Enva (36), a Financial Risk Manager and Nikos (35), an Agricultural Supply Chain Specialist, purchased their first home together at The Green at Epping Gate in February this year (2025), after four years of renting in Shepherd’s Bush. The couple bought a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony, parking and an on-site wellness centre from developer Fairview New Homes for £411,000.

The Green at Epping Gate truly offers the best of both worlds – modern apartments designed to embody the city and country hybrid lifestyle; surrounded by nature yet still within touching distance of the capital. Enva said: “What attracted us to this development was the bright, airy atmosphere and spacious design; the flat is full of natural light throughout the day. We also love the balcony/patio area and the great views of the surrounding area. The modern aesthetic and the well-planned layout made it feel like the perfect place for us to call home.

“The on-site wellness centre is also a huge plus! Having somewhere to exercise so close to home makes it so much easier to live a healthy lifestyle. The high street is nearby and there is a great selection of restaurants, bars and independent stores for us to enjoy on weeknights and weekends.”

Nikos added: “The location is also fantastic. Not only are we surrounded by beautiful green spaces like Epping Forest, but the Central Line is just a short walk away at Debden Station and we can be at Liverpool Street in around 30 minutes, which is useful as we both work in the city a few days a week. It also feels very safe and secure which is important to us when thinking about starting a family.”

The couple weren’t just drawn to the tranquility and transport links that Loughton has to offer, but the opportunity to get out of the rental market and build a secure future. Having put down a 15% deposit of £61,650 and taken out a 30-year fixed mortgage for two years at 4.64%, Nikos and Enva are left with monthly repayments of just £1,800 a month between them, all going towards their own home.

Nikos said: “We wanted to buy our own home for a sense of stability and security after years of renting. Renting felt temporary, and we wanted a place where we could truly settle and make our own.

“Another big reason was financial investment; instead of paying rent every month with nothing to show for it, we wanted to put that money towards something that would benefit us in the long run.”

The couple had been looking at a mix of properties, both new and older but in the end, there were a multitude of factors that attracted them to a new-build home and particularly one with Fairview. Enva explained: “We chose a new build because we wanted a modern, energy-efficient property with minimal maintenance. The idea of moving into a place with brand-new appliances, warranties, and no renovation work needed was very appealing. Plus, the buying process was quick and straightforward, with fewer risks compared to older properties – we made our reservation at the start of January and moved in by the middle of February!”

Nikos added: “We bought with Fairview because of their competitive pricing and reputation for good quality builds. Fairview were also very generous in gifting us a bed from the show home as they were approaching the sellout of the site, so that was a nice touch that helped us save some extra money.”

When asked what advice she was give to someone buying their first home, Enva said: “Start the search early, be patient, and stay flexible. The right home will come along, but it’s important to do thorough research, understand the costs beyond just the deposit, and be prepared for the paperwork process. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions—whether it’s about the property, the mortgage, or the legal side of things. Lastly, trust your instincts when you find the right place!