First Time Buyer June/July 2020

the Ultimate Guide to... GETTING ON THE LADDER, THE PROPERTY MARKET AND HELP TO BUY June/ July 2020 £3.95 firsttimebuyermag.com

SPOTLIGHT ON ROYAL WHARF HOUSING MARKET GETS BACK IN BUSINESS

WIN!

A GTECH CORDLESS LAWNMOWER WORTH £499.99

NEW BUILD HOTSPOTS

“Go on as many viewings as you possibly can – you will come to know exactly what you do and don't want” Jade Vanriel

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EDITOR’S LETTER

E D I T O R I A L – 020 7258 0036

Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk Editorial Assistant DAWN HARKER Junior Editorial Assistant NIAMH HOUSTON Creative Director RYAN BEAL Sub Editor KAY HILL Social Media DAWN HARKER Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, ADAM CRAWFORD, DAWN HARKER, KAY HILL, JONNIE IRWIN, NICK MORREY, LAURA DEAN-OSGOOD, GINETTA VEDRICKAS A D V E RT I S I N G – 020 7258 0036

Director of Advertising/Exhibition Sales LYNDA CLARK

lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk Special Events EILIDH MACLEOD – First Time Buyer Home Show – First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards boom@squarepegmedia.com

Welcome I do hope that you are all safe and well during these strange times. I am sure many of you are working at home, which takes a little getting used to and to all our key workers we thank you so much for all your incredible dedication and hard work.

During this period of lockdown I know many of you have spent the time researching everything you need to know about buying your first home and also going on virtual viewings which have been very successful. It is the perfect opportunity to do your research and just as we are going to print the Government has released some new guidelines on moving home, whch means showhomes are re-opening, valuations are taking place and you can actually move in – these all have to be done taking the strictest measures on safety and social distancing but slowly the property market is getting back to normal, which is great news.

This is a real bumper issue and packed full of information and advice.

Many first time buyers opt to buy a new build and on pages 24-27 we highlight the hotspots where new homes are offering great value for money. The Help to Buy scheme has proved to be a real success story with the official figure of 263,297 completions since the scheme started in April 2013. The scheme as it is at the moment is coming to an end in March 2023 but will still be available to first time buyers, so do turn to page 106 to find out more.

Our FTB Readers’ Awards 2020 are still in full swing and thank you to everyone who has taken the time to vote. For anyone who hasn’t voted yet please go to ftbawards.com – your votes are so important!

Until next time, happy house hunting and stay well and stay safe.

Managing Director SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk Public Relations RACHEL COLGAN rachel@building-relations.co.uk

firsttimebuyeronline

@firsttimebuyer

Accounts accounts@ultimateguidecompany.com

! NEWSFLASH !

Do watch our weekly webinars when our expert panel answer all your property related questions – go to facebook.com/firsttimebuyeronline

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SUBSCRIPTIONS 020 7258 0036 SWITCHBOARD 020 7258 1777 FAX: 020 7258 1787

EDITOR’S PICKS…

There are far more enquires per shared ownership property than available stock

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE COMPANY LTD, 37 IVOR PLACE, LONDON NW1 6EA All advertising copy for June/July 2020 must be received before 8 July 2020.

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 2008-2020. 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.

Follow your dream and keep trying. If you want something bad enough you will get there in the end.

Emily Brooks, At home with, Page 14

We are really excited at the prospect of a brand new home and revamped new area.

Marin Burton-Rowey, House Hunter, Page 16

Jonnie Irwin, Jonnie’s World, Page 9

Shared ownership homes are available across London and throughout the UK

Overall, the London property market has performed well as there is still so much demand Hopkin Man, 20 Questions, Page 122

Joe Farrington, Developer’s Doctor, Page 18

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CONTENTS

JUNE/JULY 2020 / ISSUE 83 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK

What’s in…

53

For sale

52

When paediatric nurse Kimberley, 25, and her partner Johnny, 26, visited a relative’s new apartment at SO Resi Forster Oaks in Stevenage, the couple found more than they bargained for - a new home of their own. With shared ownership, the couple were able to secure a two bedroom apartment at the development, but when the UK’s imminent social lockdown caused uncertainty around their moving in date, SO Resi stepped in to ensure they had a place to call home.

HOMEPAGE

9 Words from Jonnie TV presenter and property expert Jonnie Irwin gives his views on the housing market.

10 FTB Loves…

A round up of our favourite hot buys.

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12 Living Take inspiration of the colours of the rainbow with these bright and fun accessories for the garden.

14 At home with… Emily Brooks Emily Brooks has always had a love for drawing and design and launched her first collection of greetings cards in 2017. She now has 65 new exciting products including giftware, tableware and stationery available online. She talks to Lynda Clark about how it all began, her fascinating career and gives some excellent advice to first time buyers.

FEATURED

20 The View: Jade Vanriel Jade Vanriel is a talented YouTuber with a real passion for property. She has more than 47,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and her property videos reach over three millions views. She bought her first home when she was just 23 and she talks to Lynda Clark about how she managed to save for a deposit, her interesting career and gives some very sound advice to first time buyers.

16 House hunter We try to find Marin and Sam Burton-Rowey a home within easy reach of Watford.

18 Developer’s doctor

24 Get ahead of the game!

Joe Farrington, Area Sales Manager for Catalyst, answers your property question.

Many first time buyers when searching for their dream home decide to go with a new build.

Benham and Reeves have produced the latest New Build Buyer Demand Index and have discovered the hottest spots around the country for brand new homes. We highlight which areas are in high demand and see what’s available to buy.

106 Changes to the Help to Buy Scheme In 2018, the Government announced that the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme would be coming to an end in March 2023.

With a view to ensuring that those who most need support to achieve homeownership are targeted in the final two years of the scheme, they have made some important changes. We highlight just what this means for first time buyers.

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CONTENTS JADE VANRIEL, PAGE 20

I HAVE RECENTLY CREATED MY OWN MINISERIES, SHOWCASING PROSPECTIVE HOMES ESPECIALLY FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

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Jade Vanriel REGULARS

buyer

READERS’ AWARDS 2020 First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards 2020

100 Finance 48 Hotspot Royal Wharf

A chance to view the shortlist of all the different categories, plus details of how to cast your allimportant votes.

ftbawards.com

We look look at this new up-andcoming area as a place to live.

What should first time buyers be doing in the present crisis? Kay Hill looks at ways to use the time wisely.

94 Gift that keeps on giving

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Victoria Perselli comes up with some clever gardening ideas to create the perfect housewarming present.

114 Market

95

Following the Budget, delivered in March by new chancellor Rishi Sunak, Ginetta Vedrickas looks at what it means for first time buyers.

Competition Win a Gtech cordless lawn mower worth £499.99

104 Agony Agent 96 First home, first meal Alistair Craig, Head Chef at Cambium, the award-winning restaurant at Careys Manor & SenSpa creates a delicious recipe for Tandoori spiced spatchcock chicken with Quinoa salad, bahji and cucumber raita mint yoghurt.

Warmer weather means BBQ time – we highlight some of the best ways to enjoy eating outdoors.

98 Mortgage Clinic Nick Morrey, Mortgage Technical Manager at John Charcol, answers you’re your financial related questions.

All your property questions answered by our panel of experts.

107 Buyer’s guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property process.

114 Directory Where and how to contact your Help to Buy Agents or providers.

122 20 questions We ask 20 quick-fire questions to a property expert and in this issue Hopkin Man, Head of Sales and Marketing at Octavia, steps into the spotlight.

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LETTERS

Mailbox REDECORATING WITH SHARED OWNERSHIP

WRITE TO US! Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions concerning property, or the articles in First Time Buyer magazine.

First Time Buyer Letters, 37 Ivor Place, London NW1 6EA lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

I have recently bought my first home through shared ownership and I am very happy that I have actually stepped on to the property ladder. I own 35% of the property and I would like to redecorate some of the rooms so that I can put my own personal stamp on them. Can I do this without getting permission from the housing association?

Sophie Munnery FTB: Shared ownership is a great way to get on the property ladder, but it does come with some restrictions, which will be outlined in your lease.

Every housing association has different rules and restrictions. Some are more lenient when it comes to redecoration, but if you wanted to do any structural changes you would require written approval before any work was started. If you are unsure, look back at your lease agreement or speak to your housing association before undertaking any work.

This issue’s star letter wins a wonderful bundle of Lakeland barbecue accessories worth just over £30, which are perfect for outdoor dining. The bundle includes a large nonstick, reusable barbecue and oven cooking tray, a gourmet burger press which makes a regular burger plus a second set of moulds to make bitesized ones or sliders, 12 non-stick reusable burger liners and some Good with Everything herb sea salt perfect for seasoning. lakeland.co.uk

HOW LONG DOES A MORTGAGE OFFER LAST? I have recently received a mortgage offer from a lender. I don’t know how long it will take for me to finally purchase my own home, however I am really worried that the offer might expire. How long does a mortgage offer last for?

James Ross FTB: A mortgage offer lasts for the period of time that is

specified by your lender. This will be set out in the terms and conditions. Completion of your purchase should take place by or before the offer expiry date. However, if during the transaction it becomes apparent that completion is likely to take longer than expected for any reason, then a request can be made through the broker or solicitor for the lender to extend the offer expiry date if necessary.

GETTING THE TIMING RIGHT My partner and I are finally in a position to buy our first home but we are not sure when it is best to start the process. We are expecting our first baby at Christmas, so ideally we would like to move in the early autumn.

How long does it usually take?

Jordan Barret FTB: It is not possible to give an exact time frame, so if you are ready to buy there is no reason to delay. While in theory it can take as little as six weeks, the reality is often a lot longer and the buyer’s and seller’s circumstances will affect this. In addition, there may be conveyancing problems which can add delays and if you are buying an older property there is likely to be a chain and a higher risk of things moving slowly. If you are planning to buy a new build then there is far less chance there will be any problems as there will be no chain to worry about.

CONVEYANCING AND SURVEYING - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? I have been doing lots of research while searching for my first property. I am a little confused though about the difference between surveying and conveyancing. Could you outline the details and differences between both of these?

Chloe Beach FTB: This is a question often asked by first time buyers and both are very important. Conveyancing involves the legal transfer of

homeownership from the seller to you, the buyer. The conveyancing process starts when your offer on a property is accepted and finishes when you receive the keys and it is done by a solicitor or conveyancer.

Surveying relates to the inspection of the property to ensure that it is structurally sound and in good condition so that you don’t have any nasty surprises once you have moved in.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the first time, go to firsttimebuyermag.com

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OPINION

Photo © Mike Prior

WORLD

TV presenter and property expert Jonnie Irwin gives his thoughts and views on first time buyers and the housing market

It all started when Bowie died.

It’s not just me saying this, there’s plenty of us, mostly music fans, that put the death of David Bowie as the time when the world as we knew it went downhill and got a bit rubbish. Obviously, my tongue is firmly embedded into my cheek when I say this, but in four years we’ve had The European Referendum leading to years of financial uncertainty until Brexit (a word I still find hard to say without frowning), a hastily arranged general election and now this, a global pandemic.

After each of these huge events, it looked as if we were just dusting ourselves down in the property world and then boom! There’s something else to overcome. It reminds me of Woody Allen’s take on an old Yiddish phrase, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans.”

It’s hard to argue with that sentiment given the past few years.

Of course, there are always ups and downs and while it seems the world of property has had to deal with more than its fair share of flack recently, the wheels in some areas are still turning.

I spoke with Jon Lord, MD of Metro Finance, a company specialising in shared ownership mortgages, who told me there was a small proportion of transactions that they were able to process if a surveyor had visited the site recently and they were able to use an Automated Valuation Model (AVM). Good news then, but considering of the 27 or so lenders that offer shared ownership products, less than a handful are capable of using an AVM. It seems, if anything, that the lenders have lost time during the lockdown and have experienced an “operational crunch”.

At the heart of the problem is that a first time property purchase is not a luxury item.

People need places to live. There are far more enquiries per shared ownership property than available stock, so there’s certainly demand. Mortgage companies have the desire and ability to lend – according to Lord at Metro Finance they have the capacity to deal with the current supply of SO housing four times over.

If anything, lenders have lost time on processing mortgages but are wary of another outbreak and ensuing lockdown so they will want to make hay while the sun shines.

Part of the problem with the buying process, in my opinion, is the human element. I find it amazing that in a world of electronic money transfer, augmented reality and block chain seemingly around the corner, the purchase of a new build is still heavily reliant on a surveyor and a lawyer.

I say this coming from a position of experience – I’m a former surveyor and I’m a shareholder in a law firm so if anything I could be accused of being a turkey voting for Christmas.

But like anyone who has done their time in the business will appreciate, the role of a surveyor and lawyer is to find and highlight issues and hopefully provide a solution. My issue is that the type of properties we are talking about are brand new, coming (hopefully) with 10-year guarantees. Should we be building and selling real estate that requires a third party sign-off, with all-too-often snagging issues? The rich and famous buy cars far away in excess of most first time buyer budgets. They don’t seem to worry about the roof or window leaking,so why should a first time buyer of a brand new home?

At the time of writing this piece, I am, of course, in lockdown and have no idea whether we will still be in that situation when this is published. Nobody could have forseen this crisis, but I strongly believe that we can learn from it and even use it as a catalyst for positive change.

The purchase process, and in particular conveyancing, could and should be far better streamlined. This, of course, will require new legislation and there are vested interests that might well stand in the way, many from my previous career, but the archaic way in which we buy property in this country needs to be dragged, kicking and screaming into the 21st century and I for one would like to be pulling it by its hair.

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Homepage LIVING

Colour Psychology

Decorating your home is always exciting, but choosing the best colour scheme can often pose a problem. So, how do you create the perfect harmonious space to relax in? We take a look at colour psychology and how it can help to radiate positive vibes in your home

LIVING ROOM Key Colours: Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple Key Emotions: Freshness, Harmony, Happiness, Joy, Warmth, Luxury Using green as your main colour in a living room gives the whole space a sense of freshness, but more importantly, echoes harmony – perfect in a room that is central to bringing people together. Add yellows and oranges to add happiness, joy and warmth. Finally, a splash of purple here and there gives a sense of luxury.

Colour psychology is the study of hues and how they can affect human behaviour and emotions. According to studies, sunlight, and the colours generated by it, influence hormonal responses, making us feel certain ways when we see different colours. These can range from positive feelings such as being relaxed and focused to negative emotions such as being anxious.

With help from My Tool Shed, which designed a guide to create the perfect atmosphere in your home, room by room, you can decorate your home using colour palettes that will help create great positivity in your own space.

Remember not everyone responds to colour the same, so here are the most important things to remember when picking colours for your home.

• How do you want to feel in this room?

• How will others feel in this room?

• Which colours can I put together to get the best out of this room?

MASTER BEDROOM Key Colours: Red, White, Pink, Green Key Emotions: Love, Passion, Cleanliness, Safety, Calming, Tranquillity The bedroom is a place where you want to be calm and unwind but is also a space to enjoy love and passion and using the colour red across the walls promotes this. However, it is also key that your bedroom is a space that helps you relax, and ultimately sleep and white helps make the room feel clean and pure. Adding the pink tones will have a calming effect, essential after a stressful day of work! You can also use hints of green to promote tranquillity. mytoolshed.co.uk

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FTB LOVES

What’s hot in the shops? Always on the lookout for exciting and innovative new ideas and accessories that will help create the perfect space, here are our favourites this issue

Hands-free hygiene

The EKO deluxe Phantom Sensor recycling bin is the perfect way to keep your home clean, tidy and hygienic. You simply wave your hand over the dual ‘butterfl y’ lid and it silently opens to reveal two inner colour coded buckets, which are designed with waste separation in mind. The 20l bin also has manual opening and closing using the button, which is handy for longer tasks. The sensor is ultra-long lasting and also comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Deluxe Phantom Sensor recycling bin, £169.99, EKO ekohome.co.uk

C o n ce p é f a C c Chi

ts

ds over for tea and Whether you’re having frien rself a fabulous flat cake, or you’re making you cept range from Con é Caf the white at home, shop feeling into your ee coff that gs brin n hoo Typ light pinks are perfect home. The neutral greys and create a simple but for mixing and matching and ge has everything ran The m. roo stylish look to any and serving ots from cups and saucers to teap afternoon fect per the e hav bowls, so you can . sofa r you cuppa from the comfort of oon Typh , £12 from e, Café Concept rang very.co.uk

Garden of Eden … at Home

This chic recycled terrarium is the perfect “at home project” and a great way to add some greenery into your new home. Inspired by the canopy of the rainforest and designed in partnership with the Eden project in Cornwall, you can have your own mini ecosystem to enjoy.

Simply fi ll with small, slow growing plants, and watch your terrarium come to life.

Eden canopy closed garden terrarium, £40, ReChich rechic.co.uk

Scent-sational!

We love Holistic London’s scented candles – they are a must for every home! A great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day, these candles go one step further. Entirely vegan, untested on animals, they are made from only natural ingredients and are organic and eco-friendly. The renewable soy wax and high-quality essential oils last longer than many standard candles. Plus, with scents like grapefruit + rosemary and peppermint + sandalwood who could resist them?

Scented candles, candles from £15, Holistic London thisisholisticlondon.com

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! d u o r p e s u Ho

Pride is all about celebrating who you are! So why not be inspired by the colours of the rainbow and make the most of summer at home with these bright accessories. Everything we’ve picked is perfect for the garden and will brighten even the cloudiest summer day

House by John Lewis Saffron/Orange ombre set of two Salsa garden mini chairs, £78; House by John Lewis Orange/Aegean ombre set of two Salsa garden mini chairs, £78; House by John Lewis Salsa round garden side table, £79; House by John Lewis Salsa Aegean fourseat round garden table and chairs set, £319; John Lewis & Partners Salsa rattan solar-powered garden lantern, £16; John Lewis & Partners Garden Maya reversible cushion, £12; John Lewis & Partners Garden Acapulco reversible cushion, £12; John Lewis & Partners Garden cactus cushion, £12; John Lewis & Partners

Giant lady Pride gnome, £22, George Home

ts paper wl, £1; Frui uits paper bo Fr w, £2; ; ra 8 st £ d g, an cool ba Melon cup ; 1 £ ella , in Fruits family itr pk d pink C on uits paper na uits yellow an Fr o ; plate, £1; Fr ilk 2 £ W , , w 0 ra .5 p and st asses, £2 Pineapple cu ts cocktail gl t of two Frui se ; 3 £ , le cand Set of two pineapple drinks cups, £6, George Home

Salsa round garden coffee table, £120, John Lewis and Partners

Round cactus outdoor planter, £25, Matalan Tall cactus uutdoor planter, £25, Matalan

Nerja four-piece sofa set, £399; brushed gold Buddha, £18; planter with triangular steel holder, £8; hanging terracotta planter, £10; large hive planter, £20; terracotta camel planter, £8; rattan lantern, £10, Discovery pitcher, £4; Discovery short tumbler, £1.80; Discovery short tumbler fourpack, £7, George Home

Tiki beach parasol, £25, George Home

C ONTACTS » Annie Sloan anniesloan.com » Dobbies dobbies.com » George Home asda.com » John Lewis and Partners johnlewis.com » Matalan matalan.co.uk » Primark primark.com » Red Candy redcandy.co.uk » Sainsbury’s Home sainsburys.co.uk » Wilko wilko.com

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Homepage LIVING Hanging tin plant pot in mint and pink, £1 each, Primark

Party Animals scatter cushion, £8, Sainsbury’s Home

Over the Rainbow doormat, £20, Red Candy Chalk Paint™ in Emperor’s Silk; Barcelona Orange; English Yellow; Antibes Green and Giverny Blue, from £5.95 for 120ml, Annie Sloan

Metal bistro set, £75, Wi lko

Party Animals coloured drinks bucket, £12, Sainsbury’s Home

& Discovery Create k, £29.99; Plum 9; pin .9 in £5 air e, ch ad g sp Eg le Mini hand .99; Kids’ wooden kneeler, £7.99; Paint easel, £199 gle jun s £6.99; Kid tel, blue watering can, 99; Dewdrop Butterfly & Insect ho £14.

Butterfly habitat, m £3.99, Dobbies £16.99; Plants, fro

Salsa two-seater garden sofa, £120, John Lewis and Partners

Rainbow beach towel, £7, George Home

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At home with:

Emily Brooks

Emily Brooks loved drawing from a very early age, and as a teenager she won a Young Artist Award at the Royal Academy, which led to her studying art and design and then taking a degree in Film Production. She has always had a very distinctive style in both her designs and use of colour, and in 2017 she launched her first collection of greetings cards. Things have moved on a pace since then; Emily now has 65 exciting new products, including giftware, tableware and stationery, which is available online at emilybrooks.uk and johnlewis.com. She talks to Lynda Clark about her first home, her fascinating career and gives some advice to first time buyers who are looking to step on the ladder FTB: Tell us about your first step on the property ladder?

EB: In 2011, my husband and I moved back to London after living in America and we bought a very tiny one bedroom apartment in Tooting, south London. We had saved and also got a little financial help from the family – we were both self-employed and working in the film industry, which can be very up and down. We had our accounts up to date, but we did find getting a mortgage quite tricky and eventually went to a broker who helped us. We loved living there and even though it was very small it was an amazing feeling that it was ours. My husband and I both work from home so we were rather crammed, but we worked it out.

The important thing about working at home together is to set boundaries and dedicate your own personal space. At one point I was cramped in a corner and my husband took quite a lot of the room up, but we got there in the end. Then in 2014, I was expecting my first child and we needed more space with a baby on the way. We bought a really lovely house with a garden between Walthamstow and Leyton and we now live there very happily with our two sons.

FTB: Tell us about your career?

EB: I have always loved drawing and illustration and won a Young Artist Award at the Royal Academy when I was young.

I then went on to study Art and Design at Foundation level at university before I did a degree in Film Production at the Northern Film School. After volunteering to work on some films for an international charity I lived abroad, but eventually I came back to London and continued working in the film industry managing production.

Working in films is always a fun process from beginning to end, and it used all my creative talents as well, so I really enjoyed every moment of it. After I had my second son I sadly got post natal depression, and when I talked about it to my therapist they suggested that I do the thing I loved the most, which was drawing and using my creative energy, so I started on a series of artwork. Up until then I had many different styles to my work, but eventually I found one cohesive style which really worked well, is very distinctive and is now definitely my trademark.

FTB: How did your business start?

EB: In 2017, I had a collection of 10 greetings cards and I went to a gift shop in Walthamstow. They really liked them and agreed to stock them. That was the start, really, and now I have 65 exciting new products and I’ve branched out too, so now I design giftware, tableware, stationery and kitchenware. It has really grown and I have joined forces with some partners who have

“WE HAD SAVED AND ALSO GOT A LITTLE FINANCIAL HELP FROM THE FAMILY – WE WERE BOTH SELF-EMPLOYED AND WORKING IN THE FILM INDUSTRY, WHICH CAN BE VERY UP AND DOWN. WE HAD OUR ACCOUNTS UP TO DATE, BUT WE DID FIND GETTING A MORTGAGE QUITE TRICKY AND EVENTUALLY WENT TO A BROKER WHO HELPED US” 14 First Time Buyer June/July 2020

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“WE KNEW THAT SOMEBODY OUT THERE WOULD TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH AND HELP US, AND THEY DID” my designs under licence. Now my range is available in John Lewis and Sainsbury’s - which is taking my gift range, stationery and travel items. I am also in independent kitchenware shops as well.

FTB: Your designs are very distinctive; where do you get your inspiration from?

EB: I have always loved realism in art and I really like the Renaissance period. I enjoy taking lots of photos – say I took a photo of a tablecloth with a glass on it, I then create it in my own way but very realistically too. I enjoy working with blocks of colour, and colour clashes that you imagine would not work together but they do. I think my designs are fun and playful but also are almost like a photograph too, and they certainly stand out.

FTB: What are your plans for the future?

EB: I want to continue to develop my range and would like to collaborate more with other brands as well. It’s a very exciting time for me and I am really looking forward to what the future might bring.

FTB: What advice do you have for first time buyers?

EB: Buying for the first time is very exciting but can also be very stressful.

Getting a mortgage, for example, might not be plain sailing – when we first applied for one we were turned down several times but we had to keep going.

We knew that somebody out there would take a leap of faith and help us, and they did. So hold out, follow your dream and keep trying. If you want something bad enough you will get there in the end.

Find about more about Emily’s brand new ranges at emilybrooks.uk and for uplifting social content follow her on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook: @emilybrooksuk

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Homepage FIRST RUNG

The

HOUSE HUNTER

What we found…

THE BEST OF BOTH NEON, Burnt Oak, north west London

THE HISTORIC SETTING FROM £133,000*

Wilshere Park Welwyn, Herts

FROM £350,000

This month FTB goes on the hunt with Marin and Sam Burton-Rowey who are after a one or two bedroom home in, or close to, Watford, Hertfordshire

PROFILE

Name Marin, 36, and Sam Burton-Rowey, 37 Occupations Retail manager, furniture restorer Maximum budget £400,000 Requirements A one or two bedroom property with some outside space, close to, or within easy reach of Watford, Hertfordshire. Nearby shops and good travel links would also be desirable

What they wanted…

Sam and I met at sixth form college in Watford – where we’re both from – many moons ago. A chance meeting five years ago brought us back together and the rest is history! We’re currently living together in Notting Hill, west London, and want to move back to, or close to, our roots.

We’re hoping to buy our own place, start a family and be close to our own parents and siblings, too. We’d like to look at Watford and the surrounding Herts area.

We’d also consider areas of north west London, as that’s pretty close. I’m getting a transfer at work to a Watford store, while Sam just needs to be able to rent a workshop space nearby for his business – which will be a lot cheaper the further out of town we move. Our requirements are to ideally have two bedrooms, some outdoor space, private – or convenient – parking and a local town so we can get to shops and things easily. We have a deposit of £40,000, and an overall budget or around £400,000.

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Convenience is the name of the game at this popular new development, with a tube station, high street and parks all within a short walk. The homes are beautifully designed, with openplan living/dining areas and private balconies. Residents also share a raised communal garden, with landscaped patio, children’s play area and lovely views. Burnt Oak station is around 10 minutes away, for Northern Line services direct to London Euston. There’s a great range of shops moments away, while Brent Cross shopping centre is a short bus journey.

A tranquil country life awaits at these new one and two bedroom homes in Welwyn.

Created in a historic setting, the development includes a beautifully remodelled grand building, along with sympathetically designed newer properties. The homes are surrounded by manicured lawns, while the shops, pubs and restaurants of charming Welwyn are a 15-minute walk away. The apartments feature contemporary living spaces, with en suite bathrooms from the master bedrooms in larger homes.

Residents enjoy private parking.

catalyst.homes

lindenhomes.co.uk *Based on a 40% share of the full market value of £332,500

What they thought…

These lovely apartments are in a really interesting spot! It’s only a 20-minute drive to Watford, but there are really good links into London, too, so we would still be able to get our fix of city life as and when we want it.

The properties here are very nicely designed – we particularly like the open-plan living areas, and the fact that the master bedroom has an en suite bathroom attached, which will be great when we have guests staying with us. There are plenty of shops and local facilities nearby, which is just what we are looking for.”

Welwyn is a pretty town, and it would be lovely to be within walking distance of it. We also like how these apartments sit within a unique setting – the historic building at the centre is really pretty, and all the lawns and green space makes up for the lack of a balcony. Welwyn Garden City is also close by, which would be handy for shopping and evenings out. Travel links are also good from here – Watford is an easy 25-minute drive, and getting into central London takes less than half an hour – which is a breeze!”

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Homepage FIRST RUNG

THE VILLAGE LIFE Farrier’s Wood Garston, Herts

THE WILDCARD FROM £365,000

St Michael’s Hurst Bishop’s Stortford, Herts

FROM £235,000

First choice!

OOD

THE NEW NEIGHBOURH South Oxhey Central ire South Oxhey, Hertfordsh

Farrier’s Wood is situated on the edge of the Hertfordshire Green Belt in the village of Garston and comprises a collection of well-designed homes including two bedroom apartments and four bedroom houses. The development is a short drive from the thriving town of Watford, with major stores and a range of restaurants and leisure activities. Each home has an excellent specification including Bosch integrated appliances in the kitchen, a garage or parking space and pretty landscacped communal gardens. inlandhomes.co.uk/developments/ farriers-wood

These homes are so stylish! We absolutely love the overall look of the development. There’s loads of natural light, which is very appealing, and there’s also private parking, which would be super convenient. Garston station has its own little branch line and trains from Watford Junction only take around 15 minutes to reach London Euston. The village of Garston is really pretty and is on the edge of some lovely countryside. With Watford’s shops and entertainment being so close we would really have the best of both worlds.”

There’s plenty of green space to explore at this new development in Bishop’s Stortford, with rolling countryside on the doorstep. The collection of one to four bedroom apartments and houses has been created in keeping with the surrounding area, and in a variety of styles including terraced houses and larger detached properties.

The two bedroom apartments feature smart, fitted kitchens and open-plan living/dining areas.

With the thriving market town just a few minutes away, this major new site offers a perfect blend of town and country life. countrysideproperties.com

What a lovely setting these homes are in – with a mix of town and rural activities. Bishop’s Stortford is a nice area, my family used to go there for days out when we were little. There’s a lot of open countryside and it would be a complete change from our urban life at the moment. The properties are great – there’s a good amount of space, including storage cupboards.

Plus, there’s allocated parking, which is a bonus. There’s lots going on in the town, though it is a little further away from Watford than we’d originally hoped.

FROM £275,000

Central form homes at South Oxhey The contemporary new t brings tha e mm eneration progra part of a major new reg over 10 Set . are squ t rke a new ma with it shops, offices and bedroom ally be 500 one and two acres, there will eventu highand ce h private outdoor spa apartments here, all wit is ion stat nd rou nders Park Overg quality interiors. Carpe or don Lon tral cen to s service moments away for speedy space an abundance of green nd fi l wil nts ide Res d.

