Pocket - Page 4 of 11 - Starter homes for city makers

The government’s mortgage guarantee scheme explained

September 8, 2021August 25, 2021 Hannah Godwin 2 Comments

The onset of the pandemic in the spring of 2020 quickly lead to the withdrawal of low-deposit mortgages, as property valuations ground to a halt and lenders looked for ways to manage business levels.

Over the last 12 months, the market has gradually opened up again, and the budget announcement in March saw the Government confirm its intention to support the housing sector by increasing the availability of 95% mortgages.

Here, we have broken down how the government’s mortgage guarantee scheme works.

Packing checklist for moving home

September 1, 2021August 25, 2021 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

Packing – one of the most dreaded aspects of moving home. Luckily, there are things to consider when packing for a move so that you can take a smart approach and streamline your efforts.

We’ve put together a packing checklist for moving home to take all the guesswork out of it. Start by gathering the moving supplies you’ll need, and then work systematically until the job is done. Read on to find out more.

First time buyers stamp duty exemption explained: how much can I save?

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

First time buyers may qualify for a stamp duty exemption, with some getting a reduced rate and some not having to pay the tax at all. We know the ins and outs can be a bit confusing, so we’re breaking it down for you to understand how much you can actually save.

Sustainable developments – Harbard Close IG11

July 15, 2021July 15, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Our design team is clever – they understand that sustainability goes hand in hand with creating quality homes for modern living. Minimising waste and maximising efficiency is at the heart of what they do; they focus on inventive use of space and efficient planning so that real value is returned to our buyers.

Each of our developments is completely unique, with the team spending a lot of time getting the eco credentials up to scratch – from the methods of construction used to the paint on the walls. Our latest development in Barking, Harbard Close IG11, is a great example of a sustainable housing development in London. Read on to find out more about it.

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!

Our favourite up and coming cafés in Croydon

June 8, 2021June 9, 2021 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

Finding a good local café is important, and we think the best ones combine location, atmosphere, and, of course, great coffee. To help with your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best up and coming cafés in Croydon, all a stone’s throw away from our Addiscombe Grove CR0 development. Some are colourful, some are cosy, but all of them live and breathe the spirit of Croydon, which is why we love them.

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!

Is it better to rent or buy in London?

May 20, 2021March 15, 2023 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

If you rent, deciding whether to take the plunge and buy a property is probably the biggest decision you’ll ever make.

For many people, the decision will be swayed by what’s affordable to them. In most areas of London, average monthly rents are actually higher than mortgage repayments, making buying a better option (as long as you can afford the deposit).

Everyone’s circumstances are different, but if you’re struggling to decide whether it’s better to rent or buy in London, we hope this article will help inform your decision.

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.

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.