Tom, a marketing analyst, and his partner Diane, who works in finance, moved into their first home together in April 2022 after viewing a Pocket Living apartment at Addiscombe Grove CR0 in East Croydon. They fell in love with its modern design, great transport links and reasonable starting price.
Here’s their story of how they were able to purchase an affordable home in Croydon.
First time buyer homes in London
Finding out about Pocket
Tom and Diane were previously living separately in Brighton and Mitcham, respectively, having spent a number of years studying at university and working to save up ahead of their move to London for work.
“We had both secured jobs in the capital and wanted to live together and so decided the next logistical step for us was to purchase our own home together somewhere fairly central”, explains Tom.
The couple discovered Pocket Living through a family recommendation.
“My partner’s brother lives in a Pocket development in Kingston and he had really positive things to say about his experience so we decided to take a look around its Addiscombe Grove development in East Croydon. It wasn’t the only home we looked at in the area, but we really liked the idea of buying a new build and the appeal of no one having lived there before, as well as Pocket’s reputation as a good developer. The discount applied for first time buyers, which was also very appealing, so we decided to buy a one-bedroom apartment there”, says Tom.
Pocket Living is an innovative housing developer, which delivers one bedroom apartments exclusively to first time buyers living or working in London. All of the homes are available at a 20% discount to the local market value, and owners own 100% of their home.
Seamless buying process
As it was Tom and Diane’s first home, they were both reassured by the ease of the buying process.
“Pocket Living provided us with really helpful guidance on the steps involved in buying our apartment, and even connected us with recommended mortgage advisors and solicitors. It made the whole process a lot smoother, which was exactly what we needed having not done it before”, they explain.
In addition to a friendly team trained to work with first time buyers, Pocket Living has a handy First Time Buyer Guide to support them through the process.
Location, location, location
The location of Addiscombe Grove CR0, which is a four-minute walk from East Croydon station, was another major draw for the pair, as the line offers excellent transport links via Thameslink, Southern railway and the Gatwick Express. Both London Bridge and Victoria stations are less than 20 minutes away, while residents can get to Gatwick Airport in as little at 14 minutes.
“We wanted to live in East Croydon for its commuting convenience. I work in Battersea, and my partner works in Canary Wharf, so having East Croydon station nearby has been fantastic”, says Tom, who noted that he can leave his home at Addiscombe Grove and be on the train platform within a matter of minutes. The great connections to Brighton, which takes just 50 minutes door to door, also means he can easily visit his grandad who lives there.
Beyond the commute, the couple enjoy spending time in the local area, exploring the variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment options on their doorstep.
“We will often take our friends to BOXPARK Croydon when they come to visit. It has lots of food options, so it’s great if we want to grab a bite to eat, although Oodles, a Chinese restaurant on George Street, is a particular favourite of ours”, says Tom.
Designed for city living
Moving into a new home, complete with modern fixtures and fittings, meant that the couple could put their own personal touch on the property.
“We were specifically looking for a new build as we didn’t want to do much work to it, but we were very excited to decorate it, painting the walls, installing floor-to-ceiling TV cabinets and giving it a really cosy and comfortable feel – this was made much easier by the fact that IKEA is just a 12-minute drive away”, they note.
Tips for aspiring first time buyers
For those dreaming of owning their first home, the couple has shared some advice:
- Explore the area: “Make it an adventure! Spend time in the neighbourhood you’re considering. Walk around, visit the local cafes and get a feel for the community vibe. It’s exciting to imagine yourself living there, and it helps you make a confident decision.”
- Save early and consistently: “No matter how small the amount, every little adds up. Consider using a simple budgeting rule like the 50/30/20 method: allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings. Watching your deposit grow is incredibly rewarding and brings you one step closer to buying your first home.”
- Take advantage of living at home: “If you have the opportunity, living with family for a bit longer can supercharge your savings. It’s a great short-term strategy that can help you achieve your long-term goal of homeownership faster. It’s a small sacrifice for a big reward!”
- Stay positive: “Buying your first home can feel daunting at times, but it’s an incredible feeling when you finally get the keys and step into a place you can truly call your own. It’s all worth it when you see your hard work pay off.”
Get on the London property ladder
If you’re interested in buying your first home with Pocket Living, check out our developments for first time buyers, where you can enjoy 100% ownership with a 20% discount. And don’t forget to register for a My Pocket account to receive the latest updates on available homes, check your eligibility and more.