Watfor ods.

Wo slip Rui Oxhey Woods and nearby, including pretty m countr ysideproperties.co

THE NEXT STEP

“We’re really excited at the prospect of a brand new home and revamped new area, and are very keen to get moving after quite a long time house hunting. We’ve been speaking a lot to our families and think we’ll bring our parents to have a look around as soon as we can!”

These apartments really are in a fabulous location. It’s perfect for travel, local shops and getting to work – Watford is only a few miles away. It’s also quite a green area with lots of lovely parks to explore. We’d quite happily spend our weekends out and about enjoying the Hertfordshire greenery – such a big change from the hustle and bustle of London. We think the new development, with the new square and facilities, is really cool. I think there’d be a real sense of community.

The apartments are gorgeous inside, with plenty of space and a balcony for taking in the sights and enjoying lovely summer evenings – perfect!”

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ADVICE

As Area Sales Manager for Catalyst, one of the UK’s leading housing associations with over 32,000 homes across London and the home counties, Joe Farrington is helping first time buyers find their dream homes and step on to the property ladder in and around the capital

Q

My partner and I currently work and live in London and we’re starting to look at buying our first home. Although we’ve been saving for a few years, we don’t have a huge deposit available, so would like to know what options are open to us. We’re also considering looking outside of London – are the same affordable options available in the home counties?

A

It’s no secret that London can seem a difficult market for first time buyers.

With average deposits reaching into six figures, getting on to the capital’s property ladder can seem impossible. Thankfully, there’s a range of Government-backed schemes helping buyers like you purchase your first home without breaking the bank.

Shared ownership and Help to Buy: Equity Loan are two schemes offering affordable routes to homeownership. Helpful to many first time buyers on the property hunt, both generally require lower deposits than those needed on the open market.

Shared ownership is a part-buy part-rent scheme that gives buyers the opportunity to purchase a percentage share of their home – usually starting at a minimum of 25%.

Your deposit is just 5-10% of the share price, enabling you to purchase your home at a fraction of the cost. At our north west London development NEON, in Burnt Oak, buyers can purchase a 40% share of a two bedroom apartment for just £167,000. A 5% deposit on the share is just £8,350 - drastically lower than the London average.

Through shared ownership, you pay a mortgage on the share you purchase, and a reduced rent to your housing association on the remaining portion. A common misconception is that the initial share you purchase is all you will ever own – but that is not the case. As your financial circumstances change, you may find that you can afford to increase the share you own in your home. You can buy additional shares through a process called staircasing.

Shared ownership homes are available across London and the home counties, and indeed throughout the UK. To be eligible for shared ownership, you must meet set criteria.

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If you’re buying a home in London, your annual household income must be less than £90,000, or under £80,000 if you’re buying outside the capital. You must also be a first time buyer, or in the process of selling your current home. Select developments may also be available exclusively to those who work or live in the nearby area, though this varies from scheme to scheme.

Help to Buy is another Government-backed scheme which enables you to step on the ladder with a smaller deposit than if you had to buy on the open market. With Help to Buy, you only need a 5% deposit of your home’s full market value. For example, at Midsummer

Joe Farrington, Area Sales Manager, Catalyst

Vale in Walkern, Hertfordshire, buyers can purchase a three bedroom house with a deposit of £20,500.

In order to make the step on to the property ladder easier, purchasers can apply for a Government equity loan of up to 20% of the property’s value, or up to 40% if buying in London. This loan remains interest free for the first five years, helping to keep monthly costs down in your first years of homeownership.

To be eligible for Help to Buy, your home cannot have a higher value than £600,000, and it must be a new build. You will also need to be able to secure a mortgage for the remaining value of the property.

On the north-eastern edge of the Chiltern Hills in the market The Printw town of Dunstable, The Printworks is a new collection of orks, Dunstable 44 two bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom houses, launching in September 2020. Available through shared ownership, homes will offer an affordable route to homeownership in this traditional market town in Bedfordshire. The Printworks is located just off High Street North, so residents have easy access to Ashton Square, which hosts the town’s monthly market, as well as a wide variety of high street brands and independent shops.

Built to a high specification, all homes include outdoor space – houses have private gardens, and each apartment has a private balcony. Over 100 cycle spaces will also be available, encouraging residents to explore the nearby Chiltern Hills on two wheels.

Perfect for commuters, Dunstable offers excellent road and rail links. The M1 and A5 are minutes from the development, while the Luton busway provides a direct link to Luton, where you can catch the train to London in half an hour, or jump on board a flight from Luton Airport, for something a little more adventurous.

For more information or to register your interest in The Printworks, visit catalyst.homes or email sales@catalyst.homes

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THE VIEW

! e c a p s s i h t h Watc

Jade Vanriel has a real passion for property and is a talented young YouTuber. She has more than 47,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and her property videos reach over three millions views. She bought her first home when she was just 23 and has always been driven to work hard and save hard. She talks to Lynda Clark about how she managed to save and buy a home, her fascinating career and her advice for first time buyers

T

here are very few people who I speak to who are so full of enthusiasm as Jade is. Her joie-de-vivre is infectious and her story inspirational. Jade grew up in Kensal Green in north west London with her mum and their dog Richie, and had a very happy chldhood. She said, “We never moved and although I loved where we lived I always wanted to move somewhere else.

I did have my own room which was my paradise. I then went to college in King's Cross and this was the first time I had ever stepped out of my comfort zone.

Even though I was studying, I got several different jobs in central London and managed to save some money. Eventually I went to university in Birmingham and it was the first time I had ever been away from home. I didn’t know anyone there and had no friends but I loved it and really enjoyed my independence. I also worked while I was at university and got jobs in shops like Selfridges, House of Fraser and Ted Baker and again I saved the money I made. During the summer holidays I went to work in Harrods and continued to keep saving – in fact I felt guilty when I did buy anything! I worked hard and didn’t really have any spare time to see friends, and by then I had got into the habit of working and saving so it never felt like a hardshhip.”

Jade studied law as eventually she thought she would like to be a lawyer. Then in her second year her grandmother, who Jade was very close to, sadly passed away and she was so upset

that she didn’t really want to be in Birmingham. It was then that she knew she wasn’t cut out to go in law. “I finished my degree though, and my mum told me to follow my heart and do whatever I wanted to do. I did some temp work in a legal company but I didn’t want to move back in with my mum as I really enjoyed my independent lifstyle. I moved in with my dad and stepmother for a little while, but they had a new baby so it wasn’t really ideal.

Then my aunt, who lives alone in a four bedroom house, said I could move in with her and stay in her spare room. It worked out really well and I paid her £400 a month rent and I still managed to save.”

She then got a job as a product analyst for a legal firm which she really enjoyed, and it came with a good salary so she was able to ramp up her savings. “My outgoings were very low as I had no car and rarely went out socialising. I also sold things like my old clothes on eBay as I didn’t have much space at my aunt's house and all the money I made went into my savings pot. I really sacrificed a lot of things but I knew that I wanted my own space and my home and I was really determined. I spoke about my dream to my dad and he was sure that with the money I had saved I could buy somewhere. He set up an appointment with a mortgage broker to see what my position really was. I had about £24,000 saved and I was absolutely sure it wasn’t enough, but to my surprise the broker said I could carry on saving but that actually I had enough to buy a place of my own. I was over the

"I HAVE 47,000 SUBSCRIBERS AND ALMOST 14,000 PEOPLE FOLLOWING ME ON INSTAGRAM. I SHARE VIDEOS ON RENOVATIONS, DIY PROJECTS AND TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE. I HAVE ALSO RECENTLY CREATED MY OWN MINI-SERIES, SHOWCASING PROSPECTIVE HOMES ESPECIALLY TO FIRST TIME BUYERS" 20 First Time Buyer June/July 2020

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THE VIEW

"I RECOMMEND NOT BEING RIGID ABOUT THE LOCATION YOU ARE LOOKING IN. OPENING UP YOUR SEARCH WILL LEAD YOU TO POSSIBLY BEING ABLE TO AFFORD A BIGGER PLACE AND LOOK IN AREAS THAT ARE BEING REGENERATED"

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THE VIEW

"OVERSAVE – TRY TO HAVE £5,000 MORE THAN YOU REALLY NEED AS BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME HAS SO MANY COSTS YOU DON’T ALWAYS CONSIDER LIKE SURVEYS, SEARCHES, EVEN MOVING COSTS"

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THE VIEW moon and immediately started looking for my first house.

"One of the most important things the broker did was to encourage me to get a Mortgage in Principle. I am so happy that I did, as in the end it really worked in my favour. My dad never needed to do this as when he had bought some years before there were never any bidding wars to deal with. I went every Saturday to view places and I always took a notebook with me and logged absoutely everything I could. Sometimes I took along either of my parents or my boyfriend as it was so much better to have a second opinion.

"My boyfriend and I found a tiny place we loved in Ockendon but when my dad saw it he said that I could do better. I decided to widen my search and start looking further afield and I discovered that I could get so much more for my money! Then I just happened to stumble across Harlow which I didn’t know at all except my grandmother had been in a hospice there. Apart from visiting her I didn’t know the area at all.

“I originally wanted a new build and my dad and I arranged a viewing one Saturday.

He was to meet me at the station but I was 10 minutes late and when we got to the property the agent had left so we couldn’t view it. I was very upset and wanted to go home but my dad thought we should wait and see the next property even though we had three hours to kill. I am so happy that we did hang around as I found the home of my dreams. It was an older place which was not at all desirable from the outside, but I walked in and got such a shock as it had masses of potential and was so big! It had terrible stained wallpaper and carpets that smelt but I could see straightaway that if I gutted it, it would be a fantastic home.”

Jade was the first person to view the property and she knew there were other people lined up to see it, so on the Monday morning she made an offer. She was told that her offer was not the largest but that they wanted to go ahead with her because she had the Mortgage in Principle. “So it all worked out and I moved in the July four years ago and completely changed it.

I took up the smelly carpet and lived with the original concrete floors for four months until I could afford the flooring I wanted.

"I painted all the walls white, changed the cabinet doors in the kitchen and painted the old wooden worktops with a soft grey wood paint which looks amazing. I couldn’t afford a sofa so I lived without one until I had the money and I taught myself so many skills along the way. During all the work I documented it and put it on YouTube where I began to get a huge following.

In fact it became practically a full-time job. Then in 2019 I was made redundant and I decided it was an opportunity to

start blogging full time and become selfemployed. It was a gamble, but it has certainly paid off as my original story went viral and now I have 47,000 subscribers and almost 14,000 people following me on Instagram. I share videos on renovations, DIY projects and tips on how to save. I have also recently created my own mini-series, showcasing prospective homes especially to first time buyers.”

There is also another passion that Jade is moving forward with – she loves clothes and interiors and has done a few interior design jobs in the past. She particularly likes soft furnishings and to save money she decided to try to make cushions, throws and accessories for herself. She bought a sewing machine and some gorgeous fabrics and people saw them on her various social media channels and asked where she bought them from.

“I realised that there was potential in making these things so I launched a website and now make the accessories to sell on there. It’s proving to be really successful and I really enjoy doing it. I had never sewn before but I taught myself and now I’m inundated with orders.”

Jade has three excellent pieces of advice for first time buyers. Firstly, she says, “Oversave – try to have £5,000 more than you really need as buying your first home has so many costs you don’t always consider like surveys, searches, even moving costs.

You will also eventually move into your new first home and have to furnish it which all

costs money. You can never have too much, so it’s a really good idea to have some in the pot for emergencies.

"Secondly, I recommend not being rigid about the location you are looking in.

Opening up your search will lead you to possibly being able to afford a bigger place.

Look in areas that are being regenerated. I never imagined I would buy in Harlow but it’s changed so much during the time I have been living here with new developemnts being built and businesses moving to the area. Consequently house prices have gone up which will benefit you when you sell.

"Lastly, go on as many viewings as you possible can. You may imagine you want an open-plan kichen/sitting room but when you view a home you may decide otherwise.

I wanted lots of storage, for example, and some of the properties I looked at had just one cupboard which would never have worked for me. When you go and look you will come to know exactly what you do and don’t want and that helps to narrow down your search.”

Jade is a real property guru and I am left in total admiration for the way she has sacrificed so much to buy her first home and is now helping others to do what she did. I am sure we will be seeing a lot more from Jade in the future – it’s a question of watch this space!

Instagram – @jadevanrielx Twitter – @Jadevanriel Youtube – Youtube.com/c/Jadevanrielx

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NEW BUILD HOMES

GET AHEAD OF THE GAME! Many first time buyers who are searching for their first dream home will be looking at new builds. The latest New Build Buyer Demand Index, the first of 2020 from Benham and Reeves, has found that Bournemouth, Bristol and Leeds are currently some of the hottest spots for new builds.

We take a look at what’s on offer EXPERT COMMENT We’ve already seen a strong start to 2020 with the new build sector again seeing heightened market activity, among first time buyers in particular.

This is a trend that has remained prevalent despite the tougher market conditions of previous years.

This maintained appetite for new build homes has been traditionally down to two reasons. Since 2013, Help to Buy has boosted many on to the new build ladder and this has helped maintain demand across the board. When you couple this with the ease of buying new, it’s no wonder new builds are far more desirable to first time buyers.

There is no onward chain to worry about when purchasing a new build, enabling a smoother, much quicker sale. The quality of the property is also much better and not

Benham and Reeves looked at where is currently home to the highest buyer demand for new build properties, as well as the towns offering the highest level of brand new homes.

This is based on the number of new build homes sold subject to contract or under offer on all the major property portals as a percentage of total number of new build homes for sale.

The latest research shows that when it comes to the availability of new build homes across the UK’s major cities, Cambridge is home to the most, with 23% of all homes listed being new builds.

Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Manchester, Liverpool and London are also among the cities with the highest level of new build stock available.

BUT WHERE ARE BUYERS SEARCHING FOR NEW BUILD HOMES MOST? When it comes to demand levels, Bournemouth is currently the UK’s new build hotspot, with a huge 49% of all new build homes listed online already sold subject to contract or under offer.

Bristol ranks second, with 42% of all new builds already snapped up by buyers, with Leeds (38%), Cambridge (36%) and London (34%) also among the most popular cities for new build buyers.

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LONDON

only can they move right in, but they

Looking within the capital itself, the City of London currently has the most new build stock listed for sale as a proportion of all stock listed at 23%.

Hackney (20%), Tower Hamlets (20%), Newham (16%) and Islington (14%) were also home to a high percentage of new build homes.

Havering is currently the most in demand borough of London when it comes to buyers and their appetite for new build homes: 53% of all new builds listed for sale have already been sold subject to contract or accepted an offer, with Kingston upon Thames not far behind at 45%.

Bromley (42%), Waltham Forest (35%) and Hillingdon (34%) were also among some of the most popular locations.

consuming DIY jobs for a long time.

also needn’t worry about any timeNew builds are often in vibrant neighbourhoods that not only provide the lifestyle a first time buyer is often looking for in terms of on-site amenities such as cinemas, cafes, and gyms, but the majority of the time they are located in areas offering an easy commute into major urban hubs.While the Help to Buy ISA has now closed its doors to new applicants, the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme should ensure that this strong demand for new build homes remains with many relying on the sector for that first foot on the ladder.

benhams.com Benham and Reeves is one of London’s largest independent letting and sales agents.

Grundherr

Data sourced from Rightmove and Zoopla.

Benham and

Demand percentage relates to the number of properties sold

Reeves

Marc von Director of

subject to contract or under offer as a percentage of total properties listed

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NEW BUILD HOMES

WHAT’S AVAILABLE 23 Major UK Cities Ranked by Highest Demand for New Build Homes City / town

Demand

Bournemouth Bristol Leeds Cambridge London Swansea Plymouth Sheffield Nottingham Oxford Southampton Portsmouth Birmingham Edinburgh Leicester Cardiff Glasgow Manchester Newport Newcastle Liverpool Aberdeen Belfast Cities average demand

49% 42% 38% 36% 34% 33% 29% 29% 29% 25% 21% 19% 18% 16% 16% 14% 12% 12% 9% 7% 5% 0% 0% 19%

London Boroughs Ranked by Highest Demand for New Build Homes Havering Kingston upon Thames Bromley Waltham Forest Hillingdon Merton Southwark Ealing Croydon Bexley Lewisham Haringey Richmond upon Thames Enfield Sutton Islington Wandsworth Lambeth Newham Barnet Hammersmith and Fulham Greenwich Harrow Hounslow Kensington and Chelsea Hackney Camden Redbridge Tower Hamlets Brent Westminster Barking and Dagenham City of London

53% 45% 42% 35% 34% 32% 31% 30% 30% 29% 28% 27% 25% 24% 23% 21% 21% 19% 17% 15% 15% 13% 13% 12% 11% 11% 10% 10% 9% 9% 6% 6% 3%

London

34%

PRENTON, WIRRALL Glenavon Park

FROM £98,000*

These six semi-detached homes from Onward Living are available through shared ownership and blend traitional design with innovative contemporary features.The Derwent home offers a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area complete with integrated appapliances. and there is a separate living room. Two major supermarkets are close at hand, while a short walk into Prenton itself offers a whole host of places to eat, drink and shop. For commuters, the M53 motorway is just a couple of minutes’ drive away, offering easy access to both Liverpool and Chester. onward-living.co.uk/development/glenavon-park *Based on a 40% share with a full market value of £245,000

WESTCLIFF, BOURNEMOUTH Chine Crescent Road

FROM £290,000

This two bedroom apartment in Westcliff is close to the town centre and Durley Chine beaches. The main bus routes and Bournemouth railway station is just over a mile away. The home features a large lounge/diner, kitchen/breakfast room, two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom to the master, along with a further shower room. Set in landscaped gardens, this first floor apartment has a south facing balcony and a garage. onthemarket.com

CAMBRIDGE Marleigh

FROM £284,950

Housebuilder Hill and Marshall has just launched 150 homes at Marleigh, which is the first phase to launch as part of a wider 1,300home residential and lifestyle-focused community in Cambridge. There are one and two bedroom apartments, two bedroom coach houses and three and four bedroom houses available. Situated less than a 15-minute cycle ride from Cambridge city centre, the new community has been designed to encourage neighbourliness and interaction. This includes the creation of The Hangar, which will house a community centre, cafe, office space and a 52-place nursery. There are plans for a new primary school, shops, sports pitches and allotments to open in the future.

The homes have been designed for sustainable living, with each of the houses featuring photovoltaic roof panels, underfloor heating and electric car charging points. The homes also benefit from energyefficient kitchen appliances and high levels of insulation. Cambridge city centre and Cambridge North Station are both just over three miles away. Help to Buy is available.

marleigh-cambridge.co.uk

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NEW BUILD HOMES

CASE STUDY

Ellie Lloyd, 27, found that everything fell into place when she discovered her ideal two bedroom apartment at Inland Homes’ Meridian Waterside, in the heart of Southampton.

Civil servant Ellie previously lived with her parents in Fareham, Hampshire, but always knew that Southampton was the place she wanted to put down roots. Ellie said, “I always knew I wanted to live in Southampton when I moved away from my parents. Southampton has a great night life and, being in my 20s, I wanted to be as close to the city centre as possible so that I’d have a good choice of bars, restaurants and plenty of places to go out. I also wanted to be in easy reach of Portsmouth, as that’s where I work. From Meridian Waterside, the commute isn’t bad at all; it takes 45 minutes and that’s in rush hour!”

She added, “As I was early reserving, I was able to choose the flooring, carpet, tiling in both bathrooms and the kitchen facades, and I loved it. It was amazing to be able to make my first home into exactly how I pictured it, and completely tailored to my particular taste.”

To help her get on to the property ladder more quickly, Ellie enlisted the help of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme, meaning she was able to purchase her dream property with just a 5% deposit. She says, “When I was looking for my first home, I knew I wanted to use the Help to Buy scheme as it meant I could purchase with just a 5% deposit. I was saving for just over two years. Living with my parents helped me save faster as I wasn’t paying rent or large fees to them, so I was able to keep my life as normal as possible while saving.”

Ellie continues, “With the current coronavirus situation I was so nervous about moving, but I’m so pleased I did. After I moved in on the 25th March, my broadband got set up super quickly the next day so I could easily work from home. My neighbours here are all really lovely too. On the day I moved in, one of the neighbours told me about a Facebook group where everyone at the development chats together.

When the lockdown is over, I’m really looking forward to going out to my favourite restaurants and bars on the waterfront, and walking the Itchen Navigation route all the way to Winchester. I can’t wait to have my first summer by the water, and I intend to join a stand-up paddle boarding group just down the road when the summer months come. For now, I’m really looking forward to decorating and making the apartment feel like a home – I’ve spent a lot of time online looking at everything I want, and I can’t wait to go out and start making this into my very own bachelorette pad and to have my friends and family over to show off my new home some time soon!”

Prices for the apartments at Meridian Waterside currently start from £180,000, with Help to Buy available on selected plots. For more information, call 02380 333138 or visit inlandhomes.co.uk/ developments/meridian-waterside

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SOUTHAMPTON Chapel Riverside

FROM £185,000

Chapel Riverside by Inland Homes is a new landmark riverside development overlooking Southampton’s River Itchen.

The one and two bedroom apartments feature open-plan living and dining spaces, integrated kitchen appliances, underfloor heating and video entryphone systems. All apartments come with at least one secure allocated parking space and are surrounded by landscaped courtyards. For commuters, Southampton Central station is a 19-minute walk, connecting residents to London Waterloo and London Victoria in just over an hour. Help to Buy is available on selected homes. inlandhomes.co.uk/chapel-riverside

HARROW

Eastman Village

FROM £340,000

Built on the former site of the Kodak factory, Eastman Village, when it's finished, will offer nearly 2,000 one, two and three bedroom apartments together with a private gym, offices, restaurants, cafes, shops and spacious landscaped parkland. There is also a free car club membership for residents. The homes feature open-plan living areas and will benefit from a private balcony or terrace. There are two shopping centres nearby plus good restaurants and a multiplex cinema. Transport links are excellent, with the Metropolitan Line from Harrow-on-the-Hill underground station and the Bakerloo Line and mainline routes linking Harrow Wealdstone Station to Oxford Circus and Euston respectively. The homes are being marketed by Benham and Reeves. benhams.com

OLDHAM, GREATER MANCHESTER

FROM £TBC

Radclyffe Garden

Launching soon, these spacious shared ownership two, three and four bedroom homes feature fully fitted kitchens and allocated parking spaces. The development is near to five parks including the lovely Foxdenton Park, and three of them hold the coveted Green Flag status. For walking enthusiasts, the Pennines are just half an hour away by car. The local high street provides for all the everyday essentials, and a 10-minute drive away is Elk Mill Retail Park with a larger range of shops and eateries. There are tram and train services directly into central Manchester which take around 20 minutes. plumlife.co.uk/development/radclyffe-gardens

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NEW BUILD HOMES

BRISTOL

FROM £195,000

Ashton Rise

Ashton Rise is a collection of stylish new one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses, three miles from Bristol city centre and close to the 850 acres of picturesque woods and open grassland of the Ashton Court Estate. The fast Metrobus service stops immediately next to the development, meaning you can get to Bristol Temple Meads railways station in about 30 minutes, where trains can take you to London Paddington in under an hour and 40 minutes. Delivered in partnership between Willmott Dixon and Bristol City Council, each home is built to the highest modern standards, offering contemporary living with a low carbon footprint. There are a very limited number of one bedroom apartments available. ashtonrise.co.uk

HOUNSLOW

High Street Quarter

London Boroughs Ranked by Highest Demand for New Build Homes Location / borough City of London Hackney Tower Hamlets Newham Islington Croydon Lambeth Ealing Barnet Camden Wandsworth Southwark Hillingdon Hammersmith and Fulham Westminster Greenwich Haringey Hounslow Kingston upon Thames Merton Harrow Brent Lewisham Enfield Sutton Waltham Forest Bromley Kensington and Chelsea Havering Barking and Dagenham Richmond upon Thames Bexley Redbridge London

% of NB Properties 23% 20% 20% 16% 14% 14% 14% 13% 12% 12% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 8% 8% 6% 6% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 2% 2% 10%

FROM £330,000

High Street Quarter offers a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments from Barratt London, which benefit from underfloor heating, a balcony or terrace, a landscaped courtyard, roof garden, underground parking plus video door entry system and integrated kitchen appliances.

Car Club membership is also available to residents. The area is currently enjoying vigorous regeneration; a new Cineworld movie multiplex is opening just across the road and there is space being made available for a town square, shops, bars and restaurants. The development sits between two tube stations, Hounslow East and Hounslow Central, and is a short walk from Hounslow railway station. Hounslow also offers all the amenities you could want on the doorstep. The homes are being marketed by Benham and Reeves. benhams.com

CROYDON

FROM £TBC

Cairo Apartments Optivo is soon launching 52 shared ownership studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments in Croydon’s old town offering a modern specification to suit your London lifestyle. Some apartments boast balconies, others enjoy panoramic views across the city, and all are within walking distance of major transport hubs, entertainment, shops and schools. Openplan living areas have been designed to maximise space and light and provide interiors that are perfect to entertain friends and enjoy family dinners. East Croydon railway station is a short distance away, with trains taking around 16 minutes to London Victoria and 17 minutes to London Bridge. optivo.org.uk/cairo

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SERVICES

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME – WE CAN HELP Tim Wardley, Head of Spicerhaarts New Homes department explains how the company can help you get a foot on the property ladder

You may have seen our many brands throughout the country: Haybrooks, Howards, Felicity J Lord, Darlows in Wales, Butters John Bee and Haart of course, our lead brand.

I have been in the property industry now for over 32 years and during this time one thing at least has not changed, which is the old idiom, “Home Sweet Home”. which is as true today as it was way back then.

Unfortunately, house price rises have made it increasingly difficult to get on to the property ladder and for people who find themselves having to downsize due to unforeseen circumstances, it can be problamatic. So, renting a home can sometimes be the only, nonpreferred, option.

One thing is for sure today – shared ownership and the use of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme is now becoming the “normal” way to buy your first home. Any thoughts today of part-buy/part-rent being considered differently to buying on the open market is now well and truly over – it is the “new normal” to coin a phrase.

The quality of the homes that are available and their locations is exceptional, and

The team at Spicerhaart Land and New Homes

both schemes have helped thousands of first time buyers buy their dream home.

At Spicerhaart we act for many of the housing associations which offer shared ownership, together with our specialist shared ownership sales, mortgage and conveyancing teams. We service one of the largest housing providers in the country, but also act for many smaller regional shared ownership housing associations – and the service they offer is first rate.

Of course, we at Spicerhaart always provide the best service too, so first time buyers can always be assured of a great

buying experience. We have become the “go to” experts in helping both housing associations and buyers come together through our branch networks, and through marketing activities such as our ground-breaking FLINK marketing initiative.

So, are people still buying in these uncertain times, and should you? It is a good question but best answered by the fact Haart was asked to sell five new sites during COVID-19 lockdown, which we have now launched and secured sales on many of the homes already, sometimes even agreeing safe controlled completions during

the lockdown when buyers have simply had to move.

Buying a property is always a big decision, whether it is a shared ownership home or Help to Buy property, but we are experts in this field and are able to walk buyers through the minefield of how it all works, including mortgage and conveyancing advice – basically helping first time buyers buy their first home.

If you are a housing association and want to know more about what we offer or a first time buyer looking to get on the property ladder, email sharedOwnership@ spicerhaart.co.uk

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

EAST LONDON APARTMENTS IDEAL FOR WORKING FROM HOME Working from home is the new normal, with millions of employees now carrying out their jobs remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. At Peabody’s Bridge East development in east London’s Stratford, the flexible open-plan two and three bedroom apartments have plenty of space to dedicate to a workspace

Conveniently located close to the heart of Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Bridge East offers a range of stylish, contemporary apartments currently available through shared ownership. The apartments come in a range of carefully designed layouts, including two and three bedroom apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and generous balconies creating an inspiring and user-friendly environment for home-workers. Residents benefit from dedicated concierge services on hand, as well as a private on-site gym providing a valuable fitness amenity once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. And when travel is required, whether for work or leisure, excellent transport links close by put all of London within easy reach.

Andrew Peglau, Assistant Director of Marketing at Peabody comments, “Before current circumstances forced us to work from home, flexible working and rising selfemployment already meant an increased need for home-working spaces. Now that so many workers and companies have had to experience home-working and seen that in fact it does work, we expect that trend to continue. Our aim is to create homes that are well-designed and adaptable to suit people’s lifestyles; so at Bridge East, for example, a third bedroom makes an ideal home office and communal spaces such as the garden square and gym provide places for the community to come together, social distancing permitting. We also appreciate that buyers often need help getting on to the property ladder in London, so our

shared ownership scheme gives would-be purchasers that much-needed boost.”

Situated in one of east London’s most vibrant regeneration areas, Bridge East is set on Bow Back River, a branch of the River Lea that offers peaceful riverside walks, perfect for a break between conference calls. A landscaped communal courtyard garden square also provides space to get outdoors for some fresh air.

Interiors are bright and airy, with an elegant, high-quality finish and large windows allowing plenty of natural light.

The stylish specification includes gloss, handleless units in kitchens fitted with a range of integrated Zanussi appliances, plus quality wool mix carpets, grey oak laminate flooring and a video entry phone for peace of mind.

Located in the vibrant Zone 2 hub of Stratford, Bridge East is close to soughtafter neighbourhoods such as Victoria Park and Hackney Wick. Numerous transport connections include Pudding Mill DLR station, a few minutes’ walk away, which provides direct access to Canary Wharf and the City. Stratford itself offers even more public transport options and is set to further improve its connectivity when the Elizabeth Line opens. The area also offers a huge choice for shopping, leisure

and eating out, with the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, along with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, close by.

