EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
I hope you have been enjoying the heatwave even though it is hard to work and sleep when it’s so hot! This is the perfect time of year for first time buyers to take the plunge and step on to the ladder – there is nothing quite like owning your own home and getting the keys for the first time!
Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Editorial Assistant and Head of Special Events KATIE WRIGHT
More and more people are turning to the bank of Mum and Dad, which is certainly thriving – do turn to pages 24-29 where we look at the statistics to see how things have changed and why where you buy will have a big impact on what help you might need – it makes for interesting reading! Voting for our FTB Readers’ Awards 2025 is in full swing. There is still plenty of time to cast your votes and you will find the shortlist on pages 63-91 so please do take a moment to go to ftbawards.com – thank you. If you are planning on camping, glamping or just having a picnic in the garden, beach or local park then you are sure to enjoy our fun selection of outdoor accessories on pages 8-9 and 10-11. Out Hotspot features, where we highlight a different town, are always so fascinating and this issue we shine the spotlight on Peckham in south London on pages 46-47 and Harrow on pages 54-55. I do hope you enjoy this bumper issue, which is packed with information, and if you are struggling to understand how the homebuying process works then I am sure you will find the answers to your questions inside.
Editorial and Special Events Assistant SOPHIE MUNNERY
Creative Director RYAN BEAL
Sub Editor KAY HILL
Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY
Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, MEGAN DOHERTY, KAY HILL, LILY MANSELL, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN- OSGOOD, SEBASTIAN PAULO, CORALIE PHELAN, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, STEPHEN WARD, 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…
If you can’t afford a place in your
As a chef I need a particular style of kitchen which has masses of space and an island in the middle. This place is perfect Ben Harris, At home with, page 14
All advertising copy for October/November 2025 must be received before 10 September 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.
ideal location explore other areas nearby
Buying your rst home is a huge nancial commitment, but one that should pay off long term Richard Taylor, Agony Agent, pages 130-131
I love the idea of having plenty of space to have an of ce room as well as a guest room Krupa Rhajan, House Hunter, page 16 James MacPhail, 20 Questions, page 146
I now have somewhere of my own for me and my pets, and an extra room too Deividas Brokas, Real Life, page 110
First Time Buyer August/September 2025 3
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