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
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