Peabody is currently offering buyers a chance to get up to £8,000† cashback when purchasing their dream home at Bridge East. Prices start from just £144,000 for a 30% share of a two bedroom apartment and from £163,500 for a 30% share of a three bedroom apartment.

For information visit peabodysales.co.uk/bridgeeast or call 020 8502 5758. * Prices correct at time of going to print † The cashback is redeemable on completion providing contracts have exchanged within five working days of a mortgage offer being received by your solicitor. This is calculated as 5% on the share purchased

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

SPREAD YOUR WINGS

With enviable commuter links, wonderfully wild parks and beautifully finished homes, choose Aviator Place for everything you want from city life The leafy west London borough of Ealing, famed for its parks, trees and green spaces, is a perfect place in the capital to call home. At Aviator Place, residents get to experience the very best of both the borough and the city – with excellent travel connections, world-class shopping facilities and wild, open spaces just moments from the front door.

HEADING WEST This collection of one to four bedroom properties, located just outside of buzzing Acton, west London, is already proving popular with homebuyers. There is a mix of apartments and houses to choose from here, all with beautifully designed interiors, created to maximise natural light. All of the homes feature bright and spacious openplan living and dining areas, with sleek, modern fittings.

Perfect for solo buyers, couples and families alike, residents can enjoy both private and communal outside space. In the larger homes, the spacious living areas open to rear gardens or patios, while the apartments feature good-sized balconies.

Though there’s plenty to keep you occupied at your new home, the development is also perfectly positioned for exploring the city and vibrant, local towns.

LOCATION, LOCATION… Residents at Aviator Place have several local town centres and high streets to explore – with options for shopping, dining out or long, lazy brunches. In nearby Acton,

you can pick up groceries, stop for coffee and peruse the lively market. Venture a little further to well-heeled Chiswick – home to a plethora of lovely boutiques, shops and eateries, or head to Harlesden for a range of independent stores, high street shops and great gastro pubs. Ealing is also close by and is home to weekly markets and brand new shops and restaurants.

For everyday shopping, make the most of the huge Asda superstore, a few minutes’ walk away. Meanwhile, there’s IKEA in Wembley for your home decor, or Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush – the sprawling mall with hundreds of high street stores, restaurants and cinema.

There are plenty of local options when it comes to parks and greenery, too. North Acton Playing Fields are moments away on foot, while a short drive will take you to the

wild scrubland at Wormwood Scrubs Park.

Here you’ll get a taste of the countryside, right in the heart of urban London. Ealing Common and historic Pitshanger Park are well worth exploring, while heading towards the river, lovely Gunnersbury Park has a local museum, lakes, wildlife and a full schedule of music and cultural events.

For something a little different, the nearby Grand Union canal is great for leisurely strolls or cycle rides – and there are plenty of places to stop for canalside refreshments, whichever direction you head in.

ON THE MOVE Getting around the capital couldn’t be much easier than it is from Aviator Place.

North Acton station is mere moments away, with tube trains running to Bond Street in less than 20 minutes. Alternatively, from Willesden Junction station – a short hop on the bus – you can reach Euston and east London easily via the Overground.

Acton Main Line station, around a 10-minute walk, will soon benefit from Crossrail, providing super-speedy commuter links across London. Once up and running, journey times from Acton to Liverpool Street will take as little as 16 minutes, and reach Canary Wharf or Stratford in less than half an hour.

Prices for new homes at Aviator Place start from £88,125 through shared ownership, based on a 25% share of the full market value of £352,500.

Call Notting Hill Genesis on 020 3811 2460 or visit nhgsales.com

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

BECOME PART OF THE ENFIELD TRANSFORMATION AT NEXUS The landscape of one of London’s most interesting boroughs is changing, with brand new developments giving new life to Enfield. One of the largest regeneration projects in the area consists of over 1,000 homes. A key part of this scheme is Nexus, where Newlon Living has partnered with Countryside to offer 35 new affordable homes With a variety of one, two and three bedroom shared ownership properties available at Nexus, it is a great chance to become part of this new development and take a first step on to the property ladder.

It’s not just the new homes which are changing the area. The large-scale regeneration project is creating a whole new community, with everything from a new youth centre, community hall, gym, health centre and a wide range of shops, as well as green spaces.

The new apartments are light, contemporary and high specification, fully fitted with Symphony kitchens from the Minnesota range, featuring Zanussi integrated appliances including a fridge-freezer, stainless steel oven and dishwasher.

If you are keen on the outdoors and like to make the most of the open space, then Nexus should tick the box as it is located in close vicinity to the River Lea, which provides many miles of peaceful walking and cycling routes to enjoy. There are also a large number of attractive parks and green spaces within easy reach as well, including Bush Hill Park, Forty Hill and Albany Park.

Nexus is also lucky to have excellent transport links. It is situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from Ponders End station, from where you can easily catch a train into the heart of London. In less than 20 minutes you can be at Liverpool Street, while King’s Cross is only a 25-minute ride away. Local buses also provide opportunities to reach the surrounding areas with minimal effort.

The prices at Nexus range from £82,500 for a 30% share of a one bedroom apartment with a market price of £275,000, to £123,000 for a 30% share of a three bedroom apartment with a market price of £410,000. You will need to provide a 10% deposit to qualify.

Register your interest in an apartment at Nexus and find out more by visiting nexus-enfield.co.uk To discover the range of other developments and services available from Newlon Living then go to newlonliving.org.uk

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OPEN MARKET

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE MAKES FOR A STRESS-FREE MOVE

In just three months, James, a 29-year-old working in finance and living in London, viewed between 25 and 30 apartments. This intense process enabled him to quickly understand exactly what he was looking for and get a good understanding of the market “Like many first time buyers, I didn’t really know what I wanted until I viewed what was available in my price range,” says James. “I looked at a mix of new builds, converted warehouses and older properties, but soon came to the understanding that new builds offered a far more practical living space, having been designed for the way modern buyers want to live.”

Taking on a major renovation project wasn’t what James had in mind either, so he narrowed his search down to new developments. Having previously rented in Whitechapel he was fairly familiar with the area, so when he came across White + Green, a Higgins Homes development of 144 properties featuring one, two and three bedroom apartments as well as a range of citipads, he was keen to take a look. The development is situated between Whitechapel and Bethnal Green underground stations, and James was interested to compare the living space, value for money and design.

“What really impressed me was how helpful the team were at Higgins Homes, especially Mitch and Amber from the marketing suite,” says James. “They were happy to spend as much time with me as I needed and walked me through the whole process so it really wasn’t stressful or overly time-consuming.”

Having already viewed lots of different apartments, James was struck with how the development ticked a lot of his boxes.

“There wasn’t one thing in particular, it was a combination of many good interior features and the fantastic service from the team at Higgins Homes,” says James.

“The kitchens and bathrooms are really well designed, and the kitchen has Smeg appliances, so it feels as luxurious as a hotel, but with a homely atmosphere too.”

As he had rented all over London, James appreciated what the apartments at White + Green offer. He explains, “I feel this two bedroom flat is really good value for money and is in an area that is sure to see price growth over the next five to 10 years, especially when Crossrail opens. It

is rare to be able to get a property like this in an E1 postcode, which will only add to its desirability in the future. The area has a great mix of good restaurants and bars but equally it has local supermarkets and businesses so it still feels like a community.”

Although White + Green is in a vibrant part of London, the design allows residents the chance to enjoy some green space and quiet. There are four apartment buildings set around a central piazza, with two communal roof terraces from which to enjoy the buzz of the surrounding area from a distance.” There’s a great view from the flat and I really like that it has been designed around a central piazza, it gives it a community feel,” adds James.

“Higgins Homes has also really considered security with a key fob for each floor and an interactive panel in your flat which links to cameras outside. It’s the small touches that make a huge difference; everything was in place when I arrived, including the internet, which added to a stress-free move.”

James managed to complete the transaction before the lockdown in the UK was announced and has been really impressed with the communication from Higgins Homes throughout. “There really haven’t been any issues and I’m just looking forward to properly enjoying the flat and buying a few pieces of furniture,” adds James. “It feels great to not be throwing money away every month on rent and this is a great area to enjoy the parks and open space as well as the restaurants and shops.

The central location and links to public transport mean that I can also get around London easily, which is ideal for both work and socialising.”

There are just a handful of apartments available at White + Green with prices starting at £399,950.

The sales team is on hand to answer questions and offer virtual tours of the show apartments.

Call 020 8023 9883 or email Amber or Mitchell on whiteandgreen@higginshomes.co.uk

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

WEST IS BEST!

Having heard that the popular west London borough of Hounslow has been voted one of the top 10 first time buyer hotspots in the capital, Lynda Clark decided to find out what made it so special. She visited The Staging Post, a new development of shared ownership apartments from Notting Hill Genesis As soon as I heard the name of this fabulous new development I was really intrigued. The Staging Post conjures up all sorts of pictures in my head and I knew that there was a fascinating history associated with the original house. Boasting some of the best transport connections of any London borough, a bustling town centre undergoing an £18.5m investment programme and bordered by the affluent districts of Chiswick and Twickenham it ticked a lot of boxes.

When I arrived I was not disapppointed and was immediately impressed by the area, the ease of getting there on the tube and the amazing homes. The Staging Post offers the best of both worlds in more ways than one.

The development seamlessly marries old and new, with some of the development’s stunning one and two bedroom apartments found in The Lawn, a valuable Grade II listed building carefully restored to its original mid-19th century glory. It once belonged to the Bulstrode family and forms an important part of Lampton’s agricultural and brickmaking history.

Hounslow really does enjoy an enviable location and you can reach central London by tube in a little over 30 minutes, yet still enjoy 40 acres of beautiful parkland that surrounds this stylish collection of homes.

Less than a five-minute walk away is Hounslow Central station, served by the

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TOP CH R ’ S O ★ ★ ★ ICE O

Piccadilly Line, (Heathrow airport is just two tube stops away), and part of the 24hour night tube service.

Residents at The Staging Post can look forward to the perfect lifestyle with a superb range of amenities all within a few minutes’ walk, including the Treaty Shopping Centre for everyday essentials and more, as well as cafes and bars for a bite to eat on Chiswick High Road.

Upmarket shopping areas at Richmond and Kew Gardens are just a short drive

away, while for sport lovers the home rugby matches in Twickenham are even closer – there really is something for everyone!

All of the one, two and three bedroom shared ownership properties at The Staging Post feature contemporary interiors that are adaptable and functional. Each home has a private balcony and some have stunning views which overlook lovely Lampton Park.

I could imagine sitting there sipping a cool drink after a long day at work – perfect!

Natural light is so important in a home, and the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows allow the light to flood in and also give the rooms a lovely sense of space. Open-plan living and dining areas provide a flexible space for entertaining, and kitchens are sleek in design and come complete with a selection of Zanussi appliances. I particularly liked The Lawn building which is characterised by its distinctive Doric porch and the fringed cast-iron hoods above all the front windows which are very special indeed.

The Staging Post is unique in so many ways and as I am a great supporter of shared ownership I think that this development offers a win-win situation. You can live in a stunning location, in a beautiful home of your own and most importantly, it’s affordable – you couldn’t ask for more!

Prices for a one bedroom shared ownership apartment at The Staging Post start from £80,625 for a 25% share of the full market value of £322,500. Two bedroom apartments start from £104,375 based on a 25% share of the full market value of £417,500. The three bedroom apartments start from £140,000 for a 25% share of the full market value of £560,000.

For more information or to book a sales consultation, virtual viewing and first option to view in person, contact Notting Hill Genesis on 020 3918 6912, or visit nghsales.com

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR SOFA It has been testing times for all, especially in continuing to help you find and move into your dream new home. At SiteSales, we are finding that the spirit of togetherness with our teams and first time buyers is helping us all find a way to make moves happen. While we do have the most innovative of technology, the need to be dealing with people and sharing your concerns is fully considered and we are always available to advise and reassure buyers as they seek to realise the homeowning dream Over the past couple of months, the team at SiteSales has been able to bring our fantastic range of developments and show homes to potential buyers, utilising a range of digital and virtual options. Our experienced sales consultants have been able to offer guided virtual tours of our developments and show homes using screen-sharing technology on Zoom, Microsoft Teams and FaceTime, enabling our buyers to really get a feel for the development from the comfort of their own home.

Buyers can browse the specification, individual floor layouts, CGI furniture layouts and ask any questions during their personalised tour which can last as long as they need it to – we are here for you. Virtual viewings have also allowed customers to share their experience with friends or family or revisit virtually themselves instead of a physical viewing with all the time that would entail (even if it were safe).

Of course, as the lockdown eases, we will not abandon the digital experience as it is always our intention to serve first time buyers, and so a combination of virtual and physical interaction will be our way forward. Reserving is easier too now – we’ve streamlined the paperwork and there is no need to visit an office to make payments.

Our investment in good people and market-leading technology means that we are best placed to support homebuyers who prefer to explore options in the comfort of their own home, making sure that their time when visiting is well spent and less likely to lead to fruitless visits.

For those many buyers who have wanted to progress with their move we have been there to support them from enquiry through to completion and beyond with our customer care service.

We are SiteSales. Welcome Home.

To book a virtual viewing appointment with us visit site-sales.co.uk or call 020 8502 5758

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Our marketing suites are now able to re-open, however virtual viewing appointments remain available. Should you wish to make an appointment they are available at the following developments, and all of our new homes can be viewed at site-sales.co.uk Traders’ Quarter, Royal Wharf E16 One, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments.

Prices from £94,375 for a 25% minimum share of £377,500 (full market value). tradersquarter.site-sales.co.uk Lowen Apartments, Rainham RM13 One and two bedroom shared ownership apartments.

Prices from £112,000 for a 35% minimum share of £320,000 (full market value). site-sales.co.uk/lowen-apartments Bridge East, East London E15 Two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments.

Prices from £144,000 for a 30% minimum share of £480,000 (full market value). site-sales.co.uk/bridge-east Royal Albert Wharf, Royal Wharf E16 One, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments.

Prices from £130,000 for a 25% minimum share of £520,000 (full market value). site-sales.co.uk/royal-albert-wharf Bow River Village, Bromley-by-Bow E3 One and two bedroom shared ownership apartments.

Prices from £90,000 for a 25% minimum share of £360,000 (full market value). site-sales.co.uk/bow-river-village-sharedownership Upton Gardens, East London E13 Two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments.

Prices from £105,000 for a 25% minimum share of £420,000 (full market value). upton-gardens.site-sales.co.uk Montmorency Park, New Southgate N11 One, two and three bedroom apartments.

Available with a 5% deposit through Help to Buy London*. Prices from £345,000. montmorencypark.co.uk *Help to Buy is available on selected plots up to the value of £600,000, subject to qualifying criteria.

The Old Town Hall, Acton, W3 Two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes.

Prices from £570,000. theold-townhall.site-sales.co.uk

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE With everyone having spent such a considerable amount of time at home over recent weeks, this is sure to have led people to reassess what is most important to them in terms of what they are looking for in a home

Features that many of us take for granted, such as outside space, have proved essential to maintaining health and wellbeing during the crisis, and for some, may make the prospect of moving to a more rural location even more enticing.

As an Essex-based housing provider, CHP offers a fantastic range of shared ownership homes for sale in great locations to live across Essex and the bordering areas. Set in the medieval village of Great Bardfield within the Braintree District, CHP is proud to present Deer Park View, a wonderful selection of stunning newly built two and three bedroom homes.

The properties are set in an attractive development, surrounded by countryside that’s just a few minutes walk away. With their fresh contemporary feel, all homes feature a sleek, modern family bathroom and kitchen, together with ample living space and generously sized bedrooms.

Externally, the properties include allocated parking and a private garden, which is mainly laid to lawn.

Local amenities include two village pubs and a theatre located in a Grade I listed barn. Full of rich history, the village still has a number of timber-framed buildings that date back to the 14th century. The idyllic village of Finchingfield is only a short journey from Great Bardfield where you can enjoy scenic walks and stunning views.

On the outskirts of Braintree you will find the Freeport Braintree Shopping Village which boasts more than 85 shops

and a wide range of dining options. There is also a leisure village which offers a swimming pool, a tenpin bowling alley and a 12-screen cinema.

Deer Park View is ideally placed for both primary and secondary schools and well connected by road and rail, with Stansted airport just a 30-minute drive away.

Prices start from £126,000 for a 40%

share in a two bedroom house (full market value £315,000) and £138,250 for a 35% share in a three bedroom house (full market value £395,000).

For full details of all CHP developments for sale, including Deer Park View, please visit chp.org.uk or email sales@chp.org.uk or call 0300 555 0500

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

GOOD MEWS!

This spring, L&Q launched two exclusive show homes at its Midlands development Birnam Mews, Tiddington, which is set to become a thriving natural extension of the village community just outside Stratford-upon-Avon Birnam Mews is an attractive collection of 60 two, three and four bedroom traditionally designed houses, as well as unique one bedroom quarter houses – a typical house layout with four separate one bedroom properties, private outdoor space and ample parking for all. These are ideal for first time buyers trying to get their foot on the ladder. All two to four bedroom homes feature private gardens, accessed via stylish French doors off an open-plan living room. Front gardens, which are perfect for growing families, will include a variety of trees, specifically selected for their potential for promoting biodiversity.

The development will be set within publicly accessible landscaped grounds with mature planting and children’s play areas, where you will be able to enjoy picturesque scenery. Maintaining the rural feel of the village, L&Q is installing hedgehog fencing, roosting places for birds, and a variety of trees throughout the site.

Birnam Mews is one of the first developments forming part of L&Q’s New Build Homes: Quality Standard promise; a commitment to delivering premium fixtures, fittings and appliances as standard, at no additional cost to you. Each home bought will be complete with everything you will need from the very first day. The only decision you need to make is how you want your new home decorated; a choice between a contemporary palette incorporating whites and greys, or perhaps in warm country-style hues with tones of oak and cream.

Every home boasts a German-designed Nobilia kitchen fitted with integrated appliances. Bathrooms have Ideal Standard sanitaryware, complete with modern chrome fixtures and fittings, and a thermostatic shower and dual-fuel heated towel warmer. Underfoot, all homes are fitted with high-quality Amtico flooring and sleek glazed porcelain tiling.

There are a variety of buying options and special offers available: Help to Buy – giving buyers the opportunity to get on the property ladder at a lower cost; Part Exchange – L&Q will offer to buy your existing property rather than you selling it on the open market; Assisted Move – taking the stress out of selling your home, L&Q will manage the entire sales process from selling to completion; and shared ownership – where you part-own and part-rent your

Computer generated image is indicative only and can be subject to change.

Interior images depict the Birnam Mews show homes

Interior images depict the Birnam Mews show homes

home, making it easier for first time buyers and families to get on the property ladder.

You are just moments away from Tiddington village centre, with an attractive row of independent restaurants and a traditional English pub, The Crown, offering the quintessential village lifestyle, while the town of Stratford-upon-Avon is a leisurely and scenic 30-minute walk away. As well as museums and theatres, the picturesque town has regular farmers’ markets, a wide selection of high street shops and numerous restaurants and cafes.

Popular with commuters to Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon railway station offers links to Birmingham New Street, which is reachable in less than 50 minutes, as well as direct links to London Marylebone and Warwick. Meanwhile, Birmingham International Airport is a 40-minute drive from Birnam Mews.

Christine Osborne, Sales and Customer Services Director (Counties) at L&Q, comments, “We are extremely excited to welcome potential residents to our Warwickshire development, showcasing the high standard of homes that we are delivering at Birnam Mews.”

Prices start from £339,950 for a two bedroom house and £385,000 for a three bedroom house. Available through Help to Buy, Part Exchange and Assisted Move.

Shared Ownership pricing starts from £57,500 for a 25% share of a one bedroom house (full market value: £230,000).

To register interest and book an appointment, visit lqhomes.com/birnammews or call 01789 507 731 Shortlisted for Best Family Home at the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards 2020

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LOCATION

HOTspot Royal Wharf

5 R E A S O N S W E L O V E … R O YA L W H A R F

1 The River Thames right outside your door 2 Being part of the regeneration of E16 3 The strong sense of community 4 A focus on quality 5 Excellent transport links

A new Riverside Neighbourhood in east London. With a clear vision to "make life function better", the designers of Royal Wharf have created a strong community feel for the residents of this impressive purpose-built village; a rare and remarkable achievement in the heart of a big city UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Ballymore and Oxley’s Royal Wharf development, just east of Canary Wharf, stands proudly within the £3.5bn Royal Docks regeneration area and boasts over 3,300 homes. The development in E16, Newham, began with 40 acres of riverside land and an ambitious plan to create a neighbourhood which strikes the perfect balance of a sense of belonging associated with village life and the amenities to make modern life run as smoothly as possible.

Originally developed as an industrial works at the end of the 19th century, the site was used for the manufacture of explosives during the first world war, and later as an oil storage and refining site. As part of the development, the Silvertown War Memorial on the site was relocated to the Royal Wharf Gardens, a fitting tribute to those killed in active service in the first and second world wars and those killed at a local factory explosion in January 1917.

The site has come a long way from its industrial roots but continues to benefit from the

central location that served it so well in its past. It is well supplied with public transport options, with both West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock DLR stations close by. It is also just a 20-minute walk to the new Crossrail service at Custom House or to the Emirates Air Line cable car to cross the river to Greenwich.

Unsurprisingly, Royal Wharf capitalises on its riverside location and is served by Thames Clippers ferry services. The new pier, designed by Nex Architects, is the furthest pier east on the north bank of the Thames. At the moment, the pier is only served at peak times, but offers connections to central London and as far west as Putney, via Battersea. London City Airport, which is undergoing a £500m expansion, is also conveniently located a 15-minute walk away.

The Royal Wharf development features a wide range of homes including Georgianinspired townhouses and contemporary duplexes and apartments. With an emphasis on making life as stress-free as possible, services include a 24/7 concierge, a team to help you move in and underground parking.

The development is part of a much larger district of the Royal Docks, with around 25,000 new homes due to be built in the next few years, so residents will be part of an exciting, growing community. Dubbed "The Royals", the area is well worth exploring; if Royal Wharf isn’t for you, you are likely to find a community that is. Other local developments that are worth investigating include Goodluck Hope, Silvertown Quays and Pontoon Dock.

OUT AND ABOUT Quality and service have been strongly considered in every aspect of the design at Royal Wharf, and the main square and high street are no exception. Imagine you could hand pick what you actually want from your high street – well that is exactly what you get here. Original and independent stores stand alongside firm favourites like Sainsbury’s and Starbucks.

There’s an authentic deli, a great Fuller’s pub and a range of riverside bars and cafes.

Amenities also extend to useful services including a dentist, pharmacy, hairdressers, nail bar and estate agents to ensure that city life really is as convenient as possible for residents.

A remarkable 45% of the Royal Wharf development is dedicated to outdoor space, including a children’s play area and riverside promenade. Residents can enjoy panoramic views on Riverside Walk which extends to almost a kilometre of the Thames. The development’s indoor leisure resources are equally impressive, with a 25,000 sq ft clubhouse, exclusively for residents, incorporating a 25m pool, hydro pool, sauna, steam room, gym and studio.

The local food offerings are rich and varied and reflect the docks’ global heritage. The Little Hudson Cafe is new to Royal Wharf and serves a delicious brunch. If you are looking to enjoy the river views, the Good Hotel’s floating restaurant on Royal Victoria Dock serves delicious locally sourced food with a Spanish twist.

Or for a real taste of luxury, the Lands

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LOCATION

FA C T F I L E

Average property price in Newham (January 2020) – £ 368,816 Property breakdown* Detached – £ 643,513 Semi-detached – £ 519,586 Terraced – £ 394,939 Flat – £ 348,164 *According to the Land Registry House Price Index January 2020

HOMES ON THE MARKET...

POPLAR

FROM £116,250*

Makers Dock

Makers Dock from Peabody is a collection of stylish two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments alongside the Limehouse Cut. With only two, two bedroom apartments currently available, these modern homes all benefit from a residents-only podium garden and private outside space, with great views of the serene canal, striking London skyline or the green spaces of Bartlett Park. Makers Dock is just a short distance away from Canary Wharf, the Olympic Village and Docklands area, so whether you’re commuting, shopping or dining out, you’ll have plenty of options. peabodysales.co.uk/developments/makers-dock-shared-ownership *Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £465,000

FA M O U S R E S I D E N T S • Actor Idres Elba • Singer David Essex OBE • Author Eleanor Hibbert • Rapper Yxng Bane • Actor Danny Dyer

End restaurant on Sunborn London Yacht Hotel serves an international gourmet menu. There is also a wide range of pubs to take you into the evening, including the stunning new Windjammer pub right on the doorstep.

The Royal Docks are full of green spaces to discover at your leisure, but the Thames Barrier Park is a great place to start with its landscaped gardens, play area, five-a-side football pitches, basketball courts and cafe. Royal Wharf is perfectly positioned to benefit from a wide range of sport and leisure facilities, with all tastes and interests catered for. However, there are some notable activities that are only possible due to the enviable location of the development. For an exhilarating experience like no other, you can join the Royal Docks Open Water Swimmers or, if you prefer your water sports a little more relaxing, where else but at Wakeup Docklands can you enjoy paddleboard yoga? When you look to move to the docks it seems you have the opportunity to buy not only a home, but a lifestyle like no other.

FROM £TBC

ROYAL DOCKS, E16 Pontoon Reach

Homebuyers looking to make the exciting east London district their home will be pleased to learn about Peabody’s new development Pontoon Reach, coming soon to the heart of the Royal Docks. Offering a stylish collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments available to buy through shared ownership, buyers will have easy access to a fantastic range of amenities, transport links and a new cycle path connecting residents with the rest of London. The communal courtyard garden provides the perfect space to spend some time outdoors.

The exciting new development is a partnership between Peabody and Redrow, and private sale is being offered with Help to Buy via Redrow. peabodysales.co.uk/developments/pontoon-reach-shared-ownership

ROYAL WHARF, E16

FROM £94,375*

Traders’ Quarter

At Traders' Quarter, this stunning collection of one, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments from Notting Hill Genesis offers the opportunity to buy at Royal Wharf, one of the most soughtafter new developments in London. Located in Silvertown, east London, Royal Wharf has all the local amenities you could wish for including a supermarket, coffee shops, a new primary school, gym, riverside parks, walks and cycleroutes, as well the recently opened Royal Wharf Pier which is served by the Thames Clipper.

The DLR links to the underground network and you can be in Bond Street in half an hour – and connections will get even better when Crossrail opens. Kitchens come with integrated appliances and some apartments have a balcony. tradersquarter.site-sales.co.uk

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £ £377,500

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

LAST CHANCE TO BUY AT THE PLACE Origin Housing’s latest development The Place, New Southgate, is almost fully reserved, with just four shared ownership apartments remaining, and more than 65% of private sale homes sold. However, it’s not too late for first time buyers to start their journey towards homeownership

The Place is a popular development of one to three bedroom apartments, and the remaining homes are ideal for first time buyers wanting to step on to the property ladder in a well-connected location. The homes are moments from New Southgate railway station, offering excellent transport links into central London, and there’s a fantastic selection of amenities, including shops, restaurants and parks, nearby.

Simon Scott, Assistant Director, Commercial & Property Marketing for Origin Housing, comments, “The Place has been a particularly popular development, with homes rapidly selling off plan, and we expect the remaining homes to be snapped up quickly. The range of properties has proven popular with different groups of buyers, including first time buyers, families and second steppers. Prospective purchasers love the spacious interiors, flooded with light via the large floor-toceiling windows and doors, which open out to private outdoor spaces, that accompany each apartment.”

The eye-catching show home at The Place has certainly been a draw for buyers.

The bright palette creates a colourful, fun space, enhancing the light and airy atmosphere of each room. The focal point of the show home is the open-plan kitchen/ living area, which features a contemporary glass table with wooden legs, and pasteltoned fabric chairs, creating a homely feel.

This is enhanced by the plush sofa and armchair, which are accessorised with cushions and throws to create a space that buyers can envision themselves relaxing in. Throughout the apartment, the use of colourful artwork complements the furnishings, appealing to first time buyers.

All homes come with modern, openplan living spaces that flow into the

50

high-specification kitchens complete with integrated Zanussi appliances. Each apartment at The Place will have its own outside terrace, balcony or winter garden.

Situated on the eastern outskirts of Barnet, recently listed as the sixth greenest London borough, the new homes are surrounded by parkland and green space for residents to enjoy; ideal for enjoying the summer months. Buyers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the outdoors, with numerous parks less than a mile from the development, including Brunswick Park and the historic Arnos Park, both a short walk or cycle away. Brunswick Park offers a playground, sports field and tennis courts for locals to enjoy, while part of the 13-mile Pymmes Brooke Trail runs through 44-acre Arnos Park.

Offering the best of both worlds, The Place provides buyers with central London on their doorstep, with National Rail Northern and Thameslink lines serving New Southgate railway station, and trains

to Highbury and Islington taking just 14 minutes. From there, commuters have access to the London Underground’s Victoria Line, as well as the London Overground. Arnos Grove is just a short walk from the development, where the Piccadilly line operates, providing a fast commute to St Pancras in just 17 minutes.

Proposed rail improvements are also set to make connections from New Southgate better than ever before, with the station planned to be the north termination point for Crossrail 2, which will offer fast train journeys to Seven Sisters, Euston and Victoria train stations.

Shared ownership prices start from £121,875 for a 25% share of a two bedroom apartment with a full market value of £487,500. Private sale prices start from £335,000 for a one bedroom apartment, £415,000 for a two bedroom apartment, and £460,000 for a three bedroom apartment. originsales.co.uk/the-place

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REAL LIFE

A helping hand for NHS nurse from SO Resi

When paediatric nurse Kimberley, 25, and her partner Johnny, 26, visited a relative’s new apartment at SO Resi Forster Oaks in Stevenage, the couple found more than they bargained for – a new home of their own. With shared ownership, the couple were able to secure a two bedroom apartment at the development, but when the UK’s imminent social lockdown caused uncertainty around their moving-in date, SO Resi stepped in to ensure they had a place to call home

K

imberley commented, “We knew as soon as we visited SO Resi Forster Oaks that it was somewhere we wanted to live.

