OVERGROUND
THE WINDRUSH LINE: HIGHBURY & ISLINGTON TO CLAPHAM JUNCTION/ NEW CROSS/CRYSTAL PALACE/ WEST CROYDON The Windrush Line runs through areas with strong ties to Caribbean communities today, such as Dalston Junction, Peckham Rye and West Croydon.The arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in June 1948 marked the
CASE STUDY
start of the "Windrush generation", which included Caribbean communities who migrated to help rebuild Britain after the second world war in critical industries such as construction, healthcare and transport. Sadly, these immigrants were often met with intolerance and denied access to housing, shops, pubs, clubs and even churches on account of their race. In addition to bringing vital skills, these communities enriched and expanded London’s music scene at the time, and influenced more recent genres such as hip hop, rap and grime, which play an important part in our vibrant, multicultural capital. The new line celebrates the Windrush generation and the wider importance of migration that continues to shape and enrich London’s cultural and social identity today.
Yerin and Alex have purchased a 25% share of a £497,500 one bedroom apartment at L&Q’s Silk District in Whitechapel, with a deposit of £18,500. The couple were also able to take advantage of an exclusive L&Q deposit-match incentive. Having met in Spain eight years ago, the couple had been in a long-distance relationship for three years before settling in London in 2017. Yerin explains, “Alex and I had been in a long-distance relationship while I was living in New York, so when I decided to move to London, we were excited by the prospect of nally being able to start our lives together. However, buying a property simply wasn’t an option for us, as prices were far too expensive, and the deposits required for homes in good locations were really high. We couldn’t call upon our parents for any support either, so renting really was the only option for us, we thought, for the long-term.”
WHITECHAPEL – THE WINDRUSH LINE L&Q at The Silk District Available exclusively through shared ownership, these contemporary one and two bedroom apartments are located moments from Whitechapel station and within walking distance to the City. Each home has been nished to the highest standard, with fully integrated
appliances, a contemporary speci cation, and its own private outdoor space. The development also bene ts from impressive residents-only facilities including access to a private on-site cinema, gym with high-spec Technogym equipment and Peloton spin studio, as well as 24-hour concierge with communal areas and podium gardens for socialising.
However, by 2022, frustrated by in ated rental prices, Alex and Yerin
began to research whether an alternative homeownership route could offer them the stability they craved. Having worked in the social housing sector, Yerin was already familiar with shared ownership and L&Q. She recalls that they began looking to see whether shared ownership could offer them a stepping stone on to the property ladder. “Privately renting in London means that building savings is a real challenge, so we needed a low- deposit option,” she explains. Prioritising areas with good connectivity to their jobs in west and central London, the couple soon discovered L&Q at The Silk District. Alex says, “The Silk District really stood out to us because of the fantastic on-site amenities that were included – no other developments we had seen had such large communal gardens or a gym, cinema or concierge service. The location was also ideal – the Elizabeth Line has made the whole capital easily accessible.” Re ecting on their experience, Yerin says, “Shared ownership gave a chance that we thought simply not possible. It’s enabled us to get on to the property ladder, be independent and nd a lovely home in a well-connected and vibrant area!”
lqhomes.com/thesilkdistrict 020 8189 7504
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £490,000
CROYDON – THE WINDRUSH LINE Aspect Croydon
Aspect Croydon offers one, two and three bedroom shared ownership homes set within a 26-storey development. The homes support ef cient living, with A-rated kitchen appliances, LED lighting and under oor heating throughout. Each apartment
also offers its own private winter garden, many of which are dual
aspect, with far-reaching views from oor-to-ceiling windows. The development also bene ts from a concierge service, set within an impressive entrance lobby with exible mezzanine communal space. Aspect Croydon is a 10-minute walk from West Croydon station, on the new Windrush Line. Wellesley Road tram stop is also right on the development’s doorstep and East Croydon station is a ve-minute walk away.
nhghomes.com/aspectcroydon 020 3432 4974
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £350,000
24 First Time Buyer June/July 2024
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