With a fast-paced job in a tech start-up in the City, connectivity is crucial for Sandrine Lagrange, both in the workplace and at home.
After 12 years of renting in Leytonstone, Sandrine was very familiar with East London and enjoyed a fast commute into work in an area buzzing with character. Keen to lay more permanent roots in East London, she started to investigate how she could get on to the ladder.
Sandrine comments, “I did a lot of research into how I could buy in East London, anxious about the high property prices which force many first-time buyers to leave their favourite neighbourhoods. When I came across Shared Ownership it seemed like the perfect solution for me – suddenly home ownership was within reach.”
Sandrine visited the London Home Show back in 2018 – a first-time buyer exhibition attended by over all the major housing providers in the capital – and L&Q’s Weavers Quarter stood out immediately.
She continues, “I had spent a year looking for a property, visiting numerous Shared Ownership sites to find an affordable, high quality home in a location I liked. When I discovered Weavers Quarter it felt like I had struck gold – it offered everything I had been looking for. I leapt at the opportunity to reserve!”
Sandrine bought a 50% share in a two-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor at Weavers Quarter, complete with a private balcony and large open-plan living space.
Sandrine comments, “I couldn’t believe I could afford such a large share at Weavers Quarter, and that a second bedroom was within budget. I’ve converted the second room into a home office which fits my needs precisely; I could never have afforded such a luxury on the open market.”
“I absolutely love my home – it’s so bright and spacious, with lots of storage space that is really convenient. Plus it is great to have some private outdoor space alongside access to the communal gardens – the balcony is great for unwinding after work in the summer.”
Weavers Quarter is an award-winning development in central Barking, built in partnership with the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. L&Q has recently launched its final phase of two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments, completing the 221 homes at Weavers Quarter.
A stone’s throw from the high street, residents at Weavers Quarter are in a fantastic position to enjoy the best of the East London town centre.
Sandrine mentions, “Barking ticked all the boxes for me. First and foremost, the affordability of homes in the borough is unlike anywhere else in London – it’s brilliant for first time buyers looking for a well-connected hub. Plus there are so many transport options – I’m only a 10 minute walk from Barking station where I can jump on the District line straight to work.”
She adds, “Barking definitely has the East London edge that I was looking for – there’s a bustling market on the high street selling fresh produce, an increasing number of bars and restaurants, and lots of local events.”
Just three months passed between Sandrine reserving and moving into her new home at Weavers Quarter.
Sandrine continues, “I had an amazing experience with L&Q sales staff. Tamika was always very responsive and supportive, keeping me in the loop throughout the process and ensuring I felt confident in my purchase. I knew she had my best interests at heart from day one, and it made the process of buying my first-home a very enjoyable one.”
Sandrine is keen to share her experience of purchasing through Shared Ownership and encourages others to explore the scheme further.
Sandrine comments, “I would really recommend Shared Ownership to first-time buyers who don’t have a large pot of money in the bank. It’s a fantastic route to owning a brand new home, and the staircasing process means that one day you can have full ownership.”
Sandrine finishes, “My goal was always to be on the ladder before I reached 40, and through Shared Ownership that was possible.”
Prices start from £89,250 for a 30% share of a two-bedroom apartment (FMV £295,000)
For more information visit: https://www.weaversquarter.co.uk , email weaversquarter@lqgroup.org.uk or alternatively call us at 0333 234 1153 to arrange a viewing between Thursday to Monday 10 AM – 5PM and on Sunday 10 AM – 4PM.