From first viewing the apartment in January 2020, the buying process had gone quickly and smoothly – up until social distancing measures made moving in on our planned date of 31st March seem impossible. We needn’t have worried though, as SO Resi was so understanding of our situation.

Everyone knows it’s a very busy time at the NHS at the moment and there were changes to my rota, but SO Resi rearranged everything so we could move in a full week earlier to accommodate my hospital schedule and make sure we were settled as quickly as possible.”

Johnny, a courier, added, “It is a strange and sad time for everyone at the moment, so being able to celebrate this milestone was a really amazing, positive thing for us. Having rented before, we wanted somewhere that felt like ours, now we feel so lucky to have our new home; a safe place.”

Their two bedroom apartment cost £248,000. They bought a 35% share for £86,800 and secured it with a deposit of just £4,375. Their monthly mortgage repayment is £389 and the monthly SO Resi payment on the share they don’t own is £449, including service charges.

Kimberley said, “One of the brilliant things about shared ownership is that the deposit required is just for the share you’re buying, not the full market price; we’d saved for just four months and were able to cover it. Since moving in, I feel more relaxed. Coming home to somewhere and someone I love is something I won’t ever take for granted now. The overall feel of the development is great – our neighbours seem really friendly and we are looking forward to getting to know them properly, once we’re able to. Even with social distancing, it’s also comforting to have a family member close by.”

Johnny added, “It’s not just the property, our surroundings are beautiful too. We like making the most of the beautiful parks, woodland and green space nearby during our daily walk.”

Kimberley and Johnny’s apartment has an excellent specification; the living space is

open plan and the sleek kitchen is complete with a great range of appliances. An allocated parking space was also included within the price.

Kimberley explains, “I drive to work and Johnny drives for work, so having an allocated parking space is brilliant for us. Being close to my place of work was important when we bought our home, but it has become something I value even more now.”

SO Resi Forster Oaks is brilliantly connected: Stevenage train station is just seven minutes’ drive away and trains to

King’s Cross take as little as 23 minutes.

The A1(M) motorway is minutes away and Luton Airport is within a 24-minute drive.

To find out more about SO Resi Forster Oaks or to arrange a virtual tour, contact the sales team on 020 8607 0550 or visit sharedownership.co.uk

“EVERYONE KNOWS IT’S A VERY BUSY TIME AT THE NHS AT THE MOMENT AND THERE WERE CHANGES TO MY ROTA, BUT SO RESI REARRANGED EVERYTHING SO WE COULD MOVE IN A FULL WEEK EARLIER TO ACCOMMODATE MY HOSPITAL SCHEDULE AND MAKE SURE WE WERE SETTLED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE”

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FOR SALE

FOR SALE THE CREAM OF THE CROP Each month, FTB scours the market for the best starter homes for first time buyers. So, whether you’re looking for a dream home for your growing family, or a starter pad on a budget, we hope you will enjoy our selection

REAL LIFE

SO Resi p52 ENFIELD, NORTH LONDON

HOIC FIRST C

E

K LANDMARIO T N REGEN★E★R★A

Affordable homes p54-55

FULWOOD, PRESTON

HOIC FIRST C

E

LUXURY

ING LIV ★★★

Family homes p56-57

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FOR SALE

AFFORDABLE HOMES ENFIELD, NORTH LONDON

HOIC FIRST C

FROM £320,000

E

LANDMAARTIKON REGEN★ER ★★

Tellus at Elements The latest phase of this fast-selling development has just launched, with a range of stunning one and two bedroom apartments available with Help to Buy. The new homes form part of a major regeneration project that will eventually see the creation of 1,000 new properties as well as community facilities. Located just a few moments from Ponders End station, travel into London Liverpool Street takes only 17 minutes, while gyms, shops, the canal and Lee Valley Park lie within easy reach. All of the homes feature a balcony or terrace, while the residents’ courtyard and play area provide added outdoor space.

Countryside 020 3918 4805 countrysideproperties.com

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FOR SALE ALPERTON, NORTH WEST LONDON

FROM £322,500*

FROM £120,000*

CHARLTON, SOUTH LONDON

SO Resi The Rise Perfect for young professionals and growing families, the one and two bedroom apartments at The Rise lie close to a revitalised section of the Grand Union Canal. The contemporary homes feature open-plan living/ dining areas, fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, and private balconies to most of the

homes. The properties are a short walk from Alperton Tube station for direct Piccadilly Line services to central London in around 30 minutes. Maintaining a work/life balance is easy, with great shops schools and parks nearby.

SO Resi 020 8607 0550 soresi.co.uk *Help to Buy available

HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

FROM £245,000

Valley House Valley House is a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes available to buy through shared ownership. They offer light-filled open-plan kitchen/living spaces, and the two and three bedroom apartments also provide a dedicated home office. All homes have a balcony or terrace. Valley

House is less than a five-minute walk away from Charlton train station, with easy access to Greenwich, London Bridge and London St Pancras. North Greenwich Station is also nearby for the underground.

Peabody 020 3369 0032 peabodysales.co.uk

*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £400,000

TRUMPINGTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

FROM £249,950

Centre Square This new development occupies a prime position in the heart of High Wycombe, so residents can enjoy shops, restaurants and transport options – all a stone’s throw from the front door. The one and two bedroom homes, which are arranged around private landscaped gardens, feature contemporary interiors

with well-sized open-plan living areas opening to a private balcony or terrace. As well as shops, gym, cinema, library and restaurants, Centre Square is close to High Wycombe station, for links to London in 25 minutes.

Inland Homes 01494 856 025 inlandhomes.co.uk

Aura The beautiful city of Cambridge is just over two miles from this selection of studio, one, two and three bedroom homes. While there are excellent road and rail connections, the local area also has a lot to offer, with amenities, schools and a country park. The beautifully finished apartments are stylish and spacious, with

an en suite bathroom from the master bedroom in the larger homes, along with a separate dressing room in the three bedroom properties. Residents can enjoy the views from their own private balcony or terrace.

Countryside 01223 624 896 countrysideproperties.com

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FOR SALE

FAMILY HOMES FULWOOD, PRESTON

HOIC FIRST C

FROM £331,995

E

LUXURY

ING LIV ★ ★ ★

Bluebell Meadows There are just 26 new homes at this boutique development in soughtafter Fulwood, Lancashire. The four bedroom properties have been created to the highest of standards, with a luxury feel, and feature wellsized living areas, utility rooms and cloakrooms. There is also an en suite and dressing room from the master bedroom. Mason’s Wood, famed for its beautiful bluebells, is around two miles away, along with some stunning green spaces. City life lies within easy reach, too – Preston is a short bus ride or drive away, for a good range of shopping, entertainment, arts and historical sights.

Anwyl Homes 03300 414 682 anwylhomes.co.uk

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FOR SALE YA L D I N G , K E N T

FROM £460,000 BRAMPTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

FROM £115,500*

Hawthornden The charming Kent village of Yalding is perfect for family life, with beautiful countryside and great amenities. The three, four and five bedroom homes, which are positioned within woodland, feature separate kitchen and dining rooms, downstairs WC and private garden. Along with the three well-sized bedrooms

E W H U R S T, S U R R E Y

upstairs, there are family and en suite bathrooms. Shopping and entertainment can be found in nearby Maidstone, while London Charing Cross can be reached in around 90 minutes by train.

Millwood Designer Homes 01622 410 500 millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

FROM £399,950

SO Resi Brampton Park Just a short stroll from the pretty village of Brampton, and with good rail links to Peterborough and London, the three and four bedroom homes at Brampton Park are ideal for families and commuters. The homes are arranged over two floors, with a separate lounge and kitchen, and doors that open to a rear

garden. Upstairs, there’s a family bathroom and an en suite from the master bedroom. Brampton High Street is close by for the essentials, while it’s a short drive to Huntington for more shopping and entertainment.

SO Resi 020 8607 0550 soresi.co.uk

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £330,000

S T A P L E H U R S T, K E N T

FROM £465,995

Cherry Tree Lane Nestled in the picturesque Surrey town of Ewhurst, the homes at Cherry Tree Lane are ideal for combining country life with speedy links to the capital, as well as good schools and local amenities. The two to four bedroom houses are beautifully designed, with sleek, stylish interiors that include smart, fitted kitchens, tiled bathrooms and

plenty of storage space. Living rooms open to private gardens, while all homes have allocated parking. Ewhurst has local shops, or for supermarkets, pubs and restaurants visit nearby Cranleigh.

Millwood Designer Homes 01483 677 663 millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

Dickens Gate Set in a traditional Kentish village, Dickens Gate is within walking distance from a primary school, local shops, a library and a medical centre. Just nine miles south of Maidstone, Dickens Gate is ideally located to allow residents quick access to the thriving hotspots of Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells,

and Ashford, while direct trains from Staplehurst railway station to London Bridge take less than an hour. Currently available is a collection of four bedroom family homes, with selected plots ready to move into.

David Wilson Homes 0333 355 8503 dwh.co.uk

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buyer

READERS’ AWARDS 2020 Headline sponsor

VOTE NOW! We take our readers very seriously and want to know your views as first time buyers. That’s why we need you to vote for your favourite developments, housing providers and other categories, listed on the following pages, in our First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards 2020. You could win £250 in IKEA vouchers!

For more details, see page 92

Vote at ftbawards.com

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BEST SMALL DEVELOPMENT AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD WILL BE GIVEN TO SMALL DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE DESIRABLE, AFFORDABLE AND INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH PEOPLE WISH TO SET UP THEIR FIRST HOME. THE AWARD IS FOR SCHEMES OF FEWER THAN 30 HOMES.

BELLWAY KENT | HAWKSVIEW An exclusive development of 16 new homes on the site of a disused hotel in the village of Hawkhurst in Kent, Bellway’s Hawksview sets the standard for small housing developments.

Located within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it combines exceptional design with a carefully considered mix of housing types, delivering a high standard of build and high-specification finish for first time buyers and upsizing families alike.

More than that, it has helped to revitalise this area of rural Kent, replacing a hotel building and gardens which had fallen into a state of disrepair and contributing significantly to local affordable housing provision and community facilities.

Bellway’s vision for Hawksview was to bring forward a development which would create a community of its own, while contributing to the wider community in which it sits. With a mix of housing types for all buyers, it has more than achieved this.

GECKO | DEEPDALE You’ll find Deepdale located where two semi-detached houses once stood. Through clever use of space and economical use of the large plots behind the previous houses, this development has magically converted two houses into nine!

Deepdale is a mixed tenure development consisting of five three bedroom houses available to buy through shared ownership and four two bedroom apartments for affordable rent, two of which have been adapted and built to specification.

At the head of a cul-de-sac where the previous houses stood now you’ll find nine homes with off-road parking and gardens in this popular residential area where there is very little supply of new build activity and low-cost ownership options.

This development has transformed an infill site of grassland that had been left unused, dovetailing a new collection of homes into the local community and opening up new opportunities and possibilities where none could be seen before. The development has been extremely popular and no marketing was needed.

HOUSING PEOPLE, BUILDING COMMUNITIES (HPBC) | ST BERNARD’S CHURCH In 2017, Housing People, Building Communities (HPBC) was gifted St Bernard’s church and land adjacent to our completed Kingsley Road affordable housing project by the RC Archdiocese.

Working in partnership with Onward Housing to redevelop the site, 16 homes were completed in December 2019. The gothic-style church, designed by architects Pugin & Pugin and built in 1901, is a landmark in the local area and one of the few surviving Victorian buildings on the street. It was also an important part of the community, holding cherished memories for many.

By completing 500 hours of “sweat equity”, home partners earned £10,000 towards a deposit, and, with shared ownership mortgages, these attractive homes were truly affordable for families wishing to become first time buyers. By using an innovative approach, retaining the integrity of the building, and home partners working together, the church has been repurposed and a vibrant new community developed.

buyer

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Sponsored by

buyer

READERS’ AWARDS 2020

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NEWLON HOUSING TRUST | ROSALIND FRANKLIN HOUSE

READERS’ AWARDS

Rosalind Franklin House is a unique, small but perfectly formed development of six shared ownership homes, standing at the heart of a large scale heritage-based redevelopment at Hampstead Manor.

Situated in one of London’s greenest and most high value quarters, the development offers a unique opportunity for local working people, who would otherwise be priced out of the property market, to be able to take a first step towards homeownership.

A beautifully designed development, overlooking the green which forms the heart of the development, Rosalind Franklin House is perfectly placed to involve residents in the new community’s vibrant social life, as well as being built to an enviable ecological specification, making it the ideal home for life.

REGENTA DEVELOPMENT | WINNS AVENUE Winns Avenue, located in Walthamstow, is conveniently situated in a peaceful residential setting, offering first time buyers fast access to central London.

The former warehouse and service yard has been redesigned by Regenta Development to offer a sustainable community of nine one and two bedroom apartments, with a focus on young professionals. With a selection of modern homes available to purchase using the Government-backed Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, first time buyers are discovering that outer boroughs of London will offer them better value for money without having to face a lengthy commute.

Winns Avenue offers each apartment its own private grassed and decked garden area, secure cycle storage to encourage sustainable living, and energy-efficient features throughout the build. The development is within a mile from tube and National Rail stations Walthamstow Central and Blackhorse Road, both of which are on the London Overground and Victoria lines.

SOUTHERN HOME OWNERSHIP | PRESTON ROAD Preston Road is the exceptional £5m re-development of two stunning Victorian villas in the heart of Brighton into a collection of unique first time buyer homes.

Set in a sought-after enclave of the seaside town, where there is an acute shortage of affordable home ownership options, the boutique development from Southern Home Ownership – the shared ownership arm of Southern Housing Group – will restore the Villas, originally built in 1870, into 20 new shared ownership homes.

Through extensive consultation with the local council, Southern Home Ownership identified a local demand for high-quality alternative homeownership properties.

Designed by leading architects Yelo, Preston Road offers the highest quality of design and build for first time buyers. Set within the Preston Park conservation area, Southern Home Ownership has ensured a sensitive restoration of the villas, retaining many of the original period features. A number of mature trees are also being preserved; respecting the site’s history and the existing neighbourhood.

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BEST URBAN REGENERATION PROJECT

THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A NEIGHBOURHOOD REGENERATION SCHEME THAT CAN DEMONSTRATE THE BENEFIT IT HAS BROUGHT TO THE AREA.

BARRATT LONDON | HAYES VILLAGE Home to the Nestlé factory for more than 100 years, Hayes is taking centre stage as a key beneficiary of the Elizabeth Line. Barratt London’s Hayes Village development sits at the heart of this west London community, delivering 1,386 new homes and 640 employment opportunities upon completion.

The mixed-use site will embrace enterprise, alongside amenity-rich spaces, including a public cafe, nursery, gym, 200m running track, canoe club, three hectares of green space, a new canal realm and a 1.3km walking trail.

The scheme will retain much of its historic identity, restoring the factory’s white and blue facade, while sensitively designing new buildings with a visual appearance in keeping with the art deco vernacular. From the moment new residents enter along the elegant tree-lined avenue, they will see the modernist Truscon building bought back to life.

CATALYST | PORTOBELLO SQUARE An ambitious regeneration project transforming the north end of west London’s Portobello Road, Portobello Square by Catalyst will see the former Wornington Green Estate developed into around 1,000 new apartments and houses alongside shops, community facilitates and a public park. Replacing declining quality homes and outdated community facilities, the regeneration resets historic street patterns to mirror the surrounding areas, blending seamlessly with Notting Hill’s signature Victorian townhouses and picturesque treelined streets. The development delivers homes for a mix of first time buyers, young families and, crucially, local people.

Alongside this, Portobello Square includes some of Catalyst’s highest specification private sale homes to date – with all profits reinvested into affordable homes for local communities across London and the South East. Taking a groundbreaking approach to community engagement, the project demonstrates a genuine partnership with local people – engaged-with at all stages, the vast majority of social rent residents in the now completed Phase One, are returning residents.

COUNTRYSIDE | SOUTH OXHEY CENTRAL South Oxhey Central is a £172m mixed-use regeneration scheme by Countryside and Home Group, in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, that is currently transforming the existing town centre and three unused sites into a modern and vibrant hub for local residents and businesses.

Set among two acres of landscaped parks and public spaces will be 55,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space, including an 18,500 sq ft Lidl food store, a revamped retail experience at Carpenders Park railway station and 514 new homes.

A rejuvenated retail area at Station Approach, which is now fully let, is bringing local shops and trade back to the area, while Countryside is also creating employment and training opportunities for local people in construction. Friendly, safe and well-overlooked streets and public spaces, designed according to Secured

by Design principles, are creating an environment that is attractive for living, working and recreation.

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INLAND HOMES | CENTRE SQUARE Situated opposite the Eden shopping centre (on Lily’s Walk) and adjacent to Buckinghamshire New University campus, Centre Square is a landmark collection of 364 new studio, one and two bedroom apartments and 19,408 sq ft of commercial and retail space on a 1.43-hectare former gas works.

Following pioneering site preparation and remediation works, Inland Homes’ dynamic new development is transforming High Wycombe, creating an exciting new destination for contemporary living in the heart of town, just moments from a comprehensive range of local amenities.

Underlining the appeal of Centre Square and its prominent landmark location, an initial off-plan launch resulted in the sale of more than 35% of the first release of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. Many purchasers were first time buyers, with prices from £169,950 providing the opportunity to take the first step on to the property ladder. Since launch, a further 80% of purchases have been by first time buyers, attracted by local facilities and easy access to London (26 minutes by train).

MILLER HOMES NORTH WEST | NOVUS Novus is Miller Homes’ flagship development in the North West of England. The 282-home development is located on the former Itron gas meter factory on Talbot Road, Stretford – providing Miller Homes with the perfect opportunity to regenerate a brownfield site into a new, thriving and vibrant community.

Comprising a mix of one and two bedroom apartments and two to four bedroom homes, all of which feature bold, urban and contemporary designs, the new development is attracting many buyers looking for an aspirational and attractive first home in what is set to become one of the North West’s most desirable and sought after locations.

POPLAR HARCA | BOW GARDEN SQUARE At Bow Garden Square, Poplar HARCA, in partnership with Telford Homes and The London Borough of Tower Hamlets, has regenerated a rundown 1960s estate in east London to provide 109 mixed-tenure new homes with an extensive range of community facilities, including a new nursery and primary school, sports hall/ community centre and mosque; all sharing a tight 2.38-acre site in a stunningly efficient use of land.

The private sale (with Help to Buy) and shared ownership homes offered first time buyers exceptional value in a great location with excellent transport links; nearby Mile End Station to Bank in seven minutes.

Designed with input from the local community, Bow Garden Square has transformed the estate and local area. Build complete in September 2019, using 20% local multi-skilled labour, and with every home sold, it has brought new and existing residents of Bow together and strengthened the sense of community.

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BEST USE OF A GOVERNMENT SCHEME AFFORDABLE HOMES

HOMEBUYING SCHEMES ARE EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS. THIS NEW AWARD CATEGORY RECOGNISES HOW A SCHEME SUCH AS SHARED OWNERSHIP OR HELP TO BUY HAS BEEN MAXIMISED, HELPING FIRST TIME BUYERS TAKE THEIR FIRST STEP ON THE HOUSING LADDER.

COMPENDIUM LIVING | JOSEPH WILLIAMS PLACE Help to Buy aids a variety of people get on the property ladder and this is undoubtedly something we’ve seen at Joseph Williams Place – a Liverpool development delivered by Compendium Living.

More than 50% of the residents used the Help to Buy scheme to get on to the property ladder at Joseph Williams Place. This included a wide range of buyer types, from young people purchasing their first home to families looking at larger properties with enough space to grow into.

Liverpool is very popular with families and so the development had to offer schemes to assist this audience. Help to Buy has enabled many of our customers to either get on the ladder with the 5% deposit or buy a larger home in a location that is close to family but also has an established sense of community in a desirable area.

LEGAL AND GENERAL AFFORDABLE HOMES | LEON HOUSE A modernist landmark giving first time buyers the ultimate in specification and communal facilities in the heart of rapidly regenerating Croydon, Leon House offers a contemporary collection of 50 one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments from Legal and General Affordable Homes.

The first development by the new affordable housing provider, the homes are in a 21-storey former office block that has been part of Croydon’s skyline for almost 50 years. Helping first time buyers in the south London hotspot, prices start from £87,500 for a 25% share,FMV £350,000, and just a 5% deposit is required on some units.

Perfect for the freelance generation, all residents at Leon House enjoy a plethora of communal facilities and services – from a daily concierge service, co-working spaces and meeting rooms with ultra-fast broadband, to a large roof terrace and a private dining room available to hire for dinner parties and events. Residents will also enjoy the benefits of living in a largely owner-occupied development, with social media groups already in place to quickly involve new owners, and arrange neighbourly gatherings and events in the communal spaces.

PEABODY | THE REACH With acres of green spaces, calming waterways, leisure facilities and an unrivalled community spirit, Thamesmead offers a refreshed perspective on London living.

Set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment, Thamesmead will welcome an influx of new facilities and homes – starting with The Reach in West Thamesmead; a development that makes the most of affordable homeownership schemes such as shared ownership.

In collaboration with award-winning architect Pitman Tozer, The Reach has transformed a derelict, self-contained plot of land into an inclusive, new community.

With only shared ownership and affordable/social rent available at the development, The Reach has successfully made homeownership dreams a reality for many Londoners. And with convenient en suites and allocated parking to selected units, The Reach offers an ideal starter-home for first time buyers with a 25% startingfrom share price of just £68,750 (FMV: £275,000) for a one bedroom apartment.

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BEST LAW FIRM FOR CONVEYANCING THIS AWARD CELEBRATES LAW FIRMS WITH OUTSTANDING CONVEYANCING PACKAGES FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS.

CAVENDISH LEGAL GROUP Cavendish Legal Group (CLG) has a core of quality solicitor-led teams, organised to provide an efficient personal service. First time buyers have direct access to their solicitor throughout the process. This ensures they benefit from bespoke guidance at all times. We provide buyers with a fixed fee quotation on a no-sale-no-fee basis via an online system that also enables the buyer to complete the necessary instruction form online. We make every effort to advise clients of the total costs from the outset, which is particular important for first fime buyers of shared ownership properties, where the implications of Stamp Duty are particularly difficult.

CLG uses advanced technology to keep buyers fully up to date with progress including text messages when milestones are reached. CLG is also committed to providing a seamless and pain-free experience for buyers. This is borne out by our Trustpilot score, consistently 5 stars. Independent research shows that CLG is the largest London based firm for conveyancing and our plan is to continue to grow.

DIRECTION LAW Direction Law is one of the largest specialist affordable housing solicitors in the country. In 2019 alone, we completed over 3,600 shared ownership purchases.

Prospective clients can obtain an instant quotation online or speak to our dedicated new business team who will guide them through the initial stages.

Where we stand out is that while other firms may have conveyancers who deal with a variety of affordable housing cases, we have individual dedicated teams specialising in either new build shared ownership, resale sales and purchases, or new build/Help to Buy respectively; thus ensuring greater expertise.

Our aim is to progress cases to exchange and completion as swiftly as possible, not only resulting in a satisfied client who has achieved their dream of homeownership with the minimum of fuss but also ensuring our strong relationships with the many housing associations, developers and specialist financial advisers we are recommended by. Many clients come back time and time again which is testament to the quality of service we provide.

PRINCE EVANS SOLICITORS LLP Prince Evans Solicitors LLP is a multi-discipline law firm based in Ealing. Prince Evans Solicitors LLP New Build Homes and Conveyancing team specialises in all aspects of conveyancing for the first time buyer. We benefit from a particular expertise and understanding of shared ownership and new build property including the Help to Buy: Shared Equity scheme.

The majority of our clients are first time buyers buying either through shared ownership or Help to Buy (or taking the crucial next step such as buying additional shares, known as staircasing). We offer a personal service, ensuring that buyers deal with one conveyancer from instruction through to completion.

We also act for housing associations and developers in the sale of new build homes. We help hundreds of first time buyers to take their first steps in to homeownership every year and in the past 12 months we have grown even further, assisting many more first time buyers.

New Build Shared Ownership Help To Buy Contact our specialist New Build Homes team for a Conveyancing quote on 020 8567 3477 or nbh@prince-evans.co.uk

Prince Evans Solicitors LLP. Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London, W5 2BS

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BEST FIRST TIME BUYER APARTMENT AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD IS FOR AN APARTMENT SUITABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER, WHICH IS AFFORDABLE AND ALSO OFFERS EXCELLENT DESIGN FLAIR, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT.

APT LIVING | KEW BRIDGE Apt Living’s Kew Bridge development provides a design-led collection of 213 studio, one and two bedroom apartments overlooking Gunnersbury Park. With innovative, space-saving layouts and a high specification, Apt Living has created affordable homes for the aspirational first time buyer.

All residents benefit from a wide range of amenities, including a 24-hour dedicated concierge, gym, cinema, bike storage, private parking and roof terraces, as well as a dedicated Apt Living app. The apartments or ‘apts’ all boast three metre average ceiling heights, adding to the sense of space, combined with an intelligent design to maximise the striking views across 180-acres of Gunnersbury Park.

Starting from £270,000, the homes are also excellent value for money in a soughtafter location where affordable first time buyer options are otherwise limited. All are also available through Help to Buy, giving first time buyers an added boost.

BARRATT SOUTHERN COUNTIES | THE WHITE BUILDING The White Building is an exemplary transformation of an iconic wartime factory into a range of spacious art deco styled apartments in Basingstoke, Hampshire. The development is appealing to first time buyers as it offers a stylish and spacious apartment with a sense of history, available with purchasing schemes.

Bright and oversized windows, striking art deco features, plenty of storage and no corners cut when it comes to quality, this building presents a fantastic opportunity to buyers looking to own their first home. Plot 523 is an incredible two bedroom apartment for £349,995 which offers a superb home with quality finishes, characterful features and spacious rooms.

A contemporary home with a colourful history, the apartment provides modern living in an historic setting. Available with Help to Buy, affordability is key at The White Building and is the reason so many first time buyers are able to secure their first home.

CATALYST | NEON Positioned in Burnt Oak, an undiscovered pocket of affordability in north west London, Neon by Catalyst is an exceptional collection of 76 one, two and three bedroom apartments – 46 of which are available through shared ownership.

With first time buyers able to purchase a home with a deposit from just £6,550, Neon is providing both local residents and those new to the area with the opportunity to become homeowners in a high-specification, stylish development, with contemporary apartments that outsize the Mayor of London’s minimum size standards by up to 46%.

Providing sought-after outdoor space, each home has a balcony, while a southwest-facing communal podium garden creates a green oasis in the heart of development. An impressive 70% of the shared ownership homes offer two or three bedrooms, offering families, and couples looking to start a family, fantastic opportunities to become homeowners in an area overflowing with great schools.

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HIGGINS HOMES | NEW STRATFORD WORKS

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Plot 59 is a stunning first floor apartment that offers the enjoyment of hotel style living through contemporary design. Internally, this open plan apartment features a light-filled living area which provides a flexible space for both relaxing and entertaining, while the bedroom evokes a sense of serenity. The property includes an extensive kitchen with a range of Smeg appliances, hardwood flooring and a bathroom with Duravit sanitary ware and taps from Hansgrohe. The private decked terrace runs the length of the property, overlooking the landscaped podium courtyard garden. New Stratford Works is located in the heart of Stratford with its comprehensive travel links, in addition to this, residents enjoy a gifted lifetime membership to a car club. The new Linear Park and the community gardens / allotments allow residents to an open green space in an urban environment.

Available with Help to Buy, this apartment is priced at £439,950.

NOTTING HILL GENESIS | NEW GARDEN QUARTER A collection of contemporary homes set around a landscaped garden square, New Garden Quarter reinterprets the classic concept of a London mansion block for the 21st century.

Situated in Stratford, east London’s most vibrant hub, this is a location for those first time buyers who want to be close to the action. The Olympic Park, Westfield shopping centre and the Stratford stations are just moments away. As part of this collection of 67 well-designed homes, apartment 178 is a bright and airy one bedroom home, with open-plan living space, floor-to-ceiling windows and large private balcony.

Those who live at New Garden Quarter will enjoy what is already a friendly and inviting community, with a range of on-site amenities including gym, cafe, nursery and 24-hour concierge. Available through Notting Hill Genesis’ shared ownership scheme, this is a place where first time buyers will immediately feel at home.

PEABODY | THE REACH In collaboration with award-winning architect Pitman Tozer, The Reach has transformed a derelict, self-contained plot of land into an inclusive new community.

Uncompromising in style and quality of finish, The Reach is a modern achievement set around a beautifully landscaped communal garden; complete with secure cycle storage, dedicated seating areas and children’s play area.

Space-maximising solutions such as underfloor heating that eliminates the need for oversized radiators and reinforced walls to accommodate wall-mounted TVs allow first time buyers to make the most of furniture layouts and liveable spaces.

Classic separated kitchen/dining rooms for three bedroom homes are ideal for larger households while modern open-plan layouts allow natural light to flood into charming dual aspect apartments. With convenient en suites and allocated parking to selected units, The Reach offers an ideal starter with a 25% starting-from share price of just £68,750 (FMV: £275,000) for a one bedroom apartment.

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BEST LARGE DEVELOPMENT AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD IS FOR DEVELOPMENTS OF MORE THAN 80 HOMES THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE AN AFFORDABLE, DESIRABLE AND INSPIRATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND THAT HAVE PROVIDED ADDITIONAL FACILITIES TO BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS. THESE HOMES ARE IN LARGE DEVELOPMENTS IN A MIXED-TENURE ENVIRONMENT, OR STAND-ALONE DEVELOPMENTS.

