First-time buyers Simon (35) and Ishamane (35) booked in for a rental viewing at a development called The Green at Epping Gate in Loughton, Essex, in January this year (2025), under the impression they weren’t yet in a position to buy. Six weeks later, the couple completed on their first home together at the same development, purchasing a one-bedroom flat with a balcony from Fairview New Homes for £339,000.

Teachers Simon and Ishamane had both been renting in Hoxton for the past seven and a half years, putting money aside each month towards their dream of owning their own home together. Despite that, homeownership still didn’t feel in reach at the start of this year, until they visited Essex for what they thought was just rental viewing at The Green at Epping Gate.

 Simon said: “We’d been renting in London for such a long time and whilst we love the city and the lifestyle, but at 35 it felt like the right time to move a little further out where life is a bit slower and more affordable. We’d built up a healthy saving pot over the last seven years or so, but it still didn’t seem like enough, so we thought we’d just rent for a little longer whilst we saved the rest.

“After looking at a flat at The Green to rent, it just felt so right, and we were keen to throw our hats in the ring. On the way out, we thought we’d pop our heads into the marketing suite just out of interest and after a conversation with one of the sales team, we realised we were much closer to being able to buy than we thought…”

“They helped us understand our finances better, what we could afford, what schemes there are out there, and offered to match our deposit of £16,950 to boost our affordability. We were still a bit short of the deposit required, but with the Stamp Duty Tax threshold change looming we made the decision to ask a family member to help us to the finish line, if the home and area didn’t feel so right, I don’t think we’d have done so! Three days later, we put in an offer, and it was accepted.”

Simon and Ishamane were able to take advantage of the Deposit Unlock scheme, meaning they only had to put down a 5% deposit to secure their new home. As a result of beating the Stamp Duty Tax change on 1^st April, the couple were also able to save £1,950 which can now go towards new furniture. Now that the couple are homeowners, they’re also paying less a month compared to when they were renting.

Simon explained: “At our one-bedroom flat in Hoxton we were paying £1,850 a month. In our new two-bed flat, we’re paying £1,650 – to be a homeowner and actually be paying less a month is a great feeling and was an added reason for us to make the move when we did; not to mention everything we pay is going towards our mortgage and not a landlord’s!”

Despite still working in London and finding it tough initially to say goodbye to city life, Simon insists their new home, and neighbourhood is well worth the sacrifice: “Of course we miss being in London to an extent but at this point in our lives, we were looking for a quieter and slower

pace. We love all the surrounding green space, like Epping Forest, and we’re still close enough to London with the Central Line available at Debden Station which is only a short walk away.”

“Our home itself spacious and bright, and we love the on-site wellness centre. Buying a new build means we have a blank slate and we can make it our own. The fact everything is brand new and we know we won’t need to have any work done on it for several years was appealing.

“The speed of the process was also impressive. We put out our offer in on 10^th January and by 17^th February we had the keys. The Fairview team were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, providing us with support and guidance throughout the process.”

Simon’s advice for other first-time buyers is: “Be proactive and view as many places as possible – the right one will come along soon enough and when it does, trust your instincts. We also had help from friends who had already been through the process so seek as much advice and support as you can.”