Notting Hill Genesis: Local buyers get on the property ladder with Shared Ownership

First time buyers secure their oasis at Heron Quarter

Becci a Senior Grants and Programmes Manager at the PRS Foundation and her partner Dan have just purchased a 30% share of a two bedroom apartment at Notting Hill Genesis’ Heron Quarter at Woodberry Down development. Already renting a one bedroom flat at the Woodberry Down regeneration scheme, Becci and Daniel knew that they wanted to stay in London’s green oasis, but couldn’t afford to purchase a home outright. Shared Ownership has allowed the couple to stay in the area they love and has secured them a home that they can grow into.

Becci explains; “We have lived at Woodberry Down for a number of years and love the community here. Thanks to the two on-site reservoirs, green space and wildlife, it doesn’t feel like we are in London, we describe it as our Zone 2 oasis!

“Dan and I had been saving for a rainy day and at the beginning of the year we had a leaflet through for the private sale homes here.” Becci continues; “Unfortunately, they were too far out of our price range so we closed the door on buying a home here and began to think about purchasing elsewhere.

“However, during lockdown, a leaflet for Notting Hill Genesis’ Shared Ownership apartments was dropped through the door and this seemed like a fantastic option for us. Not long after receiving the leaflet, we booked onto a virtual tour of Heron Quarter. The apartment ticked all of the boxes for us thanks to its layout and well sized balcony.”

“We had a look at our finances, Dan had already been saving and lockdown had allowed us both to top up this fund, especially as we weren’t going out to eat or using our gym memberships. We knew that buying a Shared Ownership home here would be a good choice and decided to book an in person viewing after which we put down a deposit.

“At the moment we are both working from home, I am working from my dressing table and Dan is working from the living room – we definitely need more space! We have opted for a two bedroom apartment and will use the second bedroom as a home office, we plan to be here for a while so wanted a home that we could grow into too and that was flexible to our needs.

“I am really excited to make our apartment a home and already have ideas on how we will decorate, including upcycling some of our current furniture. Our plot is on the top floor and we have great views of Alexandra Palace and the vast green space that is on our doorstep, I am looking forward to having friends and family over once restrictions change too.

“Shared Ownership has allowed us to step onto the property ladder, something we never thought we would be able to do in such a fantastic location. The development itself is idyllic and there is plenty to do. The two reservoirs have great outdoor activities such as paddleboarding and sailing, there are great running/walking routes and the wetlands are home to a selection of wildlife which is lovely to see in such an urban location” explains Becci. “Stoke Newington and Highgate are easily accessible, whilst the local area itself has a great selection of independent stores and restaurants.”

Located in Zone 2 Heron Quarter at Woodberry Down is well connected. There is a selection of cycle paths and walking routes, Manor House Underground station is just five minutes’ walk from home and is served by the Piccadilly Line. Alternatively, there are two overground stations, Stamford Hill station and Finsbury Park station providing direct routes into Moorgate and Liverpool Street in 15 minutes, where Crossrail services will also be operating later this year, providing an average journey time of just 10 minutes to Canary Wharf and Paddington and 40 minutes to Heathrow Airport.

Prices at Heron Quarter at Woodberry Down start from £108,125 for a 25% share of the full market value of £432,500 for a one bedroom home. For further information visit www.nhgsales.com or call 0203 815 2222.

Share to Buy is a one stop shop for affordable homes. On our website, you can search for properties, compare mortgages and find out all you need to know about alternative home buying schemes such as Shared Ownership and Help to Buy.