COUNTRYSIDE AND L&Q | BEAULIEU Historically in an area that was the hunting ground of King Henry VIII, the vision for Beaulieu was to create a vibrant new integrated community for the city of Chelmsford, bringing together 3,600 quality new homes in a range of styles to suit different tastes, preferences and income levels.

Beaulieu is a perfect destination for young couples or families, offering four distinct residential neighbourhoods. These range from traditional, colonialstyle through to ultra-modern, meaning there’s a home to suit all tastes. The neighbourhoods making up the development are: Beaulieu Keep, Beaulieu Chase, Beaulieu Heath and Beaulieu Oaks.

The homes are designed around 180 acres of green open spaces, ranging from formal parks, village greens and community gardens to natural meadows plus an orchard. These open spaces connect the Beaulieu neighbourhoods and give residents a wealth of choice for outdoor activities, improving their health and well-being.

OPTIVO | WATERWAY, RIVERSIDE QUARTER For most people, the idea of owning a new home overlooking the River Thames would be an expensive dream. But Optivo’s Waterway, Riverside Quarter development is turning that dream into an affordable reality.

Situated in one of the most sought-after destinations in the capital are 93 luxurious apartments, including 22 one bedroom apartments (average floor area 720 sq ft or 67 sq m) and 71 two bedroom apartments (averaging 791 sq ft or 73.4 sq m).

This stunning collection of shared ownership homes in Wandsworth has been made available to buyers with household incomes starting from £45,000. The percentage rent charged on unsold equity starts from as low as 0.5%. The stylish homes set the standard for spacious living; meaning people in the local community can take their first step on to the property ladder and own their own little bit of London. Waterway offers premium living, in a thriving new community, at an affordable price.

STRAWBERRY STAR | LU2ON Lu2on is a mixed-use development coming up in London’s commuter belt town of Luton. 877 apartments (suites, one bedroom and two bedroom homes) are spread across three towers.

Facilities include 49,600 sq ft of retail space, an 8,000 sq ft gym, 24-hour concierge, restaurants and bars, secure parking, large public realm (10,000 sq m), convention centre, roof and courtyard gardens and a hotel with more than 200 rooms. Provision has been made to include a supermarket, childcare facility and pharmacy.

Spread across 6.9 acres, it is among the largest mixed-use developments in the UK focusing on first-time buyers. The development is located just a two-minute walk from the Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station, which connects to King’s Cross, St Pancras, central London, in just 23 minutes. Lu2on offers London lifestyle homes but at prices achievable to FTBs. Phase one of Lu2on will be completed by Q2 2021.

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MOST INNOVATIVE MARKETING CAMPAIGN

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FINANCE

THIS AWARD WILL BE GIVEN TO THE MOST INNOVATIVE MARKETING CAMPAIGN THAT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT USING ALL FORMS OF MEDIA, ENABLING FIRST TIME BUYERS TO FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND MORTGAGE DEALS.

METROPOLITAN THAMES VALLEY HOUSING | SO RESI SO Resi, the shared ownership brand of leading housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley, is on a mission to raise awareness of shared ownership and change the way it is perceived and has taken a fresh approach to promoting the scheme by making it straightforward and easy to understand.

Underpinned by SO Resi’s website that explains every aspect of shared ownership simply and with complete transparency, its marketing campaign spans multi digital, print, audio and outdoor channels and uses innovative promotions such as one linked to National Avocado Day, to engage and attract a predominantly young audience of aspiring homebuyers.

Evidence of the campaign’s success is clear: a 73% increase in traffic to the website in 2019, 12,381 people registered at a SO Resi development between April and October 2019; almost three in 10 enquiries resulted in a visit and 11% of visits turned into a reservation.

NOTTING HILL GENESIS | MANOR PLACE DEPOT The innovative brand created for Manor Place Depot helped it stand out and engage first time buyers, cleverly weaving in the heritage of the site and playing on the homonymic meaning of the “Manor”.

This was backed up by a dedicated microsite with embedded video content that focused on placemaking and lifestyle. Situated close to the hub of Elephant & Castle, Manor Place Depot has an enviably convenient location, which became central to the unique selling proposition for the development. In showcasing its apartments as ideal for first time buyers, it was crucial to highlight the area’s diverse and established community and the significant regeneration of Elephant & Castle, as well as the excellent travel connections.

Built on the site of the historic Manor Place Baths, the brand drew on this heritage. The name Manor Place Depot was retained and the bold, confident brand reflected the vibrancy of the local area, appealing to the FTB demographic.

ONWARD | ONWARD LIVING In April 2019 we launched Onward Living, a new brand developed to represent our homes for sale.

Onward Living specialises in building new homes, with a focus on shared ownership, to suit the diverse needs of our customers, whether they’re a first time buyer, a growing family, or just thinking about downsizing.

To support the brand launch we developed an integrated, research-led marketing campaign with multiple online and offline tactics. The impact of our campaign was clear: for a marketing spend of less than £80,000 we sold 100% of our homes within one month of launch, generating £2.5m in sales revenue.

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BEST PARTNERSHIP AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS EXCITING NEW AWARD CATEGORY CELEBRATES A COLLABORATION OF TWO OR MORE COMPANIES WHO HAVE WORKED TOGETHER TO DELIVER BOTH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS. IT WILL HIGHLIGHT BEST PRACTICE OF PARTNERSHIP WORKING WITHIN THE HOUSING SECTOR AND CHAMPIONS THE ETHOS OF WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER MORE.

HOME REACH Home Reach by heylo is a hugely popular and extremely effective part-buy-partrent scheme delivered in partnership with nearly 40 housebuilders. Home Reach makes newly built homes for sale on the open market more affordable to first time buyers. What makes the scheme unusual is that it is not restricted by the rules of traditional shared ownership.

FTBs can purchase the same home with a third less salary when compared with Help to Buy. They also choose between buying a bigger share of a lower-priced home or a smaller share of a more expensive one. Other benefits include a much greater choice of homes, fewer eligibility restrictions than traditional shared ownership schemes, as well as private sale internal specification.

Currently partnering with over 45 housebuilders – including the top 20 by volume – the impact has been huge. More than 4,000 new homes have been bought using Home Reach, with over £80m in Government grants awarded to the scheme.

METROPOLITAN THAMES VALLEY HOUSING (MTVH) AND RESI HOUSING Combining the funding power of an investment company and the expertise and specialist services of one of the UK’s largest housing associations, Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH) and ReSI Housing have set up an innovative, 20-year partnership that is boosting the supply of much-needed shared ownership homes.

The 20-year partnership agreement is for an unusually long time, demonstrating the commitment of both companies; it is designed to maximise the number of shared ownership homes available to buyers. ReSI Housing sources properties which would not have been used for affordable housing and delivers them as shared ownership homes backed by a Government grant.

MTVH helps ReSI Housing secure these grants and deals with matters related to shared ownership, while SO Resi, its shared ownership arm, acts as sales agent.

MTVH and ReSI Housing are currently delivering 132 high-quality shared ownership homes at their flagship scheme SO Resi Clapham Park in south west London.

PETERS VILLAGE Partnership has underpinned the success of Peters Village, an all-new 1,000-home community rising from the remains of a defunct Victorian cement works that once thrived on Kent’s River Medway.

Downland scarred by the works’ chalk pits – plundered to feed 19th century London’s building boom – has been reborn as a rural yet well-connected village, offering a wide choice of quality homes being imaginatively arranged on re-worked quarry contours, and with elements fostering a healthy lifestyle and co-existence with Nature.

Nearly 300 apartments and houses are occupied, and residents can enjoy walkways, bridleways, cycle routes, and an attractive riverside esplanade – a popular meeting place – abundant open space and quality playing fields. Peters Village already has a stateof-the-art primary school and work starts soon on a handily sited village centre, with supermarket and shops, medical centre and community hall, including nursery school and changing rooms.Peters Village is a partnership project between: overall developer Trenport Investments; homebuilders Orbit, Hyde Westerhill, Bellway, Ashberry, Moat and Bovis; the Goverment’s Homes England agency; and Kent Wildlife Trust.

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RADIAN GROUP AND WATES RESIDENTIAL

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Located on the site of a former Royal Naval Air Station, Daedalus Village is a collection of 200 new homes in Lee-on-the-Solent, with 80 for sale through shared ownership – 40% of the site’s overall housing mix.

The scheme is being developed in partnership by housing provider Radian Group, Wates Residential and Homes England, unlocking the future of this historic site and delivering high-quality, affordable homes. It is being delivered through Home England’s Direct Commissioning Initiative, which helps to fast-track the building of homes on publicly owned land at double the pace of the industry standard.

Thoughtfully designed to preserve the area’s heritage, the character of the former naval buildings is complemented by a new style, centred around green spaces that reflect the surrounding landscape of the Hampshire countryside. Every home is finished to a high specification, regardless of tenure.

All of the shared ownership properties in the first phase at Daedalus Village were reserved in the first week after the launch.

REDWING AND M&Y Redwing and M&Y are part of The Regenda Group and share a strategic purpose of providing a range of multi-tenure housing products. As part of this, we have specifically focused on a multi-tenure offer, focusing on non-traditional means such as shared ownership, increasing access to housing for first time buyers, in areas where property prices may otherwise be restrictive or quality lacking.

Our partnership aims to address barriers to ownership through the provision of high-quality housing. By combining our strengths, we can deliver positive results for first time buyers. Redwing has over 50 years’ experience in the sale and management of affordable homes, particularly shared ownership. M&Y has almost 40 years’ experience in building and maintaining a range of properties. Through utilising the knowledge of both and coming together to share skills, we champion collaborative working and use an integrated approach to increase options available to first time buyers.

SITESALES AND SO MORTGAGES For many First Time Buyers, especially those that are interested in schemes such as Help to Buy or shared ownership, securing the right mortgage can be a huge stumbling block. Our dynamic partnership between SiteSales Property Group and independent broker SO Mortgages offers prospective purchasers a one-stop shop that not only takes away the stress surrounding purchasing a new property, but also ensures that first time buyers make wise choices when considering buying their first home. SiteSales and SO Mortgages work together at every stage of the sales process and although we are not financially linked, we see ourselves as sister companies when it comes to having first time buyer welfare at heart. While SiteSales concentrates on selling new affordable properties for outright sale, shared ownership and shared equity, SO Mortgages assists buyers in choosing the right scheme for them and source the funding they require to become new homeowners.

This also includes full support when purchasing a new home with the government run scheme, Help To Buy.

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BEST SUPPLIER TO THE FTB MARKET

AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD GOES TO A SERVICE, COMPANY OR AGENCY THAT SUPPORTS THE FIRST TIME BUYER INDUSTRY. THIS COULD BE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT HELPS TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP.

FIRSTHOMECOACH We built FirstHomeCoach to deliver better outcomes for first time buyers. With our free-to-use app, they can get into their home faster, cheaper and smarter. It is a digital tool for a generation seeking to utilise technology to play life better.

We empower them to use their data to personalise and plan – creating a digital twin – from which they can make smarter decisions. Launched in January 2019, the FirstHomeCoach app has now helped over 75,000 first time buyers – people reading useful, jargon-free articles, completing personalised missions to inform their journey and speaking to our partners who can help on savings, mortgages and more.

What sets FirstHomeCoach apart from other offerings on the market is its user experience. By bringing everything all into one place, making the app easy to use and delivering a personalised yet private experience, we have a powerful propositional combination that meets people’s needs.

SHARE TO BUY A brand name synonymous with shared ownership, Share to Buy is the UK’s leading online portal for first time buyers.

Specialising in both shared ownership and Help to Buy, the site is an unparalleled resource for buyers navigating the world of affordable home ownership, listing over 4,000 homes and generating more than 200,000 leads.

Since launching over a decade ago, Share to Buy has become a voice of authority in the sector, committed to educating the market on alternative homeownership options and making these options accessible.

Innovative user experience is essential; Share to Buy offers a wealth of free online resources – including “how to” guides, videos and financial calculators.

Another string to its bow, Share to Buy runs the London Home Show, the capital’s largest first time buyer event, showcasing the best in affordable homes. The free event gives buyers the opportunity to speak face-to-face with housing experts.

SITESALES PROPERTY GROUP SiteSales Property Group has been supporting first time buyers for three decades, offering new affordable properties from our clients for outright sale, shared ownership, shared equity and using Help to Buy. We pride ourselves on providing unrivalled customer service to home buyers from the first enquiry through to the first anniversary and beyond. We also build our own homes for sale through our partnership company, Regenta, using our experience and expertise in the property market to create homes that are perfect for first time buyers, such as the beautiful apartments at Winns Avenue, Walthamstow, that are already fully reserved.

Our experience means we can support buyers every step of the way to homeownership, offering continuity and a friendly face throughout their purchase.

We even include 12 months aftercare, with a 24-hour hotline, in the unlikely event of any problems after moving in; ensuring every buyer feels at home.

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STEPLADDER StepLadder is a game-changing fintech company committed to rewriting the odds in the first time buyer’s favour – a unique 100% collaborative alternative to raising a deposit alone.

Using a peer-to-peer model, members put aside set amounts over fixed terms, lending and borrowing from each other. Motivated by team spirit, members raise their property deposits together on average 45% faster compared to saving alone.

StepLadder aims to empower members by negotiating significant discounts on their behalf from surveyors, solicitors and mortgage advisers. Response in the first year has been phenomenal and StepLadder hopes that it will to change the future of personal finance.

StepLadder has worked on a First Time Buyers Unite initiative with UK policy makers to develop achievable changes to regulation and policy. By influencing and collaborating with MPs, StepLadder aims to support the first time buyer and make the UK the easiest place in the world to realise the dream of homeownership.

SUNA Suna is an interior design studio working exclusively with property developers on show homes, interior specification, marketing suites and CGIs for a wide variety of clients across the UK, from housing associations to high-end private developers.

We pride ourselves on a bespoke approach to each one of our projects, taking location, target market, client and brief into consideration to produce show homes that offer the developer the best opportunity to appeal to their specific purchasers.

Working with numerous FTB developers across our 18 years in the industry has given us a vast experience of balancing inspiration, aspiration and individuality, designing interiors that speak to the target market for each development.

With services that span the entire development process, we work with developers from the planning stages, with optimisation and specification services, through to the sales journey with CGIs, show homes and marketing suites. A one-stop shop for the FTB developer!

THE MEDIA PEOPLE We are The Media People... The Media People is a media advertising agency that specialises in the real estate industry.

We have been working within the property sector for more than 20 years and our unique position is that we are a hybrid media agency that is able to work across both digital media and traditional media platforms such as TV, press and posters.

We are a team of 30 media-qualified people who work collaboratively with over 40 clients made up of housing associations, private developers and sales agents. Online.

Offline. We are your people.

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BEST SHOW HOME AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD GOES TO THE COMPANY WITH THE BEST SHOW HOME ALLOWING THE BUYER TO SEE THE PROPERTY TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL, GIVING THEM A REALISTIC INSIGHT INTO THEIR NEW HOME.

BELLWAY LONDON | EXPLORER’S WHARF The London borough of Tower Hamlets had more than 1,250 Help to Buy purchases since the inception of the London-specific scheme in 2016, so it is perhaps no surprise that Bellway London’s Explorer’s Wharf development in Poplar, Tower Hamlets, has proved so popular with first time buyers.

In fact, more than half of purchases on the new development have been with Help to Buy. Located alongside the Limehouse Cut canal, Explorer’s Wharf is a stunning development of one, two and three bedroom apartments, offering city living in one of London’s top investment areas.

But there is more to this scheme than its location. Buyers have the opportunity to see the development brought to life thanks to an award-winning two-bedroom show apartment that combines eye-catching design with vital first time buyer budgetary considerations. Bellway’s interior design partner Vesta has created an impressive “loft-living’” style which appeals to young city professionals.

CLARION HOUSING | WINDSOR APARTMENTS With an emphasis on 21st century living, Windsor Apartments is a striking collection of new homes set among 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens. Located just off Prince of Wales Drive, Clarion is delivering 229 affordable homes at the development, 161 of which are available with shared ownership and 68 homes for intermediate rent.

The two bedroom show home at Windsor Apartments has been designed to echo the calm and openness of its surrounding parkland, but also bringing hints of both the trendy and sophisticated cafe culture in the area. With carefully selected furnishings that are affordable and appealing to first time buyers, the show home presents a great insight into how buyers can live there on a budget.

SO RESI | SYDENHAM With a specification that is identical to the homes for private sale, the twobedroom, two-bathroom showhome at SO Resi Sydenham goes above and beyond the expectations of a first home in terms of specification, quality of design and its fantastic London location.

What’s more it delivers 726 sq ft of stunning living space and requires a five per cent deposit of just £6,060 for a 25% share. Carpets, oak flooring, Bosch kitchen appliances and wardrobes to the master bedroom are all included. Every home benefits from a balcony and, for security, a video entry system.

SO Resi Sydenham is part of Crest Nicholson’s Dylon Works development, situated just 200m from Lower Sydenham station and delivering a commute to London Bridge in around 15 minutes; a commuter’s dream. The clear industrial-style influence of the interiors provide brilliant inspiration for new homeowners looking to style their first home on a realistic budget.

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ONE HOUSING | THE BOYN HEIGHTS

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We selected Decorum interiors who are up and coming in the sector, are on trend and have expertise within the first time buyer market. The Boyn Heights show apartment is filled with carefully considered and stylish items which are at an affordable cost. Boyn Heights, situated within the heart of Maidenhead, promotes affordable living for first time buyers.

This development offers 45 one and two bedroom apartments on the shared ownership scheme, giving the younger generations an opportunity to get on to the property ladder. Located within close proximity to the town centre, that’s bustling with shops for all your needs, the train station is also within walking distance, taking you into London in no time. The modern look even includes high street items from Zara and H&M Home, making it all the more accessible to the first time buyer.

Simple yet stylish.

ORIGIN HOUSING | ICON7 Thoughtfully designed to reflect the vibrant local culture and artistic aesthetic of Islington, Origin Housing’s showhome for ICON7 incorporates a creative design with an industrial edge.

A minimal, contemporary colour palette helps prospective buyers imagine bringing their personal identity to the space. Statement artworks and quirky decorative objets d’art, such as cameras on picture ledges, generate a sense of artistic vision. Committed to creating a genuinely achievable look for first time buyers, key pieces have been sourced from a wide range of affordable and easily accessible retailers.

The stunning showhome has been crucial in helping to secure reservations at the boutique collection of 17 one and two bedroom shared ownership and Help to Buy apartments. All 15 private sale homes rwere eserved within two months, and shared ownership homes were reserved within weeks of the launch.

SOUTHERN HOME OWNERSHIP | THE REFINERY Capturing the spirit of a premium collection of shared ownership apartments, located in one of east London’s exciting regeneration zones, Southern Home Ownership’s show home at The Refinery is an aspirational home, embodying West Silvertown’s industrial heritage and bright future.

Presenting authentic connections to the area’s history while inspiring first time buyers, the three bedroom duplex show home takes full advantage of the space – showcasing a unique, individual style inspired by the surrounding neighbourhood.

Metal finishes and leather upholstery are direct nods to the industrial past, while bold, rich colour palettes and plush fabrics elevate the design and create a homely feeling throughout.

By incorporating pieces from a variety of online and high street outlets into a creative layout, Southern Home Ownership succeeds in showing first time buyers that sophisticated home design can be accessible and affordable while maximising the space to work best for them.

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BEST FIRST TIME BUYER FAMILY HOME AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD IS FOR A FAMILY STARTER HOME WHICH IS AFFORDABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER. IT SHOULD OFFER A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT, AT A REALISTIC PRICE WHICH IS IDEAL FOR FAMILY LIVING.

BARRATT LONDON | UPTON GARDENS Plot 291 at Upton Gardens is the latest release at Barratt London’s E13 development.

Built on the old West Ham Football club, the four bedroom, split-level family home can be purchased for under £600,000, equating to just a £30,000 deposit with Help to Buy London.

A clever solution to sleek family living, the triplex home also includes a large family bathroom, downstairs toilet and master en suite, a large open-plan kitchendiner and two private ground floor terraces.

The development includes access to family play areas, a proposed on-site cafe and acres of community space. The Zone 3 location is ideal for commuting parents, with a short journey into central London within 15 minutes and safe cycle links to the City. Furthermore, St Edward’s Primary School is right on the doorstop, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

CLARION HOUSING | LAVENDER WALK For families seeking an affordable place to put down roots, Lavender Walk in Carshalton, Surrey, ticks all of the boxes with excellent schools nearby, plenty of green spaces and easy rail links into central London.

Here, first time buyers have been able to take advantage of the rare opportunity to secure a spacious three bedroom house within a London borough through Clarion’s shared ownership scheme. Bordered by the River Wandle, this is part of a tranquil and sought-after neighbourhood within an established development, providing an inviting, ready-made community for families to join.

There are safe, green spaces for children to play and several parks and play areas already created. The three bedroom home was priced at £135,750 for a 30% share, with a full market value of £452,500, representing a highly attainable opportunity for first time buyers to get on the property ladder in this popular and family friendly south London borough.

ESTUARY HOUSING | KINGCUP PLACE Set between historic Bishop’s Stortford and Braintree, Great Dunmow is a market town steeped in heritage. Many of its beautiful buildings date back hundreds of years and its high street is one of the few where most shops are still independent.

With a picturesque setting surrounded by rolling countryside, plus excellent transport links and lots to do on the doorstep, it’s the perfect place to put down roots.

These homes are traditionally built with brick and concrete block materials and feature spacious kitchen diners and the option to have a separate living room.

The shared ownership solution, with 40% share purchase option, has provided an affordable option in this sought-after area.

This enables families to stay in their local area which may otherwise be outside of their budget. All homes were reserved within a couple of weeks of being marketed.

It is a family friendly development for a growing family.

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L&Q | BIRNAM MEWS

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Birnam Mews is a collection of 60 family homes in the verdant village of Tiddington, Warwickshire, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. The eco-friendly development is built around traditional family friendly street scenes, interspersed with pockets of greenery. Surrounded by publicly accessible fields, the new homes feel like a natural extension of the local village community, marrying green space with the distinctive architectural language of Stratford-upon-Avon. Available in 10 different layouts and designs, from one bedroom quarter houses to detached four bedroom family homes, Birnam Mews offers a unique mix of housing to help create the true community feel that families seek.

An impressive 50% of homes can be purchased with Help to Buy, and five two and three bedroom houses are available through shared ownership, exclusively for first time buyers from Stratford-upon-Avon. Priced affordably without compromising on quality, premium fixtures, fittings and appliances come as standard, ensuring that there’s no hidden costs for families.

LATIMER | CONNINGBROOK LAKES Located within the county known as the Garden of England, Conningbrook Lakes

by Latimer is located on the edge of Ashford in Kent, within the beautiful family oriented nature reserve of Conningbrook Country Park.

Offering a high-quality collection of homes, the development, which features the Government’s Help to Buy scheme, gives first time buyers the opportunity to own an affordable family home on the edge of some of England’s most beautiful countryside.

Bluebell, the show home, is a stunning four bedroom family property that has been meticulously designed with 21st century family living in mind.

Enjoying a peaceful and tranquil position overlooking the lake, this family property delivers a luxurious and stylish interior specification, complemented by well-proportioned and flexible accommodation.

PEABODY | STONELEA GARDENS Surrounded by lush green gardens and nestled next to properties from the Victorian and Regency eras, Stonelea Gardens is a stylish and energy-efficient collection of three and four bedroom townhouses located in vibrant Leyton, east London.

Built to meet the needs of the modern family, all houses feature generously sized gardens – some with rooftop patios – on-site private parking, and free daytime electricity via the solar photovoltaic system. Offering real affordability to families, buyers required a deposit 80% less than the average first time buyer deposit requirement in London.

Beautifully centred around a new village green, the houses are in close proximity to central London; just 10 minutes’ walk from Leyton underground station.

Bordering Langthorne Park and additional picturesque green spaces, including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park within walking distance, means the choice of a vibrant neighbourhood or a quiet oasis is one families didn’t have to make – Stonelea Gardens offers both.

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BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND (BIRMINGHAM AND ABOVE). AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE HOUSEBUILDING IS INCREASING AND OFFERS A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET PLACE, THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

GECKO HOMES | MINEHEAD In the heart of Withington in Manchester, Minehead, are 64 two bedroom contemporary townhouses and apartments available for affordable rent or to buy through shared ownership. Minehead blends new and existing communities together through careful and clever use of space and facilities by creating an onsite community cafe, treatment room and integrated bus stop within the development.

Older Persons Shared Ownership is available on 21 apartments, offering the opportunity to move or downsize to a home suitable for individual needs. The apartments benefit from a cafe to eat and socialise and a treatment room. Committed to making this a success, the development will have an age friendly officer.

Ten houses are available through shared ownership located within touching distance of popular Didsbury and Chorlton. The properties suit a range of buyers – from single occupants or young families, to older households looking to downsize.

Each newly built home has modern eco features, including energy efficient boilers and full double-glazing, making them more affordable to heat and maintain.

ONWARD | CLIFTON GARDENS Clifton Gardens is a unique development of 24 homes built in the grounds of the historic Turner Home in Aigburth, Liverpool. Twenty of the properties were available exclusively through shared ownership.

Aigburth in south Liverpool is a sought-after district. It boasts convenient transport links to Liverpool city centre which is just 15 minutes away and it’s on the doorstep of Sefton Park and has excellent schools nearby. As a result, many prospective homeowners find themselves priced out of the market.

The development was an opportunity to diversify the existing housing offer and we are proud to have delivered 100% affordable housing on the scheme. Completed in September 2019, Clifton Gardens is the first shared ownership development in this area for a decade, giving local first time buyers an opportunity to get on the property ladder.

RIVERSIDE HOME OWNERSHIP | COPPER BROOK Copper Brook is a flagship development of 69 two, three and four bedroom affordable homes in the village of Helsby, Cheshire, – and Riverside’s fastest selling new scheme ever.

With eight property styles and sizes available through shared ownership, Riverside Home Ownership offered first time buyers and other eligible purchasers the opportunity to get on to the property ladder in this highly desirable, wellconnected location.

The development supplies much-needed new homes to help meet a growing local demand. Shared ownership means purchasers buy the share they can afford and pay a reduced monthly rent on the remainder, with the option to own outright in the future. Properties at Copper Brook are built to an extremely high specification, with superb finishes throughout, including carpets, ceramic tiling and kitchen appliances all as standard. Buyers also benefit from the RHO team’s expert advice and support throughout the whole process and beyond.

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BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH

FINANCE

THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND (BELOW BIRMINGHAM). A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET PLACE, WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES IS INCREASING, THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD, WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

COUNTRYSIDE AND L&Q | BEAULIEU Historically in an area that was a hunting ground of King Henry VIII, the vision for Beaulieu was to create a vibrant new integrated community for the city of Chelmsford, bringing together 3,600 quality new homes in a range of styles to suit different tastes, preferences and income levels.

The homes are designed around 180 acres of green open spaces, ranging from formal parks, village greens and community gardens to natural meadows plus an orchard. These green open spaces connect the new Beaulieu neighbourhoods and give residents a wealth of choice for outdoor activities, improving their health and well-being.

Beaulieu is a perfect destination for young couples or families, offering four distinct residential neighbourhoods. These range from traditional, colonialstyle through to ultra-modern, meaning there’s a home to suit all tastes. The neighbourhoods that make up the development are: Beaulieu Keep, Beaulieu Chase, Beaulieu Heath and Beaulieu Oaks.

INLAND HOMES | CHAPEL RIVERSIDE Designated as one of seven “VIP” sites by Southampton City Council, and forming part of the regenerative Itchen Riverside project, Chapel Riverside is an exciting nine-acre scheme which will ultimately include a vibrant mix of more than 450 new one, two and three bedroom apartments, public amenity space, retail space and commercial buildings specifically reserved for marine-based businesses.

At the outset, the intention was to provide homes at an affordable price point for existing residents of Southampton. This ambition has been realised with many first time buyers taking advantage of Inland Homes’ sales incentives, including “Reserve for £99” and “Free furniture pack”, as well as the Government Help to Buy scheme.

Chapel Riverside’s prominent location on the west bank of the River Itchen allows easy access to Southampton city centre, 0.7 miles away, for those working in the city or for those wishing to make the most of the extensive leisure and entertainment facilities on offer. A new cycleway will greatly improve links to Ocean Village.

PETERS VILLAGE An all-new bridge over the River Medway was the key to unlocking a challenging brownfield site, now transformed into an attractive and distinctive new community in the heart of Kent – the Garden of England.

The new crossing delivered easy access to the motorway network, high speed trains into London and vastly improved job, education, shopping and leisure options.

With its distinctive riverside esplanade adjoining the elegant new bridge, Peters Village could also offer something different from other local developments.

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BEST AGE-EXCLUSIVE HOUSING

MANY OLDER BUYERS ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING TO MOVE INTO THEIR FIRST AGEEXCLUSIVE HOME. THIS NEW CATEGORY REGCOGNISES THE NEED FOR QUALITY HOMES AND ENVIRONMENTS FOR OLDER BUYERS WHO ARE 55-PLUS.

EMH | SPRINGFIELDS emh Care & Support is part of emh Group, and provides affordable homes and related care across the East Midlands. Developments are designed to help people live a independent life, by providing support, care, and housing to match their needs.

Springfields is a beautifully landscaped development, set in idyllic National Parkland near the stylish spa town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, comprising 65 highspecification apartments including 15 for sale with shared ownership. The architects have focused on creating light, open spaces, which inspire a sense of wellbeing and honour the site’s proximity to one of the area’s most famous natural springs.

