Press release

Today (15.12.16) the Deputy Mayor of Lewisham Cllr Alan Smith will present a local first time buyer with the keys to their new affordable flat at Pocket’s first scheme in Lewisham on Marischal Road, near Lewisham Station.

Caseworker Sanketa Shetty, 27, purchased her Pocket flat for £230,000 – 20% below the Lewisham average – after renting for three years. She will be moving into her new home in time for Christmas. 

Cllr Smith also gave Sanketa a Christmas tree to help her kick start the festive season and welcome her to her new home. 

On average the buyers at Pocket’s Marischal Road development earn £36,000 and are just 32 years old. They all previously lived in Lewisham, and about half of them are working in South London and in the public and charity sectors.

All 25 flats at the Marischal Road development are now reserved. In the Spring, Pocket is launching its second Lewisham development of 30 affordable flats on Arklow Road in Deptford. They will be completed by the end of 2017 and are reserved for first time buyers who live or work in the London Borough of Lewisham. Potential buyers must also have a household income under the Mayor of London’s affordable housing threshold.

First time buyer Sanketa Shetty said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled be moving into my own home in time for Christmas. It’s a dream come true. I’m in the borough that I want to live in and I’m a property owner. 

I’ve been renting in South London for years but without Pocket I wouldn’t stand a chance of buying somewhere around here. It’s great knowing that I can now put down roots and stay in an area that I love.

The Pocket team have been very helpful throughout the entire process of buying my first home! I feel very fortunate.” 

Deputy Mayor of Lewisham Cllr Alan Smith said:

“Lewisham Council is dedicated to tackling the housing crisis and finding new and innovative ways of helping people into affordable home ownership. 

I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work closely with Pocket to deliver these wonderful new homes for local people in Lewisham and that they will continue to be affordable for future generations.

I’m sure Sanketa and all her neighbours will be very happy in their new homes.”

Pocket CEO Marc Vlessing said:

“What better gift for Christmas than to move into your new home? We’re delighted for all the new Pocket homeowners at Marischal Road and hope they settle in well. 

“We will continue to work closely with the Mayor and Lewisham Council to find innovative ways of helping even more local people to own their own home.”