Hayley Donigan, Author at Pocket

Our newest Pocket residents – Gardner Close E11

July 2, 2021July 8, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

It is officially summer, and we are happy to report that a new batch of Pocket residents have moved into our first development in Wanstead – Gardner Close E11. These affordable Pocket homes are exclusively occupied by first time buyers who live or work in Redbridge, making it an extension of the wider community. Right around the corner from Wanstead Station and Wanstead High Street, they have easy access to a range of local amenities.

Pocket developments are unique because they are filled with like-minded city makers who have often struggled to afford to buy a home in London. With so much in common, we have already seen friendships form amongst neighbours at Gardner Close, and we cannot wait to see the community spirit build as they all get settled in. Read on to find out how we welcomed them to their new Pocket homes and what they are getting up to!

Things to do in Barking and Dagenham

June 1, 2021June 4, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

East London has a lot to offer, with certain areas becoming increasingly desirable due to rapid regeneration. A vibrant borough that we’re keeping an eye on is Barking and Dagenham, which is seeing significant growth in the arts and cultural sectors and an influx of jobs and new homes. More and more young people are moving further eastwards in search of affordable homes, so we’re pleased to have built a development for first time buyers right in the heart of this exciting borough!

The best green spaces near our developments

May 11, 2021May 18, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

London wouldn’t be London without its canals, riversides, gardens and parks. In fact, over 18% of the city is made up of parks, which is why it was named the world’s first ‘National Park City’. Beyond Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath, there are many lesser known nature areas big and small dotted around London’s boroughs. We make it our mission to build our developments in areas that have good access to them.

COVID-19 update

April 7, 2021April 8, 2021 Hayley Donigan 2 Comments

Despite last year’s challenges there is good news from Pocket: we launched three new developments, helping more of London’s first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder. We still have a full team working to conduct socially-distanced viewings safely and in line with government guidance, or we’re able to offer detailed virtual viewings as an alternative. We’re also now approaching our 1,000th home – with several developments in the pipeline for London’s middle earners.

Working from a Pocket home

March 21, 2021March 22, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Although working from home isn’t a new phenomenon, the pandemic has made remote working a central part of many of our lives. With that said, procuring the right working from home setup is essential to productivity and wellbeing, as small adjustments can help prevent strain, injury and fatigue.

Working from home in a smaller space poses its challenges, but there are many ways you can optimise your living space to accommodate a work station, even if you don’t have a home office. Read on to learn our top tips for working from a Pocket home.

Will mortgage rates go up or down?

March 18, 2021March 19, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Will mortgage rates go down in 2021? We’ve been hearing a lot about mortgage rates trends in light of the Brexit trade deal and coronavirus, so we thought we’d unpack this a bit for all you first time buyers who may be thinking about buying your first home in the coming months.

Viewing a home as a first-time buyer: Questions to ask

February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Buying your first home is likely to be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Preparing the right questions to ask when viewing a home is a key element of the process, but too many first-time home buyers fall into the trap of rushing through viewings and turning up unprepared. This can lead to valuable time wasted and unnecessary stress.

Property viewings are an opportunity to find out everything you can to ensure that you find a home that’s right for you. By maximising every viewing, you will be equipped to make an informed decision about what home to buy. After all – you only get one chance to be a first-time buyer, so get it right!

How to save money in 2021

January 15, 2021February 26, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Ever check your bank account and wonder how your pay cheque disappeared so fast? Don’t stress – saving money is a problem that most people face at some point in their lives. Whether you are looking to pay for a house, or treat yourself to a nice holiday, knowing about ways to save money allows you to do the things you enjoy without worrying about the cost. Thankfully, it is never too late to start saving, and 2021 is a perfect time to think about how you can improve your finances. Find out some of the best ways to save money by using our saving tips below.

Promoting wellness in Pocket developments

November 9, 2020March 19, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

The pandemic has highlighted the challenging living conditions many city makers in shared accommodation face. The spaces we live in contribute to our wellbeing, and especially in big cities, it is vital to live somewhere that is not only affordable and well located but also well designed. That’s why promoting wellness in Pocket developments has always been a fundamental part of our design.

Why we love allotments

September 28, 2020March 19, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

‘It has always been my dream to plant tomatoes once I have my own space.’ Anna, who moved into West Green Place N17 in Haringey this year, was overjoyed when she found out that she would be able to garden on the communal roof terrace of her building. A new development, residents have been working with their neighbours to populate the plant beds with vegetables, herbs and flowers, making their shared spaces greener and more sustainable.

During the pandemic, we realised more than ever how vital these outdoor spaces are for the wellness of residents. Although communal amenities vary from development to development, we have found that when we provide allotments, they are received particularly well. We spoke to residents in two of our developments featuring allotments to learn more about how they are being put to good use.