes reserved – a new phase of 20 family homes has now launched at the seaside development. The impressive family homes offer modern layouts, private gardens, allocated parking and energy-ef cient design, all close to local schools, shops and the seafront.
soresi.co.uk/ nd-a-property/westgrove-2 020 8607 0550
thegateway.homereach.org.uk 020 3744 0415
*Based on a 10% share of the full market value of £350,000
*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £425,995
PLUMSTEAD Rockcliffe Square
TWICKENHAM Twickenham Square
Located in a vibrant south east London district, and designed with modern living in mind, homes at Rockcliffe Square include Manhattan studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments. All properties feature fully integrated appliances, private outdoor spaces and access to a resident-only landscaped communal podium courtyard. Perfect for commuters, residents can enjoy a short walk to three railway stations – Woolwich, Woolwich Arsenal and Plumstead – placing Canary Wharf seven minutes away and Liverpool Street just 14 minutes away.
These luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartments, starting at a 25% share, offer a rare opportunity for Shared Ownership in leafy Twickenham. They are ideally located minutes from the iconic Twickenham Stadium, and within walking distance to the station and popular high street. Applicants with a live connection to Richmond will be prioritised for these homes, with a priority point scoring system used to assess housing need. latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/london/ richmond-upon-thames/twickenham-square 0330 024 2732
lqhomes.com/rockcliffesquare 020 8189 0426
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £342,500
First Time Buyer June/July 2026 23
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker