For Thai, the dream of owning a home never meant giving up on London. The 33-year-old homelessness charity practitioner has bought his first property at Pocket’s Sheepcote Road development in Harrow, enabling him to put down roots close to his family.
Born and raised in West London, staying in the city was Thai’s priority. “I’d already built a life here with work, sports, friends and family,” he says. “I didn’t want to leave that behind.”
Thai came across Pocket – an innovative housing developer designed to support first-time buyers – on social media years before he was ready to buy a home, and kept them in mind until he started saving up.
In 2019, navigating a challenging job market after university, Thai moved back in with his mum in Ealing. He ended up staying for the next seven years to give himself the best chance of building up a healthy deposit. “Moving home felt like a step backward, but I realised I could contribute some ‘rent’, buy my own food and still save money to get on the property ladder,” he explains.
“I thought I’d have to move out of London into an older property to stay within my budget,” Thai says, until the Pocket team suggested their Sheepcote Road development in Harrow.
Despite being unfamiliar with the area at first, Thai’s viewing showed him the appeal of living in Harrow. “I realised I could be close to where I grew up, well-connected to the city centre and have green spaces, great restaurants and a gym on my doorstep,” Thai explains. “My mum came to the viewing with me and couldn’t believe it either, just how much I could get for my money.”
While many first-time buyers often find themselves compromising on space or location, Sheepcote Road ticked all the boxes for Thai. “With high ceilings and clever storage, the flat is so well-thought out,” he explains. “I got everything I wanted.”
Thai purchased a show home at Sheepcote Road, meaning he could move into a fully-furnished, decorated space. “At the viewing, I joked that it would be great to just move in to this flat with everything already done – and I could,” he says. “The process was so straightforward and hassle-free.”
Thai continues: “My mum was impressed with the interior design too. The colour scheme, the modern features, the quality of the appliances – I wouldn’t have been able to think it all up myself.”
“I wake up every morning still in disbelief that this is my home.”
The communal amenities in the development have also given Thai more scope to work and socialise. “Having a co-working space is a great option when I want a change of scenery from the flat, and the roof terrace is ideal for hosting friends.”
Reflecting on his homebuying journey, Thai believes there is a clear need for more housing schemes that support first-time buyers, especially in London.
Research from Public First, a leading public policy research agency, finds that two in five young Londoners are planning to quit the capital in the next five years – the biggest financial pressure for almost all respondents is their home, as rents and living costs continue to rise and homeownership feels increasingly out of reach.
“Without Pocket, I wouldn’t have been able to buy in London at this stage,” Thai says.
“Schemes like Pocket help Londoners stay in London.”
Thai purchased his one bedroom home at Pocket’s Sheepcote Road development in Harrow for £265,000 in August 2026.
To be eligible to purchase a Pocket home, the prospective buyer can’t already own another property, and must live or work in London. All buyers must earn under the Mayor of London’s income threshold for affordable housing (currently £90,000). When the homes are sold on, new purchasers must meet the original criteria including a household income below the Mayor of London’s affordable housing threshold.
Buyers own 100% of their property, which are sold at a 20% discount to the local market.
For more information or to register interest, prospective buyers can visit www.pocketliving.com or call 020 7291 3683.