Ready for a place to call her own, primary school teacher Becky Watson, 32, turned her attention towards stepping onto the property ladder.
“I was living with my parents in Burghfield, which had its perks, but I wanted my own space – a home that was mine, which I could really make my own, where I could relax after a full-on day at work.”
Starting her property search in January 2022, Becky explains: “I was waiting for the right place to come along. I wasn’t really in a rush, I just wanted to find something I really loved. I viewed a development in Tadley, but it didn’t feel right. I would have had to buy off plan – something I didn’t feel 100% comfortable doing.”
Set on finding something that ticked all the boxes and keeping a close eye on property portal Share to Buy, Becky came across L&Q at Bankside Gardens in July 2023. A new development located on the outskirts of Reading, L&Q at Bankside Gardens compromises of one-, two- and three-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments. Residents also have access to the Residents’ Club 51 – an impressive onsite amenities hub which is home to a cinema, gym, co-working spaces and concierge.
“Once my Shared Ownership eligibility form was approved, I booked a viewing at L&Q at Bankside Gardens. I was shown the show home first, which I thought was beautiful. There was a six-seater dining table in the kitchen, and it really made me think that if you’re clever with furniture, you can do a lot with a space!”
“When I was shown an empty apartment, I felt really excited about the prospect of decorating it and moving my own furniture in. Walking out onto the balcony was a real ‘wow’ moment for me, too. You could see the lake and surrounding green space. Plus, the rooms were very spacious and the fact that integrated appliances were included was a real bonus.”
Confident she’d found her dream home, Becky purchased a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment at L&Q at Bankside Gardens for £69,375 (full market value £277,500).
Reflecting on her buying experience with L&Q, Becky comments: “The L&Q team were very good – they kept in touch via both email and phone throughout the buying process. They were also very mindful to call me after 4pm, once I’d finished work. I really appreciated that.”
“Leading up to my official move in date, the onsite Sales Team let me pop into my new home to show my parents and friends around, and also to measure up for furniture. They gave me a welcome tour too on my handover day, where they showed me how to use everything and gave me a manual with everything I need in it. It felt like they had really paid attention to the details!”
When asked why she chose to step onto the property ladder via Shared Ownership, Becky explains “I simply just couldn’t afford to buy on the open market as a solo purchaser. I’m sensible with money and have always put away a portion of my earnings monthly, but this still would never have left me with the kind of deposit required for buying a home in the traditional way.
“I’d found out about Shared Ownership from my older sister, who bought through the scheme around 15 years ago now. She had a really great experience and now owns all her home – I felt confident in the scheme as a result.”
Settled into her new apartment, Becky is enjoying the many perks of living at L&Q at Bankside Gardens.
“I have so much space in my home, and now that the weather is warming up, I can sit on my sofa with the balcony doors open and look out across the lake. It’s peaceful here. My friends love it too!
“There’s plenty of green space on offer in the local area, which was important for me; I grew up in the countryside so enjoy having easy access to nature. I love taking a walk around the lake after a busy day in the classroom. On the other hand, transport links here are really great. Green Park Station is just moments away and there’s parking included with every home.”
Looking ahead, Becky is planning to make use of the onsite amenities on offer at her new waterside neighbourhood and experience life at L&Q at Bankside Gardens fully.
“I’m hoping to staircase to 100% ownership of my apartment. I haven’t been here long, but it already feels like mine.”