Communal spaces, for socialising and welcoming guests, include a bistro, a beauty salon and a residents’ lounge. All apartments are self-contained and future-proofed, as they are designed to allow wheelchairs and mobility aids to be used if required.

The front entrance has a video door entry system, and each apartment also has its own secure entrance. Springfields has a dedicated team of staff available 24/7, with flexible care packages that can evolve as needs change.

GECKO HOMES | MINEHEAD Located in the heart of Withington in Manchester, Minehead consists of 64 two bedroom contemporary townhouses and apartments available for affordable rent or to buy through shared ownership. Minehead blends new and existing communities together through clever use of space and facilities, including creating an onsite community cafe, treatment room and integrated bus stop within the development.

Older Persons Shared Ownership is available on 21 apartments, offering the opportunity to move or downsize to a home suitable for individual needs. The apartments benefit from a cafe to eat and socialise and a treatment room. Committed to making this a success, the development will have an age friendly officer.

Ten houses are available through shared ownership located within touching distance of popular Didsbury and Chorlton. The properties suit a range of buyers – from single occupants or young families, to older households looking to downsize.

Each newly built home has modern eco features, including energy efficient boilers.

ONE HOUSING | LINDEN COURT Linden Court is a new build extra care scheme in the London Borough of Lewisham, comprising 53 units,19 of which are for shared ownership exclusively to those over the age of 55.

The surrounding area is mainly residential but within walking distance of the high street. Lewisham is a lively community with a strong cultural mix and a strong sense of community and history.

One Housing worked in partnership with Hill Partnerships & PRP architects to develop these beautifully designed retirement apartments which promote independence and well-being both internally and in the external shared amenities.

The scheme has been designed with the evolving needs of the age-exclusive market in mind, with an on-site skilled care and support service provided to all. One Housing is a leading developer and provider of specialist senior living accommodation and has had exceptional feedback from local people on this new development and offering for the people of Lewisham.

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BEST OFF-PLAN DEVELOPMENT AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING TO RECOGNISE A DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN BUILT/COMPLETED BUT OFFERS GREAT POTENTIAL TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

BELLWAY LONDON | EASTSIDE QUARTER Built on the site of the former civic offices in Bexleyheath, Eastside Quarter from Bellway London is a stunning example of how developments can be designed, built and marketed for first time buyers without compromise.

With seven studio apartments and 216 one bedroom apartments (43% of the total 518 apartments), not to mention on-site and off-site amenities and excellent transport links, it is well suited for the first time buyer market.

What’s more, the attention to design, detail and standard of customer care means that Eastside Quarter serves as a best-practice model for first time buyer developments. This is demonstrated by the fact that more than 70 buyers had bought off-plan before the development even launched in December 2019.

NOTTING HILL GENESIS | PECKHAM PLACE In buzzing Peckham, the collection of stylish, contemporary apartments at Peckham Place are available off-plan, carefully designed to suit first time buyers’ lifestyles now and in the future.

There are 333 new homes in total, offered in a range of tenures including shared ownership and private sale, some with Help to Buy London, offering great potential for those wishing to get on to the property ladder. The apartments come in a mix of one, two and three bedroom layouts, all featuring spacious light-filled interiors, a high-quality finish and a range of eco features.

Residents will also enjoy plenty of outside space including a new pocket park, as well as a private terrace or balcony to most homes. Notting Hill Genesis’ marketleading levels of customer care, first class show homes and innovative marketing suite technology means that first time buyers are guided smoothly through the offplan buying process.

PLUMLIFE | FOXWOOD Foxwood is a fantastic new mixed-tenure development consisting of 54 houses in central Salford, comprising homes available through shared ownership and also for market sale by Cube Homes with the option of Help to Buy. The desirable location, transport links and affordable price tags, combined with contemporary design, has resulted in high demand, with over 55% reserved offplan; with majority of customers being first time buyers. From site start, an off-plan launch was planned, combining strengths of Foxwood with nearby developments, maximising choice and enabling customers to consider location, tenure and house type options to suit their needs.

The off-plan launch attracted huge demand and reservations levels were high, complimented by the subsequent opening of our show home. First time buyers are involved throughout the sales process and are able to choose their kitchen and bathrooms as well as the opportunity to access their future home before build completion.

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READERS’ AWARDS SITESALES PROPERTY GROUP AND ONE HOUSING | BLACKHORSE LANE Shared ownership homes at Blackhorse Lane in Walthamstow are brought to the first time buyer market by One Housing. These homes make up an outstanding collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments as well as three and four bedroom maisonettes.

Walthamstow is surrounded by green spaces while having the amenities of a modern urban area, giving residents the best of both worlds.

STRAWBERRY STAR | HARLOW QUARTER Harlow Quarter is an exciting new development by Strawberry Star Homes, set among beautifully landscaped public spaces and a retail avenue at the Harvey Centre in the heart of Harlow town.

The residential-led mixed-use development has planning consent to create 447 residential apartments, including studios, one and two-bedroom homes. Residents will enjoy concierge services, cycle storage, and two communal roof gardens. All units will fall under the Help to Buy scheme in relation to capital values.

This redevelopment opportunity is part of the Harvey Shopping Centre from Broad Walk to West Gate and East Gate providing connectivity through to the rest of the town. With over 43,000 sq ft of commercial space, Harlow Quarter is just 30 minutes by train to London, ideal for first time buyers and commuting professionals aspiring for the UK capital’s lifestyle.

THE GUINNESS PARTNERSHIP | IMPERIAL-BY-LEA The Guinness Partnership has started to build a mixed-use scheme of 965 mixedtenure homes at Imperial-by-Lea with well-designed external communal areas including a riverside park, access to the River Lea and a residents’ courtyard garden.

The development has been designed to feel inclusive, with provision for communal working and leisure space, as well as the convenience of ground floor commercial space, including a riverside cafe that will add to the wider sense of place.

Connectivity is key, and Bromley-by-Bow tube station is within a few minutes walk, providing access to Liverpool Street and the City in nine minutes. This convenience for work, balanced by the close proximity to Stratford, the Olympic Park and Westfield, opens up lifestyle options. The mixed tenure accommodation broadens the opportunities to purchase and we anticipate that 90% of homes will be eligible for Help to Buy or shared ownership, reducing monthly costs for nearby renters.

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PRIVATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD WILL FOCUS NOT ONLY ON THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE PROPERTIES BUILT, BUT ALSO ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPER’S PERFORMANCE.

BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS PLC Barratt Developments is Britain’s largest and best-known housebuilder. Taking its commitment to first time buyers very seriously, approximately 40% of the 17,856 homes that it built last year were bought by those looking to get on the property ladder.

By embracing schemes like Help to Buy, Barratt has made it possible for thousands of first time buyers to afford to buy five-star quality properties they can be proud to call home.

Barratt is the only major national housebuilder to achieve the maximum 5 Star rating in the HBF Homebuilder Survey for customer satisfaction for 10 consecutive years.

With a vision to lead the future of housebuilding by putting customers at the heart of everything it does, Barratt’s goal is to deliver more of the homes the country needs while maintaining the highest standards of quality, design and customer service.

INLAND HOMES As an established land professional and housebuilding business, delivering sites across southern England for residential and mixed use, Inland Homes has enjoyed an exceptional year.

The company is starting to deliver larger than average site sizes and is now established as a respected housebuilder, enabling full control of developments and ensuring a high build quality, which in turn maximises values.

All our developments use sustainable systems for energy efficiency, water management and pollution reduction, complementing our ethos to deliver high-quality homes which suit today’s lifestyle and enhance the environment.

We take pride in ensuring the smoothness of the customer journey, from initial contact to final completion. Our customer service team resolves issues with empathy, and relationships with homeowners continue after completion.

Safety is a priority. In August the Group achieved two million work-hours with no reportable incidents and our year end Accident Frequency Rate stands at 0.12.

COUNTRYSIDE This year, Countryside delivered sectorleading growth while continuing to support its customers.

Countryside’s target customers are first time buyers, with 90% of its private completions in 2019 made at price points below £600,000.

A 33% increase in completions to 5,733 homes led to adjusted revenue of £1,422.8m in the 12 months to 30 September 2019, with adjusted operating profit increasing by 11%. Countryside’s customer satisfaction rating is equivalent to that of a five-star HBF builder, with 92.5% of customers saying they would recommend Countryside to a friend.

Confirming its reputation for quality product, Countryside claimed the Graham Pye Award at the 2019 Housing Design Awards, in addition to several award shortlistings. On-site, Countryside’s 2019 Accident Injury Incident Rate was below the industry average (by 44%) for the 16th consecutive year.

In 2019, Countryside introduced mental health first aiders training, as part of its continued drive to support employees, contractors and visitors.

MARTIN GRANT HOMES Family-owned company Martin Grant Homes has built a reputation for quality, attention to detail and delivering an exemplary customer experience.

MD Chris Hamilton, has introduced initiatives to provide the best possible service and experience, especially for first time buyers.

Martin Grant Homes prides itself on offering an affordable home for first time buyers. Buckton Fields in Northampton is just one example; providing an opportunity to purchase an affordable three bedroom home.

Homes offer a traditional feel, but are designed to suit the lifestyles of busy, tech-savvy, first time buyers with flexible living spaces, integrated appliances and rooms pre-wired for Sky Q. Homes are also designed with a fabric first approach resulting in lower energy bills for the eco-conscious buyer.

From selecting mortgage brokers and solicitors, assisting on the design and finish, and offering home demonstrations through its aftercare programme; Martin Grant Homes goes the extra mile to support first time buyers.

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Sponsored by

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD WILL GO TO AN ORGANISATION THAT HAS SHOWN INNOVATION IN THE WAY IT DESIGNS, BUILDS AND MARKETS ITS PROPERTIES AS WELL AS OFFERING A VARIETY OF SERVICES WHICH CAN HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS ON TO THE PROPERTY LADDER.

L&Q Putting communities and first time buyers at the heart of all it does, L&Q is one of the UK’s most innovative social businesses, with an ambition to deliver 100,000 homes (of which at least 50% will be affordable). From creating cutting edge homes designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects, to delivering eco homes in Erith, the organisation places an emphasis on innovation for first time buyers.

Consistently upping its game in terms of specifiation, L&Q creates the best quality homes for first time buyers, as mixologist Amélie Diaz, who bought a 35% share in a property at Weavers Quarter, Barking, notes, “I like everything about my new apartment. I can’t wait to get back home.”

Customer care and communication continues to be a key focus. In 2019, the new L&Q Homes website was launched; the home of first time buying. The website showcases available properties and gives encyclopaedic insight into both shared ownership and Help to Buy, ensuring buyers can make truly informed decisions on their route into homeownership.

ORIGIN HOUSING A medium-sized organisation driven by a social conscience, Origin Housing prides itself on being large enough to have a big impact, but small enough to maintain its personal touch and impeccable customer service. Another successful year, 2019 saw the organisation continue to transform the lives of residents, local people and first time buyers across London and Hertfordshire.

Delivering more and more homes for first time buyers, Origin plans to ramp up its development to deliver 1,100 new homes by 2022, with an impressive 600 of these homes under construction this year. True to the organisation’s socially minded roots, an emphasis is placed on affordability, with private sale homes priced to be accessible to first time buyers.

Demonstrating an excellent after sales and customer service, over the last financial year Origin once again received a 100% satisfaction rate from its new build customers, and has developed a new dedicated engagement strategy to better communicate with potential buyers and residents.

METROPOLITAN THAMES VALLEY (MTVH) Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH), is one of the UK’s leading affordable housing providers, and owns, manages or administers 57,000 homes. At this time of chronic housing need, it is now focused on setting up innovative partnerships to provide even more affordable homes.

It delivered 1,037 new homes last year, 55% of which were shared ownership properties to help first time buyers get on the property ladder. Over the next five years it has ambitious plans to provide a further 3,915 homes.

As a pioneer of shared ownership, MTVH offers highquality homes in popular locations including sought-after commuting towns. Its SO Resi brand is dedicated to making shared ownership easy to understand and more accessible, while its unique Shared Ownership PLUS scheme makes it simple for owners to buy more shares in their home. A new customer experience strategy, introduced last year, is enhancing customer care through more efficient systems and greater transparency.

PLUMLIFE We’re known for being the affordable homes specialist in the North West and our customers are at the heart of everything we do – we’re proud to help many first time buyers each year find their perfect home.

We have recently enabled 193 customers to step on to the property ladder and a further 76 customers have purchased more shares to continue their journey to full homeownership.

Since March 2019, we’ve also achieved 232 reservations across our tenures.

With over 20 years’ experience delivering quality new homes through shared ownership, we have established ourselves as industry leaders. As well as selling our shared ownership homes, our specialist team also sells on behalf of local authorities, housing associations and our market sale team using Help to Buy. We provide expert advice and share our skills and knowledge to help more customers step on to the property ladder and help fix the housing crisis.

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Sponsored by

JUDGES SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIRST TIME BUYER MARKET AFFORDABLE HOMES

THIS AWARD WILL RECOGNISE THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION MADE BY ONE INDIVIDUAL TO THE FIRST TIME BUYER MARKET. THIS AWARD WILL CELEBRATE THE WORK OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO THROUGH THEIR INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO THE MARKET HAS HELPED FIRST TIME BUYERS OVERCOME THE USUAL CHALLENGES FACED IN THIS SECTOR. THIS AWARD WILL BE JUDGED BY THE JUDGES ONLY.

SARAH BUTLER Sarah Butler has helped thousands of households into homeownership during her 20-year career with housing associations and housebuilders including Peabody, L&Q, Notting Hill Genesis and Moat.

At L&Q, Sarah was part of the team that developed London’s first HomeBuy Agency service (a model that still influences how the Help to Buy Agent network operates), making it easier for first time buyers to find out about low cost homeownership options.

She also helped L&Q feature in The Sunday Times list of 100 best companies to work for. As Director of Sales & Marketing at Peabody she positively managed change during a merger, growing the team from three to 17, launching a website and turning around sales performance.

After joining Genesis Housing Association in 2017 as Commercial Director she managed the integration of sales operations as Notting Hill Housing Trust and Genesis merged. Sarah’s conscientious and caring approach has enabled sales to become the voice of the customer.

TONY HARKER A leading and well-respected property professional with over 15 years experience, Tony celebrates an outstanding track record. He is innovative in his approach and is passionate about quality of service, winning many awards for the organisations he has worked for.

He has given numerous training seminars to improve industry performance. He truly believes in supporting the first time buyer market and has presented at Affordable Home Shows nationwide, as well as appearing on TV and radio promoting affordable housing.

Having led and managed many teams over the years, he was has recognised and encouraged rising stars to reach their potential. He is now a consultant promoting best practice and supporting organisations deliver affordable homes. He is also a Non–Executive Director of a housing association operating in Cheshire, which has impressive customer engagement and won the TPAS tenant engagement award in 2019.

FELICITY GENTLE Intuitive, innovative, insightful, inspirational and supportive are some of the many complimentary words people have used to describe Felicity Gentle. Without any doubt, she is one of our sector’s shining stars, incredibly well respected and a true champion with a passion for first time buyers as for shared ownership. Felicity’s career in the housing association world started 17 years ago when she joined Affinity Sutton (now Clarion). Later, she joined Viridian and, in 2017, managed the integration and merger of the Viridian and Amicus Horizon sales teams to create new highly performing and successful teams at Optivo.

Year on year, Felicity has worked closely with her teams, delivering sales of hundreds of new homes and resales, helping people on to the property ladder. Her performance record is exemplary, with targets smashed every single year and on track to do the same at Optivo this year. Her natural and positive approach helps Felicity to establish a can-do solution-focused culture with customers at the forefront.

NICK LIEB Undoubtedly one of the industry’s greatest champions of affordable home ownership, Share to Buy’s Head of Operations, Nick Lieb, has dedicated his career to date to promoting shared ownership and Help to Buy to eligible buyers across the UK. Nick leads a small but highly efficient team, seamlessly running the operations and marketing sides of both Share to Buy and The London Home Show, the UK’s largest event for first time buyers, in an ever changing and challenging property landscape.

Under Nick’s leadership, the portal had its biggest reach ever in 2019, and now has over 4,000 properties listed by more than 150 housing associations, providers and sales agents – with a property enquiry generated every 2.5 minutes.

Since Nick joined the team, Share to Buy has also received over 1,250,000 property enquiries and 140 million page views.

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

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READERS’ AWARDS 2020

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HOW TO VOTE

READERS’ AWARDS

VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVOURITE IN EACH CATEGORY AT FTBAWARDS.COM AND YOU COULD WIN £250 OF IKEA VOUCHERS! Voting closes at midnight on 3 April 2020. FTB Award winners will be announced during the Awards Lunch at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on 24 April 2020. A full list of winners will be published in the June/July issue of First Time Buyer.

TERMS & CONDITIONS • • • •

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Your details will automatically be entered in a free draw to win £250 of IKEA vouchers Voting closes on 3 April 2020 The winner of the vouchers will be notified by email Voting is open to First Time Buyer readers, aged 18 and over, with the exception of employees of shortlisted nominees, their immediate families, agents, or anyone else associated with the administration or production of these awards Random authenticity checks will be made

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GARDENING

Gifts that keep on giving!

Two of my very good friends moved into their first home together in the last days leading up to lockdown. They were so excited to be finally getting the keys to the apartment they had searched and saved up for, for so long, and very relieved that this was happening ahead of Government restrictions. But these topical events presented me with a practical dilemma – what to get them as a house-warming gift? Often moving house these days is as much about getting rid of duplicate items as it is about acquiring yet more stuff, and in any case, nobody needs three cheese graters, three colanders, teapots, toasters, etc!

Of course I could have gone online and ordered a pot plant (or three!) – and what’s not to Iike about that? But given that I live within walking distance of where my friends now live, what else could my greenery-obsessed imagination come up with that would tick the boxes of fun, practicality and usefulness, but also a bit of a personal touch (especially since there would be no house-warming party happening in the foreseeable future)?

Then photos of my friends’ apartment started pinging into my inbox: the decor, the curtains, carpets and soft furnishings... And suddenly I hit on a formula that I think is really neat, not least because it works in almost any situation: First, go online or to any local supermarket and buy as big a variety of culinary herbs as you can find.

Herbs

Root Pouches

First time gardener? Worried about having no experience and no one to ask when it comes to making things grow?

Fear not! Victoria Perselli is here to show you how to create the perfect green fingered house-warming gift or just grow them for yourself!

herbs and show off the room settings in their own right.

Now add any other small, vibrant flowering plants that match (or contrast) with your colour scheme.

Use a 50:50 mix of garden soil (or compost) and gravel (for good drainage). Tuck the plant labels discretely into the arrangement so that you (or the recipient) knows what is – and is not – edible!

effect is stunning, plus my friends were thrilled to find edible and memorable house-warming gifts on their front doorstep!

Here I’ve got parsley, chives, coriander, thyme, rosemary, bronze fennel, curry plant, chilli and two types of basil. So not a bad haul from one supermarket dash.

Next, match the containers to the colour scheme of the intended setting.

I’m using Root Pouches, which are fabric containers made from recycled plastic water bottles, and which – crucially – I know I can get efficiently by post (rootpouch.com).

I’ve chosen blue, grey and black; muted tones that will accentuated the vivid foliage of the

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Place the pots where intended. And by all means co-ordinate other artistic elements and objects (a redundant teapot, maybe?) according to the available space and the effect you want.

I kept mine quite plain, but I still think the overall

As always with houseplants, make sure your arrangement stands on a waterproof base.

Water regularly but gently. Snip off leaves as and when for culinary use, remove dead flowers and – especially with herbs – move the plants into the sun periodically to keep them green and shiny.

Happy gardening!

Victoria

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COMPETITION

WIN !

WIN AG COR TECH DLES LAW S NM WOR OWER 2 TH £ .

499. 0 99

One man went to mow!

HOW TO ENTER

Answer the following question:

Spring has sprung with longer days and warmer weather, and now cutting the grass can be a breeze with the Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0 – the latest model from Gtech This new upgraded version has been designed with convenience in mind – with a charge time of just one hour and a 48V Lithium-ion battery to power through your garden for up to 40 minutes.

The three-step set up is intuitive and makes using the lawnmower very simple. The automatic controls adjust the speed to tackle thicker, longer grass, while the re-engineered blade is designed for power and efficiency. You have complete control over the cutting height, with a choice of 10mm increments between 30mm and 80mm.

The large wheels make cutting the grass easy, allowing you to move freely around your garden and not just in straight lines. With no petrol, trailing cable or pull-cord to snap back, this lawnmower offers a lowmaintenance garden solution.

The grass bin has an upgraded capacity of 50 litres, with a handy indicator flap that lets you know when the bin needs emptying, enabling you to mow the lawn much more quickly as there is no need to constantly check the bin, making it ideal for people who mow their lawn frequently.

For added safety, the upgraded mower features an operational safety key which must be set to the "on" position for the mower to start, and to turn it off, set to the "off" position. Once you’ve finished mowing, simply charge the removable battery and fold the mower down. The lightweight frame and carry handle make it easy to transport to the shed for clutter-free storage.

For more information visit gtech.co.uk

How long does it take to charge the battery on the Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0?

Send your answer with your full name, address and telephone number to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag co.uk Closing date: 17 July 2020

THE PRIZE… ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN ONE GTECH CORDLESS LAWNMOWER 2.0 WORTH £499.99 TO HELP CUT THE GRASS IN THEIR NEW GARDEN TO ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. T&Cs • The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given. Competition is open to UK residents only.

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FIRST MEAL

FIRST HOME, FIRST MEAL Always a favourite, this delicious recipe for Tandoori Spiced Spatchcock Chicken, with quinoa salad, cucumber raita mint yoghurt and shallot bhajis is bound to get the tastebuds tingling.

Cleverly created by Alistair Craig, Head Chef at Cambium, Careys Manor, The New Forest

TANDOORI SPICED SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS (serves 2) For the chicken brine:  1 medium chicken  3 lemons, sliced  180g salt  3 litres water  1 bunch of thyme For the Tandoori marinade:  400g yoghurt  1 tsp black pepper, toasted and ground  1 tsp coriander seeds, toasted and ground  3 garlic cloves, grated  30g ginger, grated  4 tsp smoked paprika  4 tsp curry powder  1 tsp salt  100ml olive oil For the curry oil:  2 onions sliced  80g ginger  1 bulb garlic, cut in half  1 star anise  15 coriander seeds  1 cinnamon stick  5 cardamom pods  50g curry powder

METHOD 1 2 3

4 5 6

7

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Combine all ingredients for the chicken brine in a large saucepan or bowl and brine the chicken for one hour, then remove.

Mix all ingredients for the tandoori marinade together and marinade the chicken for 12 hours.

Once done, bring the chicken to room temperature and preheat the oven to 180C. Place the chicken on a wire tray or cooking tray and roast for 50 minutes until cooked through, but tender.

For the curry oil, caramelise the onion, garlic and ginger with the spices. Cover with oil and leave on side of stove to rest for 4 hours.

In a pan of boiling water, cook the red quinoa for roughly 15 minutes.

Add the curry oil, lemon zest, juice and fresh coriander to serve.

For the shallot bhaji, finely slice the shallots. Sprinkle salt over them and leave for one hour. Squeeze out the excess water and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix the shallots with the remaining ingredients, except the flour and oil. Once combined, add a gram of flour, mix well and season with salt. Deep fry at 180C until golden brown.

Mix together the thinly sliced cucumber, mint and as much of the yoghurt as you like. Season to taste and serve together with the chicken and shallot bhajis.

Alistair Craig is Head Chef at Cambium, the award-winning restaurant at Careys Manor & SenSpa in Brockenhurst in the New Forest.

Alistair recently implemented the new direction of Cambium, shifting the focus from fine dining to modern British brasserie classics and sharing plates. With the forest as his inspiration, Alistair’s menus capture the essence of the local area, using produce from the Manor’s own garden to create twists on much loved dishes.

Alistair’s passion for cooking began at Northbrook Catering College, where he began to experiment with flavours and developed a belief that food should evoke all senses. He started his career as Sous Chef at Cambium’s sister restaurant, The Terrace, at The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, under Head Chef and Roux Scholar Matthew Tomkinson.

In 2013, Alistair left for The Horseshoe Inn in Scotland, where he worked as Head Chef creating a menu of traditional Scottish dishes.

After three years, Alistair returned to the New Forest to serve as Head Chef at Cambium, where he developed his own style focusing on simplicity, quality of ingredients and presentation.

For the quinoa:  200g red quinoa  2 lemons, grated and juiced  Fresh coriander to serve For the shallot bhaji:  600g sliced shallots  12g ginger thinly sliced  15g chopped coriander  1 tsp cumin seeds  3g turmeric powder  1 tsp curry powder  2 lemons, zested and juiced  8g salt  1 red chilli, thinly sliced  130g flour  Oil for frying For the cucumber raita mint yoghurt:  Half a cucumber  Handful of fresh mint  Full fat or Greek yoghurt  Salt and pepper to taste

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FIRST MEAL

FTB’S FAST FOOD Nothing sums up the British summertime quite like a good old BBQ with the family! We’ve picked our must-have accessories for the prefect sizzling summer – plus check out a delicious recipe from Lakeland that you can easily do at home!

Lotus smokeless grill BBQ, £139, Cuckooland

ORIENTAL MINI SWEETCORN SKEWERS INGREDIENTS (serves 4)  6 mini corn on the cob or 3 whole cobs,

CONTACTS » Cuckooland cuckooland.com » Debenhams debenhams.com » Wilko wilko.com » Matalan matalan.co.uk

        

Drinks dispenser, £6, Matalan

halved 3 tbsp hoisin sauce 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar or sake 3 tbsp tomato pure 2 tbsp dark soft brown sugar 15g fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp soy sauce 4 spring onions, finely sliced 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped

METHOD The Carnivore Club BBQ toolbox with sauces and seasonings, £16, Debenhams

1

2

3 Kettle grill BBQ, £50, Wilko

4 5

6

Cook the corn in a large saucepan of boiling water for 5-6 minutes until tender, then drain and refresh under cold water.

Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl, reserving half the spring onions and chilli for garnish.

Divide the corn cobs between 3 skewers and brush evenly with the marinade.

Prepare and light the grill according to the instructions.

When ready, guests can cook the corn for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs and basting with the remaining marinade until it is evenly cooked and slightly chargrilled.

Remove the corn from the grill and sprinkle with the reserved spring onion and chilli to serve.

lakeland.co.uk

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FINANCE

Mortgage Clinic

By Nick Morrey, Mortgage Technical Manager, John Charcol What different types of mortgages are there?

Choosing between mortgage types can often seem quite complicated. Each type of mortgage comes with its own features, some more suitable for certain lifestyles and circumstances than others.

The most common type of mortgage is a repayment mortgage; this is where you pay back a bit of your mortgage debt each month with some interest. Your monthly payment is made up of two parts – the capital element that goes towards paying your outstanding mortgage balance and the interest element that goes towards satisfying the interest charged by the lender. If you meet your monthly payments throughout the term of your mortgage – which is normally 25-30 years but can be almost any term you want – then you’ll pay back the full amount of money you borrowed plus all the interest charged during the term of the mortgage. The maximum LTV (loan-to-value) for a repayment mortgage is 95%, which means the minimum deposit you need to provide is only 5%.

There’s another type of mortgage called an interest-only mortgage. Like a repayment mortgage, an interest-only mortgage can be almost any term you want, however the maximum LTV currently available is 75%, not 95%. This is one of the reasons interest-only mortgages are less common among first time buyers – who usually require a high LTV. Some lenders, but not all, will also allow you to have part repayment and part interest-only.

As the term “interest-only” suggests, you only make monthly payments on the interest being charged. Nothing goes towards reducing your mortgage balance.

Your actual loan debt, which you used to buy your home, remains the same until the end of your mortgage term. That’s when you have to pay it back in one go unless you have done so earlier. This is another reason why interest-only mortgages are less popular among first time buyers.

What insurance do you need as a first time buyer?

Building insurance is a mandatory requirement that all lenders look for when arranging a mortgage. Building insurance covers the fabric and permanent fixtures of your home such as: the roof, walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows, fitted kitchens,

Nick Morrey has over 25 years in the financial services industry and believes in making every single part of purchasing a property what it should be -– easy and enjoyable. His role as Mortgage Technical Manager at John Charcol provides independent mortgage advice from the whole of the market to help first time buyers find the right deal for them

built-in cupboards and bathroom suites. A standard buildings insurance policy should cover the full cost of repair or a full rebuild in case of any damage.

Aside from buildings insurance, it’s also important to ensure that the possessions in your home are insured. Contents insurance isn’t compulsory, but it offers homeowners valuable protection for their belongings in the event that they are stolen or damaged.

Additionally, there’s another type of insurance you need to consider – income protection insurance. This helps ensure that you have a regular monthly income in the event you’re off work for an extended period of time due to sickness or accident.

If your income is still coming in you’ll be able to maintain your mortgage payments and keep your home, even if your employer stops paying you while you’re off work.

The level of protection you need will depend on your individual circumstances.

Whether you’re single or married, have children or grandchildren, you’re working or retired – everyone’s needs are different.

Can you get a mortgage as a first time buyer if you have bad credit?

If you’re a first time buyer who has only

recently started looking into purchasing a property, you may not have actively built up your credit history yet – but that doesn’t always mean you don’t have one.

If you’re on the electoral roll at your current or previous addresses, have a current account and haven’t moved around too much in the last three years, then you may have a better credit profile than you first thought.

It’s worth bearing in mind that if you do have a very limited credit history, your low credit score may be due to this rather than the existence of any adverse credit. Adverse credit is often a problem for most lenders, especially at high loan to values, whereas a lack of credit history simply means you need a lender that understands and accepts that this situation is normal for many first time buyers.

Nonetheless, we always recommend you try to build up your credit history and improve your credit profile before taking out a mortgage, as this will give you access to more lenders and therefore better deals.

