Pocket - Page 6 of 10 - Starter homes for city makers

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, 2021February 18, 2026 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.

Will mortgage rates go up or down?

March 18, 2021March 19, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Will mortgage rates go down in 2021? We’ve been hearing a lot about mortgage rates trends in light of the Brexit trade deal and coronavirus, so we thought we’d unpack this a bit for all you first time buyers who may be thinking about buying your first home in the coming months.

Bolu’s story – Harbard Close IG11

March 15, 2021October 7, 2025 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!”

Viewing a home as a first-time buyer: Questions to ask

February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Buying your first home is likely to be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Preparing the right questions to ask when viewing a home is a key element of the process, but too many first-time home buyers fall into the trap of rushing through viewings and turning up unprepared. This can lead to valuable time wasted and unnecessary stress.

Property viewings are an opportunity to find out everything you can to ensure that you find a home that’s right for you. By maximising every viewing, you will be equipped to make an informed decision about what home to buy. After all – you only get one chance to be a first-time buyer, so get it right!

Can you move home during lockdown?

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 Hannah Godwin 1 Comment

You have made the commitment to buy a new home – you pick up the keys, excited to start the next chapter. But we are all living in lockdown conditions at the moment in response to the coronavirus outbreak. All but essential activities have been stopped. The big question is, can you move home during lockdown?

The short answer is yes!

How to save money in 2021

January 15, 2021February 26, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Ever check your bank account and wonder how your pay cheque disappeared so fast? Don’t stress – saving money is a problem that most people face at some point in their lives. Whether you are looking to pay for a house, or treat yourself to a nice holiday, knowing about ways to save money allows you to do the things you enjoy without worrying about the cost. Thankfully, it is never too late to start saving, and 2021 is a perfect time to think about how you can improve your finances. Find out some of the best ways to save money by using our saving tips below.

Things to do in Walthamstow

November 27, 2020March 25, 2021 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

Thinking of living in Walthamstow and wondering about things to do? You’re in luck, the borough of Walthamstow is alive with activity, sights to see, and places to visit. Not only is it home to a God’s Own Junkyard and William Morris Gallery, it is also a great spot to take a country walk, and has emerged as one of the best places to live in East London.