City makers Archives

Bridget’s story – Harbard Close IG11

March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

Bridget (37) has always dreamed of putting down roots in London, but for the past three years she has struggled to find a home within her budget.

“I am originally from North London, and most of my friends and family still live here, so it was always a goal of mine to be able to afford my own home nearby. I rented on and off for 10 years and found searching for affordable and suitable apartments became quite hard work, which really forced me to start looking for my own home. But it wasn’t easy”, says Bridget.

Preparing for First Homes: Long term thinking is needed to make sure these homes help the people who need them most

September 21, 2021June 20, 2022 Thomasin Renshaw Leave a comment

A blog by Thomasin Renshaw, Development Director

When the Government announced the First Homes policy, Pocket Living welcomed the ambition. The premise of the policy is identical to what we have been doing for years, namely opening up homeownership to young middle earners by selling at a discount.

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!

7 ways to make your home more eco friendly

April 21, 2021July 4, 2022 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

As environmental concerns become increasingly pressing, the way that we live in our homes has become more important than ever. If you are wondering how to make your home more eco friendly, we have some answers for you that are surprisingly easy. By making small tweaks to your lifestyle and the way your home uses energy, it is possible to both have an eco-friendly home and save a lot on energy bills in the process.

Interview with first time buyers India and Hallam

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

All of our residents are unique, so we love learning about how they settle in to their first homes. This interview with first time buyers India and Hallam dives into their favourite parts of their Pocket home at Arklow Road SE14.

Bolu’s story – Harbard Close IG11

March 15, 2021September 13, 2022 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

When Bolu (24) moved home to South East London after graduating from university, she immediately started saving for a place of her own. “Owning a home has always been a goal of mine. I did not want to get stuck renting in London – it’s so expensive and, particularly as a single person, I knew it would be impossible to afford the monthly cost and save for a deposit. When I left university, I decided my best option was to move back in with my parents and save everything I could. I was determined, but even I didn’t think it would be possible by the time I was 24!”

Thara’s story – West Green Place N17

May 18, 2020May 19, 2020 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Pocket Living has a mission – to help first time buyers who can’t afford to buy a home in London make that dream a reality. And who better to make this possible for than London’s key workers who are currently on the front line during the COVID-19 crisis?

That’s why we’re shining a light on Thara’s story, an NHS nurse who bought a home at West Green Place N17 just before London went into lockdown. She grew up in Haringey and works in the intensive care unit of a local hospital, so she was overjoyed to be able to buy a home in her community. ‘It was really important to me to stay in London. I love it for its tolerance and diversity. I’m a proud Londoner!’

New Pocket residents – Varcoe Road SE16 and West Green Place N17

December 10, 2019December 10, 2019 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

We’re rounding off the year with a smile, as our most recent Pocket Living residents have now moved into West Green Place N17 in Haringey and Varcoe Road SE16 in Southwark. Our customer care team has been working around the clock to get almost 200 city makers settled in by Christmas, and despite some hitches along the way (which happen with any new build), they have made sure that this festive season is a cheerful one! Read on to find out more.

#LivingwithPocket Competition

October 30, 2019October 31, 2019 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Many city makers think of home ownership as a pipe dream, so when they move into a Pocket Living home, it’s a real occasion.

That’s why we love seeing your moving in photos, whether you take snaps of your new local pub, your housewarming party, or your diy projects.