Building up your credit history will typically take at least six months. It may mean you have to wait a little longer before you purchase your first home, but you will be paying your mortgage for 20 years or more, so it’s definitely worth aiming to secure the best deal possible.

For help and advice from John Charcol Mortgage Brokers or to start your journey to owning your first home, visit charcol.co.uk/ftbmortgages or call 0330 127 7829

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FINANCE

Saving

EXPERT COMMENT Our overall message to borrowers is there are clearly some short-term interruptions being experienced at this moment in time, but the market most definitely remains open, and we would expect things to settle down over the forthcoming weeks.

Lenders are doing their best to adjust to the new demands placed upon them and aim to widen the range of mortgage products they can currently offer at the earliest opportunity. On the whole, customers

What should first time buyers be doing in the present crisis?

Kay Hill looks at ways to use the time wisely

can benefit from speaking to their mortgage adviser as they’re keeping abreast of how the different lenders are responding as things in the market are changing daily. Lenders

It’s certainly looking like a summer of disappointment – cancelled events, plans on hold and worries about health and finance. No one has seen anything like this before; and while your Instagram feed has been full of radiant people learning new languages, doing daily work-outs and teaching the kids calculus (when they’re six), rest assured that behind the scenes most people were actually watching Netflix in pyjamas and stress baking. It has been a difficult time, and things aren’t going to get back to normal overnight, but don’t panic!

CAN I STILL BUY A HOUSE? The Government closed down the housing market for weeks, but at the time of writing there were tentative signs of re-opening, with developers resuming work on site and estate agents being allowed to gradually get back in action – but viewing a house will look very different to pre-pandemic days.

Expect to do more viewings virtually, or to have short, timed appointments wearing masks and gloves. Aside from Government action, it was temporarily almost impossible to buy because lenders severely restricted the loan-to-value they would advance you,

often to just 60%. There are signs that this is starting to relax, but lenders will inevitably be cautious at a time when people’s finances are under strain and jobs may be at risk. While things are settling down you may find it harder to get the finance you need, but rest assured, this will improve.

are under incredible pressure to deal with the mortgage payment holiday measures put in place

by Government and are fielding hundreds of thousands of enquiries from mortgage borrowers. That’s a huge increase in call traffic and one that is proving difficult for lenders

DO YOUR RESEARCH

to service. This is the reason why

Use the wait to do research. Too often people see the house of their dreams and jump in on a wave of emotion. Instead, spend time narrowing down the locations you are interested in. Check crime statistics on police.uk, flooding risks on gov.uk/ check-flood-risk and look at Ofsted reports on local schools. Check transport times and season ticket prices, find out the average council tax bands for individual roads on gov.uk/council-tax-bands, and check the council tax rates on council websites. Doing your research in advance means you can make a quick but informed decision later.

Loan to Value (LTV) ratios as by

some lenders are reducing their doing so they reduce what are often the more resource-intensive elements of mortgage processing, allowing them to focus their current finite resources on servicing existing customers. Therefore, we’re seeing the knock-on effect in the wider market, particularly disruption for new borrowers.

Brian Murphy Head of Lending, Mortgage Advice

SAVE, SAVE, SAVE

Bureau

If there has been perhaps one glimmer of a silver lining about lockdown is that

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there has been very little possibility of spending much money. All those nice little extras in life that are hard to give up – gym memberships, takeaways, weekend breaks, coffee shop visits – all came to an abrupt halt. People have even been making their own bread and cutting their own hair, which while it’s not good for the economy in the long term, should have made you realise what you can do without! Also keep an eye on the rates of interest you are being paid. The recent emergency interest rate cut has meant that some savings account rates have dropped, so it’s worth seeing if it’s worth switching.

KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR FINANCES There’s no denying the fact that incomes have been hit hard. Despite the 80% furlough pay from the Government and help for the self-employed, some people, like the newly self-employed and small business owners, have fallen through the cracks. With mortgages being based on credit checks, keeping your credit score healthy is still important. The FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), has ruled that lenders must help people during this difficult period by freezing payments on personal loans, car loans and credit cards until mid-July and offering those who already have an overdraft, a £500, 0% facility on current accounts.

The FCA has also told lenders that they must ensure consumers using any of these temporary measures will not have their credit file affected.

DON’T BE AN OSTRICH You mustn’t just ignore all your bills, however hard you may have been hit. You need make contact to request these options (which will probably have to be via email, as call centres are barely functional at the moment). The freeze also only delays the payment, and interest will continue to accrue, so it makes sense to continue paying loans if you possibly can. If you are struggling with energy bills, phone contracts or rent payments, the sooner you talk about it, the better – an agreed arrangement will look much better on your records than just failing to pay.

Frustrating though it is, it’s important to remember that this will pass. One day you’ll probably be telling your grandchildren about the great Covid-19 lockdown of 2020!

Some experts are even predicting a big fall in house prices, which could be an unexpected bonus.

EXPERT COMMENT Purchasing a home has become extremely difficult; many mortgage providers have become reluctant to lend, while there are stumbling blocks over valuations, surveys and paperwork. But first time buyers should not panic. The market will become more active once social distancing measures are relaxed.

In the meantime, now is actually an opportune moment to take stock and get your finances in order. First things first, there is the potential to bolster your savings during social distancing. If your income has not been affected, it’s a good opportunity to put more money aside towards a deposit while you have fewer outgoings on commuting, holidays or social activities. I would also suggest you use any spare time during this period to review your finances. Are there longer term savings that could be made by switching energy suppliers or insurance deals, for example?

Or are there subscriptions and non-essential purchases you could stop in the short-term? Now is also a great time to research. There are a great many mortgage products to choose from, so take some time to understand what different lenders are offering and how their products differ. All of this should put you in a stronger position to move ahead with the purchase of a home once the pandemic subsides.

John Ellmore Director, KnowYourMoney. co.uk

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Will the 2020 Budget help the housing market?

We’ve all heard the Government’s mantra of “getting it done” and this year’s Budget, delivered in March by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, was no exception. Ginetta Vedrickas looks at what it means for first time buyers

EXPERT COMMENT Yet another chancellor with claims to get Britain building, but building on brownfield alone, will do little to solve

Announcing the long-awaited measures that will determine future policies and strategies for the country, Sunak said, “We promised to get Britain building, this Budget is getting it done.” This year’s Budget was particularly significant as it was the first from a new Government, the first of a new decade, and the first since the UK’s departure from the European Union. The Budget contained a range of measures aimed at the housing market but, as usual, opinions were divided on whether these measures will actually result in helping the housing market and, crucially, if it will help get more first time buyers on to the property ladder.

INTEREST RATES DROPPED TWICE IN ONE MONTH Stealing the Budget’s thunder announced just one day earlier was the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates from 0.75 to 0.25, a measure taken by outgoing Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney. On his subsequent appointment, the new Governor Andrew Bailey immediately lowered interest rates to an all-time low of 0.01% thanks to the ongoing crisis caused by the Coronavirus, to make it easier for businesses to borrow.

Borrowers may find their mortgages even cheaper, although there are concerns that lenders cannot go any lower with rates, so the cuts might not be passed on to consumers. While mortgage rates might be cheaper, the downside for anyone trying to save for that all-important deposit for a home purchase is that they will receive very little interest on their cash.

EXTENSION TO AFFORDABLE HOMES PROGRAMME The Budget promised a £10.9bn increase in housing investment to support the

commitment to build at least one million new homes by the end of the Parliament, and an average of 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s. In 2016, the Government launched what it called its “Affordable Homes Programme”, a fund of £9bn to help local councils and housing associations create affordable housing. The scheme was supposed to end in 2021, but in this year’s Budget the chancellor promised to extend it and add an extra £3bn to the fund. making a total of £12bn. He said that the extra funding will be available from the start of the 2021/22 financial year.

The chancellor estimated that the extra funding could bring in an additional £38bn in public and private investment with the overall aim to “help more people into homeownership and help those most at risk of homelessness”. One suggested possibility was to give tenants who rent homes through this programme the chance to buy them through shared ownership.

Many developers, especially those building affordable homes, responded positively to this news, especially in light of plans to redistribute funds around the country to build homes in key areas.

the housing crisis. Brownfield land accounts for just 0.5% of the landmass in England and, while we heard him wax lyrical about his good friend Robert Jenrick, the Housing Secretary, announcing a planning shake-up, we have heard this a few times before.

New build numbers are indeed higher now than for some time, yet Sunak and Jenrick would be wise not to rest on their laurels as this Budget seems to indicate they are.

Michael Stone Founder and CEO, Stone Real Estate

EXPERT COMMENT It is absolutely right that the Government continues to focus on tackling the UK’s housing crisis as part of its efforts to “level-up” those parts of the country which feel as though they have been left behind. However, as a housing charity working to deliver

NEW SCHEME ANNOUNCED: FIRST HOMES

homes for those who do not qualify

Government schemes such as Help to Buy and shared ownership have been around for many years, but the chancellor announced a new scheme, the First Homes scheme, with the same intention, to help those trying to get a foot on the property ladder.

The detail is yet to be confirmed but early analysis suggested that key workers such as nurses, police officers, firefighters and military veterans could be offered priority access to buying newly built homes at a 30% discount. There has been a mixed reaction to this announcement. Homelessness charity Shelter found that, right across the

London, we believe that this approach

for social housing, yet unable to afford local market rents within inner has to include both a commitment to “level-up London”, as well as help finance the delivery of a significant proportion of intermediate housing to rent or part-buy as part of a broad tenure mix.

Olivia Harris CEO, Dolphin Living

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EXPERT COMMENT We welcome the steps the chancellor has taken to improve the housing infrastructure and address the terrible homelessness situation. But we would have liked to see more on housing in the Budget to help free up underused property, the wasted capacity that is one of the underlying problems of the UK property market that governments consistently fail to address. Make

UK, those on average salaries or even lower, a group which includes many key workers, would still not be able to afford to buy even with a discount.

Average new build properties in England currently cost £314,000 and Shelter’s study found that around two thirds of private renters have no savings at all for a deposit.

There were also concerns that the new First Homes scheme could actually reduce the amount of more affordable types of housing. The programme will be paid for through ‘Section 106’ agreements, imposed upon developers to make them build certain types of affordable housing as part of their building plans. Critics suggest that building more new build homes for sale through this new method might result in fewer affordable homes available for rent.

Other criticisms include concerns over the existing Help to Buy and shared ownership schemes. Some agents would like to see Help to Buy rolled out to resale properties too, not just new build properties, as some suggest that restricting it to new build simply helps developers sell their new build developments at inflated prices. There is also concern that many buyers are still not aware of exactly how the shared ownership scheme works, so there are hopes for more information to be given to potential buyers. Another concern is that adding yet another scheme into the mix simply causes more confusion.

STAMP DUTY Inevitably, opinion on Stamp Duty has always been divided between those dealing in property at the top end of the market versus the bottom. There was much hope

Help to Buy available on resale

among estate agents pre-Budget that the chancellor would do something radical with Stamp Duty, which many agents feel has been dampening the property market since former Chancellor George Osborne raised rates back in 2015.

Many were worried that raising Stamp Duty at the top of the market – a proposed “mansion tax” would result in fewer transactions, which could affect the entire property market.

In this Budget, the main change to Stamp Duty is that, from next year, overseas-based buyers of property in England and Northern Ireland will have to pay an extra 2% Stamp Duty surcharge on top of current rates.

If the overseas buyer does not intend living in the property themselves, they would have to pay an extra 3% on top of that, so 5% above normal rates.

The Government pledged to use any extra revenue raised to help cut homelessness rates. Most agents accept that this move would give UK-based buyers a better chance at buying a property, however, experts such as Mark Hayward, Chief Executive at NAEA Propertymark, pointed out, “Overseas buyers tend to purchase properties in prime central London which are completely unaffordable to most homebuyers anyway.

“Therefore, this move will not help those that need it most. Ultimately, by energising surcharges, it is likely that purchasers will factor this additional cost into any offers they make on a property so prices may be pushed down in areas where overseas buyers are purchasing.”

property as well as new build.

Currently the system is more “help to sell” than help to buy, and generally lines developers’ pockets, frequently leaving first time buyers, who have paid a new premium, in trouble when it comes to resale.

James Greenwood Stacks Property Search

EXPERT COMMENT This cash boost for affordable homes will underpin building for many years to come and is a declaration of war on a housing crisis that isn’t going away. Only sufficient provision of affordable homes in the right areas can prevent the sort of social inconsistencies that appear when high property prices put key areas of UK cities off limits to younger workers and their families. We know from conversations we have constantly with housing associations that the appetite is there to keep building through economic cycles, and this fund will ensure that will happen.

Tom Slingsby Chief Executive of property developer, Southern Grove

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Agony agent Readers put their property questions to our guest panel of experts: solicitors, mortgage advisers, property gurus and Help to Buy providers

THIS MONTH’S PA N E L O F E X P E R T S

Swabey Lane, Cranfield, from Grand Union Living

Sue Dance Sales & Commercial Manager, Grand Union Housing Group

Minnie Dando Head of Marketing & Communications, Hyde New Homes

Lesley Price Chartered Legal Executive, CGM Solicitors

T E S T T H E PA N E L

We need your questions...

If you have any queries, or difficulties in understanding the property buying process, our panel of experts is waiting to help. Send our team your questions on buying property, Help to Buy, legal issues, or your financial problems and we’ll find the best person from the panel to give the advice you need.

Email your questions to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

Outside Space

Q

My husband and I are looking for our first home as we are planning a family, but ideally we would like a garden or some outside space, which is likely to be unaffordable in London. My husband is a graphic designer based near Euston, but I mainly work from home so location is flexible. The recent events with Covid-19 have made us aware of the need to have some outside space and it would make a huge difference to us. Can you advise some options please?

Becky Rogers, Hendon

A

We have all experienced the importance of access to nature and particularly outside space with recent events unfolding, so it’s perfectly understandable that you would like your first purchase to include a garden. I would recommend researching various areas along the line into Euston or St Pancras for your husband’s work location. Going further north can be surprising, with various locations such as Watford much cheaper than your current north London location. The further north

you can go the better, although some of Hertfordshire is known to be expensive.

If you were to venture up towards Milton Keynes or Bedford you are more likely to be able to afford a small shared ownership house with a garden to accommodate your growing family.

Speak to an independent financial adviser who specialises in shared ownership to check you can qualify; you will only need to find 5% deposit of the share you can afford.

The trade-off of course is a longer commute for your husband, but the quality of life you can achieve, I believe, outweighs this in the long term. For example, Grand Union Living is offering two and three bedroom houses at Cranfield with prices from £300,000 (full market value) – £105,000 for a 35% share.

The scheme is close to open countryside and within eight miles of Bedford Station with a regular service into London St Pancras which takes approximately one hour. So you could purchase a house with a garden close to the countryside and enjoy the best of both worlds – good luck!

For more details about the development, visit grandunionliving.co.uk.

Sue Dance

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What is shared ownership?

Q

I am desperate to buy my first home but I am struggling to raise a large deposit. I have heard there are other routes to homeownership, but I don’t really know much about them. What is shared ownership and do you think it would work for me when I only have limited savings?

Livvie Smallwood, Lewisham

A

I can really empathise with you on this; it is incredibly difficult to be paying rent and living costs, as well as trying to save a hefty deposit for your home!

Shared ownership was set up to help people like yourself get on the property ladder. Rather than having to save the requisite 10% deposit over the entire market value of the property, you pay a percentage of that, based on the share of the equity you are buying. For example, on a property on the open market at £350,000 you would need to raise a £35,000 deposit. If you buy through shared ownership, say at 40% equity, the value of the equity you would own amounts to £140,000 and the deposit falls substantially to £14,000. You would then pay a subsidised rent on the remaining equity to the housing association. Your mortgage and rent combined can often work out lower than paying rent on the open market. You would also have the option to acquire more equity as and when you can afford to do so (staircasing), if you wish. In most cases, you can staircase up to 100% to own your home outright.

Another option could be Help to Buy. In London, as an example, you would require a 5% deposit and receive a Government equity loan for up to 40% of the purchase price. You then have deferred options on repaying interest. However, do factor in that the deposit is calculated over the full market value and not over the

percentage equity, as it is for shared ownership, and also that your repayments would rise substantially in five years’ time. Please visit helptobuy.gov.uk for further information.

Have you explored the possibility of buying with a family member or close friend?

When my daughter was trying to get on the property ladder a couple of years back, we investigated several options and in the end, went for a resale home, through a housing association. It was nearly new, but didn’t carry the price premium of a new home. The share equity was still low enough to be affordable to her at 25%.

Unfortunately, the current situation arising from the impact of Covid-19, is that some lenders have changed the percentage deposit they will lend on, so you would need to look into this and keep an eye on developments.

Finally, don’t give up; keep on saving and keep scanning the market until you find the right opportunity for your circumstances.

Minnie Dando

What is Stamp Duty

Q

I have been saving hard for several years and I am now in a position to buy my first home. Could you please explain to me what Stamp Duty is and why do I have to pay it?

William Croft, Portsmouth

A

SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) is a tax charged by the Government every time a property over £40,000 in value changes hands. Traditionally the tax falls on the buyer to pay.

The amount due is based on the property value, and in the case of shared ownership properties and new leases, the rent is also taken into account.

The rate at which tax is payable depends on the buyer’s status. In some cases all or part of the value can be treated as exempt if the buyer fulfils certain criteria. The most common of this is the relief currently available to first time buyers.

Generally, if you are a first time buyer, you will pay 0% on the first £300,000 and 5% on the amount above £300,000 up to £500,000. If you purchase a property with someone else, ie a spouse or partner, and only one of you is a first time buyer, or if your property is worth more than £500,000, then SDLT will be due at the normal rates So both the value of the property and who you are will factor into how much tax you will pay.

Government calculators are available to help you work out your likely Stamp Duty. But if your circumstances are not straightforward, or if you are buying a home where you are paying a higher monthly rent, like a shared ownership home, then it is

worth asking your solicitor at the outset how much tax you will need to pay.

With new build shared ownership properties you may also have the option to defer some of the SDLT until you buy further shares. It’s important to remember you may still have to pay this tax later when you staircase above 80%. Your solicitor will advise you on what your options are.

As with any tax issue it’s best to get specialist advice at the outset to make sure you know how much to budget for, and that you are paying the right amount tailored to your individual circumstances.

Lesley Price

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CHANGES TO HELP TO BUY: EQUITY LOAN SCHEME

WHAT IS IT? The Government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme was designed to help buyers on to the property ladder. The Government lend you up to 20% of the cost of your newly built home (or 40% in London) so you’ll only need a 5% cash deposit and can secure a mortgage at a lower LTV (loan to value) to make up the rest. You are not charged any interest fees on the loan for the first five years of owning your home but there are conditions attached, for example you cannot sublet your new home or enter a part-exchange deal on your previous home. During the scheme, equity loans have been available to first time buyers as well as homeowners looking to move and have enabled buyers to purchase new build properties priced at up to £600,000.

WHAT’S NEW? In 2018, the Government announced that the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme would be coming to an end in March 2023. With a view to ensuring that those who most need support to achieve homeownership are targeted in the final two years of the scheme, they have made some important changes to the conditions:

9 The scheme will only be available for first time buyers, defined as those who haven’t previously owned or purchased property.

9 The scheme will introduce regional property price caps based on local markets, which will set the maximum price of a new build home that can be bought with Help to Buy in any region.

The regional caps are set out below: North East – £186,100 North West – £224,400 Yorkshire and The Humber – £228,100 West Midlands – £255,600 East Midlands – £261,900 South West – £349,000 East of England – £407,400 South East – £437,600 London – £600,000 This new version of the scheme will operate from 1 April 2021.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME? The changes to the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme are being implemented to ensure that those who most need the support benefit from it before the scheme comes to an end. Therefore, as a first time buyer, you can be reassured that you are

still eligible for an equity loan and can still utilise this scheme to get your foot on the property ladder. However, you will need to look more carefully at what properties are within your budget. With the introduction of regional price caps, you will be more limited in what you can afford. If you feel these price caps are too restrictive for your needs, it could well be worth looking to buy under the existing scheme. However, all homes purchased under the current scheme will need to reach legal completion by 31 March 2021 so it is really important to factor this into your plans. Be sure to discuss your requirements with your builder and Help to Buy agent when making enquiries.

If you plan to buy under the new scheme, it is anticipated that you will be able to make reservations from this autumn. The scheme is run by Government-appointed Help to Buy agents who will guide you through your purchase, including providing general information about the scheme, helping you to identify suitable properties and dealing with your application.

Alternatively, if you see the Help to Buy logo on new build developments, you can enquire directly.

This scheme is available in England only, but similar schemes are also available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Buyers’ guide FTB EXPLAINS ALL THE OPTIONS TO HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS

Your options What are your funding options if you want to get on the housing ladder?

FIRST STEPS

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENTBACKED SCHEME? The government runs several Help to Buy schemes to help people get on to the property ladder. To be eligible for Help to Buy your household income needs to be less than £60,000 a year. For more details, contact a Help to Buy Agent. Help to Buy Agents are housing associations that handle the application process for Help to Buy products. Details of Help to Buy Agents start on page 114.

BUYING ON THE OPEN MARKET

FUNDING OPTIONS

JARGON EXPLAINED

G O V E R N M E N TBACKED SCHEMES

EQUITY LOAN

HELP TO BUY The government will provide you with a 20% equity loan that is interest free for the first five years with interest charged at 1.75% in the sixth year and at annual RPI (retail price index) inflation plus 1% after that. The loan must be repaid when the property is sold or within 25 years. Buyers need to raise a deposit of 5% and a 75% loanto-value (LTV) mortgage. Only new build homes valued up to £600,000 can be bought. The scheme is available for ftbs and movers.

STARTER HOMES Starter Homes is a government initiative that aims to provide up to 200,000 affordable new build homes to first time buyers in England by 2020. The properties will be built on brownfield land and sold at a 20% discount compared to the market price in the area. You must be between 23 and 40 years old and never have owned a home before. The price of the new properties will be capped to £450,000 in London, and £250,000 outside the capital.

NEW BUILD HOMEBUY, ALSO KNOWN AS SHARED OWNERSHIP OR PARTBUY, PART-RENT

Most people buy property on the open market. Homes are either offered for sale by estate agents or sold privately. These include flats, houses and former local authority properties.

This scheme gives buyers the chance to purchase as little as a 25% share in a property and pay the rest in the form of subsidised rent. In the majority of cases, there is the opportunity to own the rest of the property outright by a method known as ‘staircasing’.

PRIVATE INITIATIVES

RENT TO HOMEBUY

Some house builders offer first time buyer incentives on new build homes.

These include cash back, a loan to help you with costs or paying your mortgage for a set period of time.

To find out more, contact developers directly.

With this scheme you rent a newly built property for up to five years and pay a reduced rent. This gives you the chance to save for a cash deposit so you can apply to buy a share of the home later.

This is a loan for a certain percentage of a property’s value.

If you remain in the property, you repay the equity loan within 25 years. If you sell the property, you repay the percentage of the property price the loan was for. For example, if the equity loan was originally £30,000 on a £100,000 property (30%) and you sell the property for £200,000, you’ll have to repay £60,000 (30% of £200,000).

HOMES ENGLAND This is a government organisation that funds affordable homes including those under Help to Buy.

STAIRCASING This applies to New Build HomeBuy schemes and occurs when the resident tops up the number of shares they own in their part-owned, part-rented home until they own the maximum share or own the property outright. The shares can be bought in 10% increments.

FUNDING OPTIONS BUYING ON THE OPEN MARKET & P R I VA T E I N I T I A T I V E S

To buy on the open market or from a house builder you’ll need to get a mortgage from a bank or other mortgage lender. To do so you’ll need to save a deposit and meet the lender’s lending criteria.

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The ftb process TIPS

Buying your first property can be a daunting experience. It’s a big decision, so it’s important to get it right. We take you through all the steps involved

F

Unless you have enough money to buy a property outright you’ll need a mortgage. A mortgage is a loan used to buy a property and is normally repayable over 25 years. The loan is ‘secured’ on the property, which means the mortgage lender could repossess your home if you fail to make repayments on time. For this reason it’s vital only to buy a property you can realistically afford.

Before you start, find out how much money you can borrow. A mortgage adviser at a bank will need details of your income, outgoings, savings and credit history – they will then be able to give you an ‘agreement in principle’, which will state, in theory, how much they will be able to lend you. An agreement in principle, however, doesn’t tie you, or the bank, to anything. Instead, it will just give you a rough idea of how much money you’ll be able to borrow.

You’ll also need a deposit, normally at least 10% of the property price. The bigger the deposit, the better the mortgage rate you’ll be offered. Each mortgage product will have a maximum loan-to-value or LTV.

inance

APPLICATION You will need to have at least three months of bank statements, payslips or tax returns, a valid passport and information on any outstanding loans. Banks will look at your outgoings to assess how much you can afford to pay on your mortgage each month.

The bigger deposit you have and the better your credit score, the better the mortgage rate you’ll be offered.

BUDGET Work out how much you can afford to repay each month. Look at your income and outgoings, including bills, council tax, food, insurance and travel. If you are buying a leasehold flat, you’ll also have to budget for service charges, so find out how much they will be.

MORTGAGE BROKERS VS BANKS CREDIT SCORE Get a credit report from Experian or Equifax, and make sure there are no default accounts, CCJs (county court judgements) or missed payments. If you are making lots of enquiries to find the best deal, make sure the lenders log your enquiry as a ‘quotation’ (soft) search rather than an ‘application’ (hard) search.

Too many applications will leave ‘footprints’ on your credit score and can affect your rating. To improve your credit score, make sure you’re on the electoral roll, and pay your bills and any loan repayments on time.

You can apply for a mortgage via a mortgage broker (or financial adviser) or direct from a lender. A broker can look at the deals available and advise you which one would be best for your circumstances.

Some mortgage products are only sold through brokers, not directly to customers.

A broker will help you with the paperwork and deal with the lender on your behalf up until completion. You may have to pay them a fee or they may earn commission from the lender – find out how they are paid before committing to anything.

Mortgage advisers in banks will only be able to sell you products offered by that particular bank, so it’s unlikely they will be able to offer you the very best deal for your circumstances. It’s important to shop around. You can compare mortgage deals yourself using websites such as SET A BUDGET

FINANCE

Work out how much money you have for fees, deposit and the monthly mortgage you can afford.

CREDIT SCORE

Make sure your credit rating is sound, and pay off any debts you can.

moneysupermarket.com or moneynet.co.uk, then apply directly to your chosen lender.

FIXED-RATES Some mortgages are fixed-rates. This means you’ll pay the same rate of interest for a certain period of time, and your repayments won’t change. If interest rates go up, you’ll be protected from the increase, but you won’t benefit from any fall in interest rates.

Normally at the end of the fixed period your mortgage rate will revert to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) for the rest of the term. You can either pay this rate or remortgage to another lender. Remortgaging to another lender will usually mean you have to pay a fee or early redemption charge (ERC).

VARIABLE-RATE MORTGAGES Variable-rate mortgages are either linked to the lender’s SVR or the Bank of England base rate, and the rate you pay can change.

Lenders can change their SVR whenever they want, but they normally only change it when the Bank of England base rate changes.

‘Tracker’ mortgages have repayment rates directly linked to the base rate and are liable to fluctuate, so you need to be sure you could afford higher repayments if rates rise.

REPAYMENT OR INTEREST-ONLY You can either pay your mortgage on a repayment or interest-only basis. If you choose a repayment mortgage, your monthly payments will pay off some interest and some capital. At the end of the term, you’ll own your home outright.

With an interest-only mortgage you’ll have smaller monthly payments, but these only pay the interest on the loan. At the end of the term you’ll still owe the original mortgage sum. If you take out an interestonly mortgage, you’ll need to have a plan in place (such as an investment) as to how you’ll pay off the capital.

SHOP AROUND

Speak to a mortgage broker, but also look at lenders’ direct products and search the internet for the best deal.

RESEARCH

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TIPS

RESEARCH AN AREA

T

a floor plan. Sign up with as many estate agents as you can (and your local HomeBuy Agent housing associations if you’re looking at shared ownership properties). They should send you new properties that match your description, but it’s worth phoning agents regularly.

Buying a home is a big investment.

You need to buy a home you can afford and one

horough research

you’ll be happy living in.

LOCATION IS KEY The first step is to shortlist the locations you feel you’d like to live in, then check if you can afford the house prices in those areas.

It’s also worthwhile visiting places you like: it may be that there’s an up-and-coming hot spot just down the road you didn’t know about that’s much more affordable.

Ideally, you will have rented in the area before buying, but if this isn’t the case, at least spend some time there, check out the commuting time to work, and visit local pubs, shops and leisure facilities. Visit the area at night, too.

PROPERTY SEARCH Once you have found the right location, go online and check out what’s on offer. Most properties are listed on property portals such as findaproperty.com or propertyfinder.com or estate agents’ own websites.

Most of the properties featured have pictures and descriptions and some have DECIDE ON A LOCATION

Be practical.

Think about the commuting time and if you can afford to buy in the area.

RESEARCH THE AREA

Check out crime rates, future regeneration or new transport links.

VIEWING Once you see a property you like, arrange a viewing. Most people see at least 10 properties before putting in an offer. It’s worth bringing a friend or relative and also arranging a second viewing to check out any bits you may have missed. Don’t get taken in by the furnishings and décor too much.

Remember that a property that is slightly run down can still be a great investment and may only need a touch of paint and a change of furniture.

ESTATE AGENTS It’s a buyers’ market, so make use of agents’ legwork in finding properties that fit your requirements. Be aware that estate agents are paid commission by the seller on the sale, so try to inspect the property yourself rather than just the parts the agent shows you. Don’t get sucked in by the hard sell.

SEARCH

Register with local estate agents, and use the internet to search for properties.

