Walter and Ciena

For many key workers and supermarket staff, home ownership can feel out of reach. But Walter (39), a Tesco manager, and his wife Ciena (41), a receptionist, defied the odds and purchased their first home at Fairview New Homes’ Southall Grove development in West London in December 2025 – a one-bedroom apartment with a separate kitchen for £330,000.

For Walter and Ciena, buying their first home was the result of careful planning, discipline, and sacrifice rather than sudden good fortune or family support. Like many Londoners, the couple had been renting, paying £1,575 a month for a one-bedroom house in Hounslow. While the home was comfortable, Walter says the reality of renting never felt secure.

“Every year the rent would go up,” Walter explains. “You never know when the landlord might sell, and the money just goes out without building anything for your future. That was the hardest part.”

Determined to change their situation, Walter and Ciena made a conscious decision to save. For nearly three years, they adopted a strict approach: Walter’s salary covered rent and living costs, while Ciena put a significant portion of hers into a standard savings account.

“There was no secret trick,” Walter says. “It was just commitment. We decided not to ask family or friends for help. We wanted to do this ourselves, with our own hard-earned money.”

Their search for a home was constrained by affordability, with borrowing capped by their combined salaries. They explored areas including Hayes, Southall, and surrounding neighbourhoods, often finding properties just outside their reach.

The breakthrough came almost by chance when a Fairview New Homes flyer arrived through the door. Curious, Walter researched Southall Grove online and suggested a visit.

The couple visited the show home on their day off and immediately knew the development was exactly what they were looking for. The apartment appealed not only on price, but also on layout. Unlike many modern apartments, it features a separate kitchen – a non-negotiable for the couple, who love cooking.

“We cook a lot, especially Indian food,” Walter says. “Having a separate kitchen with good ventilation was very important to us. We didn’t want cooking smells mixing with the living space.”

Their affordability was boosted by Fairview’s Deposit Top Up incentive, which the couple used to reduce their monthly repayments. With support from Fairview’s recommended mortgage advisers, Walter and Ciena secured a five-year fixed-rate mortgage with Barclays at around 4%, over a 25-year term. Their monthly mortgage payment will be approximately £1,400 – less than they were paying in rent.

“For us, that was the turning point,” Walter says. “Paying slightly less than rent, but knowing it’s for our own home, changes everything.”

Having worked at Tesco for nearly five years, following a career in hospitality, Walter believes his experience demonstrates what is possible with stability, planning, and the right support.

“There’s this idea that people like us can’t buy,” he says. “But if you plan, save, and stay focused, it can happen. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.”

The couple were also attracted to the peace of mind and practicality of a new build. “Buying new gives you confidence that everything is modern, fresh, and built to the latest standards. There’s lower maintenance in the early years and a warranty for reassurance. We liked that we could move in and make it our own from day one.”

Southall Grove’s location was another key factor. “We’re close to transport links, shops, and restaurants, which makes everyday life much easier. It’s a friendly, safe area and well connected to central London for work and leisure,” Walter explains.

Now officially homeowners, Walter and Ciena are looking forward to a sense of permanence they have never had before.

“This is our home,” Walter says. “Something we worked for together. When you realise that, every sacrifice feels worth it. We plan to stay here for many years. Having our own home has given us the confidence that, with planning, discipline, and perseverance, first-time buyers like us can achieve their goals, even in a challenging London market.”

When asked for advice to other first-time buyers, Walter adds: “Be disciplined with your savings, plan carefully, and don’t be afraid to take the leap. It might take a few years, but it’s possible to buy your own home with dedication and careful planning. Start early, know your budget, and research the development and builder carefully – it makes a huge difference.”