Diego Onolfo, a 33-year-old Clinical Ward Manager, had been renting in London for eight years, fed up with putting money in his landlord’s pocket every month whilst the dream of homeownership felt so far away. In November 2024, he spotted his ideal home and moved only six weeks later, “I’ve always wanted a place to call mine and when I saw this development, I knew it was perfect - a modern apartment for an affordable price. I booked a viewing immediately and put in an offer very shortly afterwards.

“This was my first house viewing but I knew it was the right place for me. Fairview New Homes made the buying process really simple, and I was able to move in within six weeks, by using their recommended solicitors and mortgage brokers!”

Diego previously rented a room in a three-bedroom home in Stratford but was growing tired of high rental prices, “I was paying about £900 a month on rent which is about what I spend now on my mortgage.. I’m happy with my mortgage payments but I’m even happier that the money I’m spending is going towards something that is actually mine.

“Using a Help to Buy ISA , I was able to put away enough money away to buy my first home. I found One Goodmayes to be an especially affordable option, particularly compared to other locations with balcony views and so close to the Elizabeth line. It’s very handy being next to Goodmayes station – it’s about a five minutes’ walk from my new place, which means I can get to central London in less than half-an-hour.”

Diego was also drawn to the conveniences of the local area, “There’s a supermarket right next door which is convenient, as well as a gym nearby and some lovely green spaces which made buying in the area even more attractive."

He was also excited at the prospect of moving into a new build, “The modern architecture and design are some of my favourite things about my new home. The fact that the building is also compliant with the latest health and safety standards gives me confidence that there won’t be any unpleasant surprises down the line, like problems with plumbing or leaks. My energy bills are also lower compared to my previous place - and I’m sure they could be much higher in a less energy-efficient building, especially with the rising cost of gas and electricity.”

Diego’s advice to other first-time buyers is to buy a new home with a property developer that can support you throughout the buying process, and to start saving early, “I’d recommend buying new to avoid any of the potential problems that you often find with older buildings. It’s also important to make sure the company you’re buying from can support you.

“Buying a home can be quite stressful but it doesn’t have to be with the right professional support on hand . The sales team at Fairview were incredibly helpful throughout the buying process. They answered all my questions quickly, kept me updated at every step, and genuinely made the whole process feel easy and stress-free.

“The final thing I’d say is don’t postpone saving and allocate a healthy chunk of your monthly earnings towards your future home every month if you can – ISA accounts can support greatly with your goal, providing interest on your savings.”