VIEWINGS

Look at several properties, and visit ones you like more than once and with someone else.

Check online for prices of sold properties in the area, and make sure properties you like fit your budget. You can search for recent sold prices of property in any area at nethouseprices.com, although be aware that prices have dropped significantly in the past year.

If you like a property, aerial shots of the area can be viewed at earth.google.com Before you put in an offer, visit the street at different times to make sure it’s safe. Ask neighbours and local shop owners about the area.

BEFORE YOU BUY When looking at buying apartments, check exactly what is included in the service charge and how much it is. Also, ask about the terms of the lease and its length. If the lease has less than 80 years left, use this as a negotiating tool and make an offer below the asking price.

OFFER

When making an offer, don’t be afraid to ask for less than the asking price.

If the property needs work done on it, use this as a negotiating tool.

SURVEY

BUYING

Make sure you get a survey done – it could save you money in the long run.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

B

uying process

BUYERS’ COSTS SURVEYS AND VALUATIONS

Once your offer is accepted, tell your mortgage lender. They will do a valuation to ensure the property is worth the money being advanced. At the same time, instruct a surveyor to carry out a survey. If this shows problems, find out how much they would cost to rectify and use this information to renegotiate the sale price. Or, tell the seller certain repairs need to be carried out before contracts are exchanged.

SOLICITOR’S/CONVEYANCING COSTS £500-£1,500

MORTGAGE FEE £0-£1,000

VALUATION £0-£300 (depending on your mortgage deal)

SURVEY £300-£500 (depending on the type of survey you have done)

SOLICITORS After the offer is accepted, you will also need to appoint a solicitor or conveyancer who will oversee the contract, deal with the finances and exchange the deeds. Your solicitor will carry out searches, check the terms of any lease and tell you how much stamp duty you have to pay. The seller will also appoint a solicitor, and the two legal teams will be in regular contact to make sure the purchase goes as smoothly as possible.

TIPS

A QUICK SALE Push the seller to take the property off the market. This will limit the chances of being gazumped (another buyer making a larger offer). The seller can insist on continuing to show the property, especially if you haven’t offered the asking price.

EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION Once the mortgage offer is in place, the contract is satisfactory and buildings insurance has been organised, both parties will agree an exchange date. On exchange of contracts, you pay a deposit, and a completion date is set. At this point, there’s no going back – the seller could sue you if you pull out, and you could lose your deposit.

The exchange can be on the same date as the completion, but they are usually a week to 10 days apart. On completion, the final paperwork is done, and the property is legally yours.

Use a recommended solicitor who you know to be reliable and can move fast.

Never get pressured into an exchange and completion date without knowing all your finances and documents are in place. If you can’t complete, you may have to pay the seller’s costs.

English property law is different to Scottish law: in England, if you put in an offer and then have a change of heart, you can legally back out of the deal or negotiate up until the exchange date. But, in Scotland, an agreed price is binding.

SOLICITORS

Compare quotes from solicitors, and ask your friends if they can recommend someone.

A good solicitor can make a big difference to a purchase completing or falling through.

110

LOCAL AUTHORITY SEARCH FEES £300 (included in your solicitor’s bill)

LAND REGISTRY FEES £50-£920 (depending on the property’s value, e.g., £200 on a property costing between £100,000 and £200,000).

MORTGAGE BROKER’S FEE 0-1%

STAMP DUTY 0% for properties costing up to £125,000

2% for properties costing between £125,001 and £250,000

5% for properties costing between £250,001 and £925,000

10% for properties costing between £925,001 and £1,500,000

BUILDINGS INSURANCE £300 per year, payable monthly or in advance.

Buildings insurance can cost a lot more if your property is at risk of flooding.

TIME SCALE From offer to completion usually takes about six weeks to three months, but don’t feel pressured or rush into anything you’re not sure of just because the seller or estate agent wants you to exchange.

SEARCHES

Look at the results of searches your solicitor has done. They will tell you, for example, if a main road is about to be built at the end of your garden.

INSURANCE

After you’ve exchanged contracts, arrange buildings insurance – this will be a condition of your mortgage offer.

REMOVALS

Shop around for a removals firm, and find one that can move your possessions on completion day.

SERVICE CHARGES AND GROUND RENT ON LEASEHOLD FLATS £100-£4,000

COMPLETION

Your solicitor or estate agent will call you to tell you the property is yours. The solicitor will have some final paperwork to do, and you will then have to pay the solicitor’s bill and your stamp duty payment (if applicable).

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

Home buying glossary Confused by financial acronyms and industry terminology?

Buying your first house is daunting enough without having to decode property lingo. FTB’s home buying glossary is here to make the process a whole lot easier to understand AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE

DISBURSEMENTS

The initial document your lender will give you outlining the amount you are likely to be lent. An agreement in principle is not a guarantee of getting a mortgage.

These are additional charges incurred during the home buying process such as stamp duty and Land Registry charges. You must give the money to your conveyancer or solicitor who will then pay the charges on your behalf.

APR APR stands for annual percentage rate.

It is the interest rate you’d pay over a year. It takes into account not just the interest on your loan but also any other additional charges.

EARLY REPAYMENT CHARGE

ARREARS

EQUITY

This is a term used to describe payments that haven’t been made on time.

The difference between the value of the property and the value of the mortgage you have secured.

BASE RATE The interest rate set by the Bank of England. Lenders use the Bank of England base rate to set their own charges.

BROKER

This is an amount of money you have to pay a lender if you decide to move mortgage providers or if you pay off your mortgage quicker than expected.

EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS This is when you exchange contracts with the seller. When this has happened, both sides are legally bound to complete the transaction.

A broker is someone who gives you advice on your mortgage. Some are independent, while others work for lenders.

FREEHOLD

BUILDING SURVEY

When a seller accepts an offer and then later on rejects it in favour of a higher offer from another bidder.

A survey carried out by a qualified surveyor to spot any structural problems or faults in the home you are buying.

COLLATERAL Something of value that is offered as a guarantee against a loan. With mortgages, your home is collateral.

COMPLETION The finalisation of the sale. Completion day is when all money is transferred and you become the legal owner of your new home.

CONVEYANCING The legal process of transferring ownership of a property.

A freehold is when you fully own a property and the land it stands on.

GAZUMPING

GUARANTOR A person, usually a parent, who guarantees that you can pay your mortgage repayments. You often need a guarantor if you are struggling to get a mortgage based on your own income. If for some reason you cannot pay your mortgage, your guarantor has to pay it for you.

HIGHER LENDING CHARGE If you take out a large mortgage on a property, some lenders charge you an extra fee. This is because the more money you borrow the more of a risk the lender is taking.

LAND REGISTRY FEES This is a fee you have to pay in order to register your ownership of the property with the Land Registry.

LEASE A type of contract where you buy the right to occupy the property for a fixed period of time. You usually have to pay annual ground rent each year.

LTV This stands for loan to value – the ratio between the amount of money you have taken out as a loan and the valuation price of the property.

LUMP-SUM REDUCTION In order to reduce your mortgage, you can make a lump-sum reduction. This is where you pay more than you owe each month in mortgage repayments.

REDEMPTION Paying off your mortgage in full is known as redemption.

REPAYMENTS The amount you have to pay back each month to your mortgage provider

STAMP DUTY Stamp duty is a shortened name for stamp duty land tax. This is an amount of money that the government tax you when you purchase a new property. Your solicitor or conveyancer will organise the payment for you.

TITLE DEEDS The legal documents that outline your rights and liabilities in relation to your new property. The title deeds also act as proof of ownership.

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LEGAL

The difference between buying a new build property and an existing property Purchasing a new build property is slightly different to purchasing an existing property. Here Adam Crawford, Partner at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, looks at some of the key differences from a legal view

RESERVATION Generally, once you have an offer accepted for a new build property you will be asked to pay a reservation fee to the developer.

Typically this is anything from £500 to £2,000 but can vary depending on the developer. This reservation fee will be taken as a contribution to the deposit payable on exchange of contracts.

The reservation fee will often be stipulated to be non-refundable if you withdraw, or if you do not meet the exchange deadline set by the developer.

The reservation form will set out the terms of your purchase of the property together with the address or plot number, the purchase price and any incentives you have agreed with the developer.

The reservation form does not legally bind you to buy the property or the developer to sell the property.

INCENTIVES When you buy a new build property the developer may offer you certain incentives (for example, there may be a contribution towards your Stamp Duty or legal fees).

These incentives will be stated on the reservation form and included in the contract. The incentives must also be disclosed to your mortgage lender and this is achieved by the developer completing a Disclosure of Incentives Form.

EXCHANGE DEADLINE When you buy a new build property the developer will set you a deadline to exchange contracts; this is generally 28 days (but does vary by developer) from the date it issues the contract papers required by

your solicitor to progress the conveyancing for your purchase.

If you do not meet this deadline to exchange then you may lose your reservation fee or part of your reservation fee and any incentives you have agreed. The developer may also cancel the sale to you.

CONVEYANCING When a new property is sold for the first time, whether it is a flat or a house, rights have to be granted for and reserved over the property (such as rights to use the roads, footpaths, service pipes etc), covenants/ obligations that must be observed are set (such as not to alter the property without consent) and management arrangements must be set up (such as who maintains the roads and landscaped areas).

As this is the first sale of the property and these arrangements remain with the property permanently, it is especially crucial that your

solicitor ensures these are accurate and adequate for the benefit of the property, not just for you but for all future owners.

Your solicitor will also check the planning permission and any planning obligations for the development and how these may affect your use of the property (for example, it is common in London for there to be a restriction preventing you from applying for a parking permit from the local council).

They will also check that the appropriate building regulations and new build warranty are in place, which ensures that the new property is structurally sound when constructed.

Searches will be carried out; standard searches include a Local Authority search, a drainage search, an environmental search and a chancel check, although others may be required depending on the location of the property. These will reveal important matters such as any planning entries/

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LEGAL

restrictions which affect the property, whether roads are publicly maintained, whether there are any orders you must observe (such as a smoke control order or tree preservation order) and will identify any potential contaminated land issues.

Your solicitor will ensure there are adequate arrangements in place for the management of any estate and any service charges you will incur. It is standard these days, even when buying a house, for service charges to be payable for the maintenance of the estate where the property is located.

If you are buying with a mortgage then your solicitor will ensure any mortgage conditions can be complied with and will report to you on the legal aspects.

As you can tell from the above, there is much work for your solicitor to undertake to ensure you can achieve the deadline to exchange set by the developer. Therefore you are strongly recommended to use a solicitor with considerable expertise in new build properties.

The developer may recommend a solicitor to you. You are not obliged to use this solicitor but it may be wise to do so as they will likely have the necessary experience/expertise and may have already carried out due diligence on the legal aspects of the development.

EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION Once all of the above steps have been completed and you have signed your contract and paid a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) then you will be ready to exchange contracts (which is when your new purchase will become legally binding).

When you are buying an existing property a completion date (moving date) would normally be fixed on exchange of contracts on a date agreed between the seller and the buyer. However, if you are buying a new build property then often this will be “off-plan” meaning that completion will take place on a future date once the property is constructed and ready for occupation. You will normally be given 10 working days notice that the property has been constructed and you are required to complete on the date

prescribed by the notice (ie you will not get to choose your completion date).

It is worth noting that delays can sometimes occur to the build of your property, often outside of the developer’s control, and therefore you may find that completion takes place several weeks/ months later than you expected, so you must plan for this accordingly.

In this situation, any mortgage offer you have obtained may expire before completion. You may be able to arrange an extension, or you may have to obtain a new mortgage offer adding more expense to you. There is a risk that your personal circumstances and/or the mortgage market may have changed and you cannot secure a new mortgage in time for completion. This would put you at risk of breach of contract and result in the loss of your 10% deposit and potentially other costs/damages.

The searches which were carried out may also have expired and you may have to obtain new searches or a search insurance policy adding more cost to your purchase.

Hopefully none of the above points will apply to or affect you and you will complete as scheduled.

On the day of completion, most developers will arrange for a formal handover where you are not just given the keys but are also given a demonstration of how the utilities work and provided with any user manuals and guarantees.

AFTER COMPLETION Once completion has taken place, most developers will offer a “snagging” or “defects” service. This means they will repair any items of disrepair you find for a certain period. You are best advised to inspect and prepare a list of the snagging/ defects on or before completion and to enquire before completion what the developer’s snagging procedures are.

Please bear in mind when buying a new build property that you are part of a new development and some of the shared facilities such as landscaped areas may not be completed for some time after you move in.

You may also have to accept that works may be ongoing on the development for some time creating noise and inconvenience to you.

Prince Evans specialise in all aspects of new build property.

Please contact Prince Evans’ New Build Homes team for all your conveyancing needs and for a friendly no obligation quote on 020 8567 3477 or nbh@prince-evans.co.uk

Your solicitor will register your ownership of the property at Land Registry after completion but you should be aware that the registration process can often take months for Land Registry to complete.

This is nothing to worry about as you are the owner of the property from the date of completion and your interest will be protected until the land registration has been completed.

OTHER POINTS TO CONSIDER Help to Buy – If you are buying a new property you may be eligible to take advantage of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. This is where you can borrow 20% (or up to 40% in London) of the purchase price from the Government and pay no interest on this for the first five years.

When you sell the property you will have to repay the loan at the same rate as the value of the property at the time you sell. More details can be found at: helptobuy.gov.uk/ equity-loan/equity-loans/ New Build Warranty – The vast majority of new build homes are sold with the benefit of a new build warranty. The most popular warranty provider is NHBC (although there are other providers such as Premier Guarantee and LABC). This warranty will provide a 10-year guarantee against structural defects to the property.

Consumer Code – If you are buying with a new build warranty then most developers are obliged to subscribe to a Consumer Code. This is a code of conduct and practice developers are required to observe to ensure the home buying process is fair and transparent to the buyer. More details can be found at: consumercode.co.uk/

CONCLUSION While buying a new build property broadly follows the process of buying an existing property there are notable differences.

Some are positive (such as the benefit of a new build warranty) but some are less positive (such as the potential uncertainty over completion dates).

It is important to ensure you use a solicitor who is experienced with dealing with new build properties so they can explain these points to you clearly.

One thing that cannot be in doubt if you buy a new build property (and the author can speak from personal experience) is the joy you will feel at being the first owner of a brand new property which you can make into your own home.

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Directory HELP TO BUY - NORTH PlusDane Tel: 0300 790 0570 helptobuyagent1.org.uk Cheshire Cumbria Durham East Riding of Yorkshire Greater Manchester Lancashire Merseyside North Yorkshire Northumberland Tyne and Wear South Yorkshire West Yorkshire

HELP TO BUY - MIDLANDS AND LONDON bpha Tel: 03333 214 044 helptobuyagent2.org.uk

ZONES, HELP TO BUY AGENTS, HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS AND MORE...

HELP TO BUY - SOUTH Radian Tel: 0800 456 1188 helptobuyagent3.org.uk Bedfordshire Berkshire Bristol Buckinghamshire Cambridgeshire Cornwall Devon Dorset East Sussex Essex Gloucestershire Hampshire Hertfordshire Isle of Wight Kent Norfolk Oxfordshire Somerset Suffolk Surrey West Sussex Wiltshire

Derbyshire Herefordshire Leicestershire Lincolnshire London Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire Rutland Shropshire Staffordshire Warwickshire West Midlands Worcestershire

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USEFUL CONTACTS

ZONES, HELP TO BUY AGENTS & HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS – RECEIVE ADVICE ON PROPERTY FUNDING OPTIONS

NORTH

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Tel: 0300 790 0570

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Tel: 0800 456 1188

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Bedfordshire

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Tel: 03333 214 044

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helptobuyagent2.org.uk

Hertfordshire Isle of Wight

Derbyshire

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Herefordshire

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS – OFFERING NEW BUILD SCHEMES, INCLUDING HELP TO BUY (SHARED OWNERSHIP) AND RENT TO BUY PROPERTIES

LONDON Catalyst Housing

Octavia Housing

BMA Property Group

Hastoe Housing

Optivo

octaviahousing.org.uk

bmapg.com

Association

optivo.org.uk

020 8354 5500

020 8942 4062

hastoe.com

0800 012 1442

homesbycatalyst.co.uk 0300 456 2099 Clarion Housing

Southern Home Ownership shosales.co.uk

0300 123 2250 Optivo

Chelmer Housing Partnership

optivo.org.uk

chp.org.uk

Home Group

originhousing.org.uk

0800 012 1442

0300 555 0500

homegroup.org.uk

0300 323 0325

myclarionhousing.com/

01235 515 900

Origin Housing

0300 555 2171 Sovereign Housing sovereignliving.org.uk

0345 141 4663

0300 500 0926

sharedownership

Origin Housing

CHS Group

020 7378 5638

originhousing.org.uk

chsgroup.org.uk

Housing Solutions Group

Association

0300 323 0325

0300 111 3555

housingsolutions.co.uk

orwell-housing.co.uk

Stonewater

0800 876 6060

0345 601 0030

stonewater.org

Estuary Housing Association

Orwell Housing

01202 319 119

estuary.co.uk

Paradigm Housing

Clarion Housing

0300 304 5000

paradigmhousing.co.uk

myclarionhousing.com/

Hyde New Homes

PA Housing

0845 337 4877

sharedownership

hydenewhomes.co.uk

pahousing.co.uk

Swan Housing Association

Fabrica

Peabody

020 7378 5638

0345 606 1221

0300 123 2221

swan.org.uk

fabrica.co.uk

peabodysales.co.uk

0800 783 2159

020 7021 4842

Crown Simmons

L&Q

Paradigm Housing

crownsimmons.org.uk

lqgroup.org.uk

paradigmhousing.co.uk

Thames Valley Housing

Gateway Housing

Places for People

01372 461 440

0300 456 9998

0300 303 1010

Association

Association

placesforpeople.co.uk

gatewayhousing.org.uk

01772 667 049

Estuary Housing

Metropolitan

Peabody

Association

metropolitansales.org.uk

peabodysales.co.uk

020 3535 2555

020 7021 4842

Moat

Places for People

Fabrica

moat.co.uk

placesforpeople.co.uk

0300 323 0011

01772 667 049

Notting Hill Genesis

Rosebery Housing

Flagship Homes

nhgsales.com

Association

0333 000 4000

rosebery.org.uk

020 8709 4300

0300 303 2500

tvha.co.uk

Sanctuary London

estuary.co.uk

Guinness Partnership

sanctuary-homes.co.uk

0300 304 5000

guinnesspartnership.com

0800 916 1444

0303 123 1890 Site Sales

fabrica.co.uk

Hexagon

site-sales.co.uk

0800 783 2159

hexagon.org.uk

020 8502 5758

020 8778 6699 Shepherd’s Bush Housing

flagship-homes.co.uk

Home Group

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0808 168 4555

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020 8996 4200

020 8607 0550 Town and Country Housing tchg.org.uk 01892 501 480 Worthing Homes worthing-homes.org.uk 01903 703 108

SOUTH WEST

01372 814 000 Aster Group

Nu Living Guinness Partnership

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Sanctuary South East

buyanasterhome.co.uk

Southern Home

(South)

0800 819 9390

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

01380 735 480

Hyde New Homes

Ownership

guinnesspartnership.com

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shosales.co.uk

0303 123 1890

0345 606 1221

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Islington and Shoreditch

Swan Housing Association

Housing Association

swan.org.uk

isha.co.uk

0300 303 2500

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One Housing Group onehousing.co.uk

Soha Housing

cornerstonehousing.net

0300 123 9966

Soha.co.uk

01392 273 462

0300 131 7300 Thames Valley Housing L&Q

Association

lqgroup.org.uk

tvha.co.uk

0300 456 9998

020 8607 0550

Metropolitan

Wandle Housing

metropolitansales.org.uk

Association

020 3535 2555

wandle.com 0300 200 0120

Newlon Living newlonliving.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

0800 058 2544 Accent Group Notting Hill Genesis

accentgroup.org

nhgsales.com

0345 678 0555

0333 000 4000 Aster Group Nu Living

buyanasterhome.co.uk

nuliving.co.uk

01380 735 480

0800 819 9390

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS Rooftop Housing Group

Accord

Nottingham Community

South Staffordshire

CURO

rooftopgroup.org

accordgroup.org.uk

Friendship Care & Housing

Housing Association

Housing Association

curo-group.co.uk

0800 042 1800

0300 111 7000

fch.org.uk

ncha.org.uk

ssha.co.uk

0300 123 1745

0800 013 8555

01785 312 000

01225 366 000 Sanctuary Southwest

Acis Group

Elim Housing

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

acisgroup.co.uk

Home Group

Orbit

Waterloo Housing

elimhousing.co.uk

0800 131 3348

0800 027 2057

homegroup.org.uk

orbit.org.uk

Association

0345 141 4663

0800 678 1221

waterloo.org.uk

01454 411 172

0800 435 016

Severn Vale Housing

Bromford Group

Green Square

svhs.org.uk

bromford.co.uk

Guinness Partnership

PA Housing

greensquaregroup.com

01684 272 727

0330 123 4034

(Northern Counties)

pahousing.org.uk

WM Housing Group

guinnesspartnership.com

0116 257 6716

wmhousing.co.uk

01249 465 465 Sovereign Housing

Caldmore Accord

Guinness Partnership

sovereign.org.uk

caldmoreaccord.org.uk

(Hermitage)

0300 500 0926

0300 111 7000

guinnesspartnership.com 0303 123 1890 Hastoe Housing

Stonewater

Clarion Housing

stonewater.org

myclarionhousing.com/

01202 319 119

sharedownership 020 7378 5638

Association

0300 790 6531

0303 123 1890 Places for People L & H Homes

placesforpeople.co.uk

landh.org.uk

01772 667 002 Accent Group

0345 309 0700 Riverside Housing

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Metropolitan

Association

0345 678 0555

metropolitansales.org.uk

riverside.org.uk

020 3535 2555

0345 155 9029

hastoe.com

Westward Housing

0300 123 2250

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Derwent Living Housing

Liverty

0300 100 1010

Association

Midland Heart

Rooftop Group

derwentliving.com

midlandheart.org.uk

rooftopgroup.org

01332 346 477

0345 602 0540

0800 042 1800

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MIDLANDS

0300 123 8080

NORTH WEST

Adactus Housing Group adactushousing.co.uk 0300 111 1133 Arcon Housing Association

Places for People

Accent Group

East Midlands Housing

Muir Group

Sanctuary Midlands

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placesforpeople.co.uk

accentgroup.org

Association

muir.org.uk

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

0161 214 4120

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emhhomes.org.uk

0300 123 1222

0800 131 3348

0300 123 6000

HYDE NEW HOMES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE Hyde New Homes has completely redesigned its sales website (hydenewhomes.co.uk), to reflect the award-winning homes and customer services it offers its customers.

Minnie Dando, Hyde New Homes Head of Marketing, said, “We wanted to make the website more user-friendly, so customers could find the information they need quickly and more easily, personalise their visits and follow their customer journey 24/7.

“Visitors can search easily for new homes and developments across all of our homeownership plans and be more experimental when using search parameters. They can also take a virtual tour of many of our shared ownership developments and view a broader choice of homes by increasing their location or deposit parameters slightly when searching, which allows them to explore all possible options.”

Users can also log in to save searches and favourites and to monitor the status of their application and the progress of their sale.

Visit the new website hydenewhomes.co.uk to find out more

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS 0345 678 0555 CDS Co-operatives

0117 407 2415

cds.coop 0333 321 3030 Eden Housing Association

Acis Group

manninghamhousing.co.uk

Muir Group

acisgroup.co.uk

01274 771 144

muir.org.uk

0800 027 2057

edenha.org.uk 01768 861 400 Equity Housing

Guinness Partnership

Muir Group Broadacres

muir.org.uk

Places for People

broadacres.org.uk

0300 123 1222

placesforpeople.co.uk

01609 767 900

01772 667 002

equityhousing.co.uk 0300 123 4460

Association

0300 123 1222

Crucible Homes

placesforpeople.co.uk

Progress Housing Group

cruciblesalesandlettings.co.uk

01772 667 002

progressgroup.org.uk

0114 241 3430

(Northern Counties)

Equity Housing

togetherhousing.co.uk 0845 077 0027

Regenda Homes

equityhousing.co.uk

0303 123 1890

regenda.org.uk

0300 123 4460

0344 736 0066 Home Group

Guinness Partnership

sanctuary-housing.co.uk 0800 131 3348

Riverside Housing

(Northern Counties)

0345 141 4663

Association

guinnesspartnership.com

riverside.org.uk

0303 123 1890

Impact Housing

0345 155 9029

impacthousing.org.uk 0344 873 6290 Irwell Valley Housing

Home Group Sanctuary North

homegroup.org.uk

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

0345 141 1663

0800 131 3348

Association

Association

yhghomes.co.uk

lfha.co.uk

0845 618 5008

0113 386 1000

Knowsley Housing Trust k-h-t.org 0151 290 7000

thirteengroup.co.uk 0300 111 1000

Bernicia 0344 800 3800 Castles and Coasts 0800 085 1171 Erimus Housing Ltd 0300 111 1000 Guinness Partnership guinnesspartnership.com

stonewater.org

0303 123 1890

01202 319 119 Home Group Wakefield and District

homegroup.org.uk

Housing

0345 141 1663

0345 850 7507

Your Housing Group

Thirteen

0345 678 0555

(Northern Counties)

wdh.co.uk

0161 610 1000

accentgroup.org

Stonewater

Leeds Federated Housing

irwellvalleyha.co.uk

0800 131 3348 Accent Group

erimushousing.co.uk Sanctuary North

homegroup.org.uk

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

castlesandcoasts.co.uk Together Housing

guinnesspartnership.com

NORTH EAST

bernicia.com Places for People

0333 320 4555

Sanctuary North

Manningham Housing

Karbon Homes karbonhomes.co.uk

Your Housing Group

0808 164 0111

yhghomes.co.uk

YORKS/ HUMBER

Liverpool Housing Trust

Accent Group

lht.co.uk

accentgroup.org

L&H Homes

0845 618 5008

Places for People

landh.org.uk

placesforpeople.co.uk

0345 309 0700

01772 667 002

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First Time Buyer June/July 2020

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20 QUESTIONS Hopkin Man joined Octavia in September 2019 as the Head of Sales and Marketing. He has a comprehensive knowledge of affordable housing with over 17 years' experience in the sector. He previously worked at large housing associations such as Notting Hill Genesis and Optivo and has sold developments across London and the South East. Having led and managed many teams over the years, he has delivered sales of hundreds of new homes, helping people on to the property ladder. He has a conscientious and positive approach that puts the customer at the forefront

20 QUESTIONS With

Hopkin Man

What room at home is your favourite?

My lounge and kitchen is the hub of the house. It’s south facing on to the garden, which is so nice and bright. It’s a great place to relax in the evenings.

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

Alexa – what time is it?

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home?

Grey is such an on-trend colour at the moment. I really like the different tones, it can be light and neutral or dark and moody.

Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

Joan Rivers (you didn’t say they had to be alive!), for her wit and acid tongue, Miriam Margolyes doesn’t have a filter and Graham Norton. The jokes and stories would be hilarious to hear.

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

Watching and helping my mum when she was preparing and cooking dinner. She’s an amazing cook.

What interior trend do you hate?

If it’s too matchy-matchy. When you see a mirrored bedside cabinet, next to the mirrored chest of drawers, next to the mirrored wardrobe, it's all too much... order a skip and chuck it out! Play with different textiles, textures and surfaces.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

A garden; any outdoor space is brilliant for barbecues.

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I like a mixture of the two as they both have different characteristics. Modern homes can be bright and spacious, while period homes can have high ceilings and bay windows. I really like period properties with modern extensions at the back of the house.

It’s retained the characteristics but updated it at the same time.

Would you rather have a library room or media room at home?

Neither; if I had enough money to build my own house I would have a panic room or hidden drawing room. I can’t imagine having a house so big you can hide in it!

Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

I'd love a rainfall shower. Better still, a rainfall shower with a view.

Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

Bustling city any day. If I lived in the country it would remind me of the film, The Strangers with Liv Tyler. She was held captive in a remote holiday home and it’s fair to say it doesn’t end well.

If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

Hong Kong, it’s where I’m from. It’s a bustling, busy, fast-paced cosmopolitan city where the food is out of this world.

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location?

I'd prefer a bigger property. Your home is your sanctuary – it’s where you can recharge or relax.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home?

My tablet... my guilty pleasure is binge-watching Netflix.

What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work?

I like to figure out what I’m cooking for dinner. It’s a different thought process and helps me to unwind. I also carry out meal prep at the weekends, cooking things in advance, saving time so I’m not starting meals from scratch.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

The layout; the back extension with the lounge and kitchen has provided so much room. It’s a great space to relax in.

Where did you buy your first home?

Leyton in London. When I bought my first apartment I was so happy that I didn’t have to share any more. Back then, Leyton wasn’t an appealing area. Now it’s full of independent bars and coffee shops with some great places to hang out.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Speak to a mortgage adviser to find out how much you can borrow from the bank. This has to be a comfortable amount without over-stretching yourself. Whatever your budget, be realistic with what you can achieve with this. You’ll have to figure out what is important to you and compromise. Do you want the smaller apartment closer to the station or a larger apartment which is further away?

What are your views on shared ownership?

It’s a brilliant way of taking your first step on to the property market – you buy a share you can afford, with the option to own it 100% later on. So many people can’t afford to buy their first home.

At Octavia, we have a number of great developments coming up in central and west London. Where I’m from, Hong Kong is still ranked the most expensive city in the world to live in. Space is limited and at a premium. They don’t have anything like shared ownership over there.

What are your views on the property market?

Despite the situation, (I'm currently in lockdown), mortgage rates are incredibly low and there are some amazing properties available.

Overall, the London property market has performed well as there is still so much demand and it's still a great place to invest in. octavia.org.uk

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