As we celebrate life starting to return to a new normal, the focus placed on our homes over the last two years has markedly intensified the desire to have access to outdoor space, with 44% of homebuyers now prioritising this in their property search. Having endured lockdown living in a one-bedroom flat first-time buyers Alan Crookham (52) and John Whelan (49) decided it was time to re-evaluate their lives and what their home offered them. Keen to find a new property that would give them access to the outdoor space they wanted, Alan and John found Peabody’s newest Shared Ownership development, Lazenby Square, SE1. Having successfully purchased a stunning one-bedroom apartment, Alan and John are now thoroughly enjoying a home that provides their own private outdoor winter garden as well as access to Lazenby Square’s superb location in Bermondsey and beautiful courtyard gardens.
Alan, Head of Library and Archives at the National Gallery, and John, a Freelance Theatre Director, explain more about why they purchased at Lazenby Square and why Covid accelerated their move: “We were living in a 1930s one bedroom flat near the Walworth Road in Southwark for about 11 years, also rented through Peabody. We liked our old place but it had its flaws; we were on the ground floor so there were no nice views and we had no private outside space. When Covid came into play, it made us re-evaluate our lives and what we wanted from our home – a priority for us both was having outside space and a nice outlook. We began our property search and it was during one of our many days out cycling during lockdown that we came across Peabody’s Shared Ownership homes at Lazenby Square. Like many others, staying at home during lockdown meant we were able to save money – we had savings put aside for our retirement, however we decided that we could instead use that for a deposit. Shared Ownership was a good option for both of us as the lower deposit amount required through the scheme meant we could buy a home together and still stay in London.”
John continues: “We arranged to view the show apartment at Lazenby Square, when we walked in, we knew it was the right one – we gave each other a look and we both knew what we were thinking. We had seen a few other developments but we hadn’t been impressed with the level of service or quality. Having already lived in a Peabody home, Alan and I both like what Peabody represents and what the brand stands for. They care for their customers and really make the most of the developments they build so we were keen to stay with them. The sales team nurtured us through the