Sashwat (30), a Technology Consultant and Rupali (30), a Procurement Analyst, purchased their first home together at The Silverton in the Royal Docks, Newham in November 2024 – a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a large balcony for £500,000. With the area amidst a huge £8 billion regeneration project, the couple hope their purchase will act as a springboard for them to build future wealth.

Sashwat and Rupali managed to accrue savings of £50,000 in two and half years whilst renting in Canary Wharf, through self-discipline and using an equity ISA. Sashwat and his wife considered putting their savings into stocks and shares, but ultimately the security of property investment and growth potential of the Royal Docks proved too strong: “Investing more of our savings into stocks and shares was definitely a consideration at one point, however ultimately the volatility of the market compared to the property market was the deciding factor,” Sashwat said.

He continued: “There is a lot of growth happening in the Royal Docks which is going to elevate the price of properties in the future, so we felt there would be more of a guarantee of a return on investment. Plus, if we buy a second property in the future, which we hope to do, we can rent this one out and the rental yields would be strong, meaning we are earning extra income from rent as well as building equity.

According to Dataloft, the population in the Royal Docks is expected to grow by 44% by 2034, with gross rental yields at The Silverton predicted to reach 6.34%. The £8 billion worth of investment in the Royal Docks is also set to bring 36,000 new homes and 55,000 new jobs to the area over the next 20 years, all pointing towards house price growth in the area.

The Silverton is within 20 minutes of 67% of London’s financial and insurance jobs, including those in Canary Wharf, which was another pull for Sashwat: “We were renting in Canary Wharf before but it was too expensive to buy – our hope is that the Royal Docks will experience the same kind of growth that Canary Wharf has seen over the last 15 – 20 years.

“The connectivity is excellent - my office is in Canary Wharf and I can be there in 12 minutes via the DLR at Pontoon Docks which is great for me now and for our property’s future growth. We looked at a few other areas like Blackwell, Greenwich, Clapham and Stratford but ultimately The Silverton’s proximity to key financial hubs like Canary Wharf and Bank was one of the primary reasons we bought here.”

Sashwat and Rupali’s one-bedroom flat in Canary Wharf was costing them £1,800 a month in rent. For just £240 more, they have an extra bedroom and a place they can call their own at The Silverton: “Whilst our apartment was in a convenient location, we were keen to invest in a place of our own and have more long-term stability. We were attracted to The Silverton’s prime riverside location and excellent connectivity. The combination of scenic views, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to central London made it an ideal choice for us”, said Sashwat.

He added: “Having previously rented in Canary Wharf, we already knew about the Royal Docks and loved it. It feels like the best of both worlds, and now that we own a home here, it’s even more special.

“The proximity to Thames Barrier Park provides us with access to green spaces, and the nearby Royal Wharf offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and fun things to do.”

Despite looking at older properties, particularly in areas like Clapham, Sashwat and his wife were drawn to the many benefits of buying a new build property.

Sashwat said: “We chose a new build because of the peace of mind that comes with a brand-new property - everything is fresh, modern, and built to the latest standards. There’s also the added benefit of lower maintenance in the early years and the reassurance of a warranty. Plus, we loved the idea of moving into a home that hadn’t been lived in before and being able to make it our own from day one.

“We chose to buy with Fairview New Homes because of their reputation for building high-quality homes in well-connected and desirable locations. We were particularly impressed by the design and layout of the development, as well as the attention to detail in the finish. The overall experience felt smooth and professional, which gave us confidence in our decision.”

When asked about what advice Sashwat would give other first-time buyers when buying their first home, he said: “I would recommend setting clear savings goals, being disciplined with spending, and exploring Equity ISA’s and government schemes that can help boost your deposit.

“Take your time and don’t rush the process. It's important to carefully consider not just the price, but also the location, future resale value, and how well the property fits with your long-term goals. I’d also recommend having a solid budget and a buffer for unexpected expenses. Finally, be sure to thoroughly research the development and the builder’s reputation, as this can make a huge difference in the long run.”