Is Help to Buy a dream come true for first time home buyers? The scheme allows you to borrow up to 40% of the purchase price of a property from the government with as little as a 5% deposit (for more information, read our Help to Buy guide). Lots of residents have come to HomeViews to share their experiences of Help to Buy in London. So, we decided to share some of the best…
Lyon Square by Redrow Homes
Lyon Square is located in the heart of Harrow, an area whose up and coming status has injected new life. The postcode now offers a charming mix of shops, eateries, and outdoor spaces, as well as proximity to excellent independent and state schools.
These Redrow Homes Help to Buy properties comprise a collection of one and two-bedroom luxury apartments. Residents also enjoy a courtyard, concierge, underground parking, and cycle store, with plans for a residents’ gym in the pipeline.
Lyon Square also has direct access to the City and all of the world-class attractions that come with it. And for when you want to escape London altogether, King’s Cross is just 28 minutes away.
“I bought my flat using Help to Buy and moved in in February 2018. Help to Buy was an easy process. I feel that I got value for money as I offered just below the asking price which was accepted and the solicitor cost was also covered I wish I had used their free mortgage advisor as I had used one recommended by a friend.”
Verified Owner, Sarah, who used the Help to Buy scheme – July 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Lyon Square here.
Deptford Foundry by Anthology
Deptford Foundry sits on the site of an 1831 metal foundry. The building’s design has been inspired by its industrial heritage, whilst simultaneously encompassing the spirit of London’s newest creative hotbed.
These Help to Buy properties all boast balconies or terraces, as well as communal gardens and creative workspaces. Although this trendy south-east London community has everything that you need on hand, the rest of the city is within easy reach via New Cross and Deptford stations.
“So having bought our first home via the The Help To Buy Scheme I dont think we could have done any better. Apparently buying a home can be quite stressful Anthology alleviated this process entirely fantastic. The Apartment itself is delivered to an extremely high standard both the finish and fixtures. My personal favourites are the Kitchen and Bathroom super fancy. All in all very pleased with our purchase.”
Verified Owner, Jack, who used the Help to Buy scheme – March 2019
“When looking for a flat to purchase through Help to Buy scheme, I knew it had to be within budget and within cycling distance to work. Little did I know that I would get so much more than that through purchasing with Anthology. The support provided by Georgia and the team was always very timely, friendly and efficient.”
Verified Owner, Lily, who used the Help to Buy scheme – Feb 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Deptford Foundry here.
Venue by Fairview New Homes
Venue is a series of cul-de-sacs in Anerley, the tranquil suburb bordering Crystal Palace Park. Bustling with shops, restaurants, and schools, Anerley retains the peace of anonymity whilst bordering London’s bohemian capital: Crystal Palace Triangle. Plus, Anerley Overground station (Zone 4) is five minutes away, meaning you could be enjoying Central London within 20 minutes.
“We’re so pleased to have been able to buy our first home through the help to buy scheme. The flat is perfect for us.”
Verified Owner, Alison, who used the Help to Buy scheme – August 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Venue here.
Hendon Waterside by Barratt London
Hendon Waterside takes its name from its proximity to the Welsh Harp Reservoir. It’s scenic trails and opportunities for water sports are the development’s uniquely alluring draw.
People are flocking to Hendon for its combination of natural living and Central London links. These Help to Buy properties are within walking distance of Hendon and Hendon Central stations, a mere 16 minutes from St Pancras, 28 minutes from Blackfriars, and 30 minutes from the West End.
Hendon Waterside comprises over 2,000 one, two, and three-bedroom homes. All of these offer a private outdoor space and parking and will be ready to move into in summer 2020.
“The development feels safe and is quiet. There is a communal gym that we can use and a concierge. The developers have been really good and we are really happy with the quality of our housing and how problems have been dealt with.”
Verified Owner, Scott, who used the Help to Buy scheme – July 2019
“There is a communal courtyard and garden which is really nice. The building is very well built and I really like the look of the development. It feels quiet and safe. The developer delivered everything on time and also did final checks to ensure the quality of the property.”
Verified Owner, Colin, who used the Help to Buy scheme – July 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Hendon Waterside here.
Eclipse by Taylor Wimpey
Situated in the heart of Walthamstow, Eclipse perfectly positions residents to enjoy the benefits of living in London’s Borough of Culture 2019. The area offers a selection of high street shops, independent boutiques, and a daily market in the town. Not to mention an array of eateries, multi-screen cinema, leisure centre, and proximity to green spaces such as Lea Valley and Epping Forest.
These Help to Buy properties are placed within walking distance of Blackhorse Road station, which provides fast links into the City Centre via the Victoria Line and London Overground. It is also near the North Circular for access to the M11, A1 and M1, so escaping London for a weekend or two couldn’t be easier.
“Spacious flat and good value for money.”
Verified Owner, Jolanta, who used the Help to Buy scheme – July 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Eclipse here.
St Mark’s Square by U + I Group
Located one minute from Bromley South station, St Mark’s Square offers high quality living in a beautiful leisure quarter.
The development is a landscaped public square surrounded by 200 private apartments and countless amenities. These include a cinema, 25,000 square feet of cafés and restaurants, and a 400-space underground car park.
“Good building and concierge service. Loads of restaurants and shops around. Access to central London is great. Recycling could be better. Parking is expensive if you don’t own a parking lot. Ventilation is very good. Hardly any noise from the trains.”
Verified Owner, Mantas B, who used the Help to Buy scheme – July 2019
Check out more resident reviews of St Mark’s Square here.
Fish Island Village by Hill
Designed and built with the industrial heritage of the area in mind, these Help to Buy properties will comprise a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a vibrant canal-side community. Residents will be spoiled for amenities, which will include a gym, concierge, and parking to selected apartments.
One of the property’s major draws is its location. With a population of trendy independent cafes, bars, and restaurants growing in correlation with booming creative industries, this is fast becoming one of the most sought after neighbourhoods in East London. Hill has even partnered with workspace provider The Trampery to offer entrepreneurs work/live spaces and ground floor studios.
“Very well managed property, I feel happy living here.”
Verified Owner, R, who used the Help to Buy scheme – September 2019
“Prices start from GBP432,500 for a one-bedroom apartment, GBP557,500 for two bedrooms, and GBP690,000 for three. However, with the Help to Buy London scheme onside, buyers could nab one with just a 5% deposit and a 55% mortgage – great news for those looking for something more affordable in a community with its finger well and truly on the pulse.”
HomeViews Property Pro – March 2018
Check out more resident reviews of Fish Island Village here.
Acton Gardens by L&Q and Countryside (Help to Buy only available with Countryside)
This joint venture is offering residences within an award-winning urban village at the heart of West London. Acton Gardens’ 2,800 apartments will balance a vibrant communal spirit with the leafy surroundings of Chiswick, Gunnersbury and Acton.
“Nice flat in London in a nice area with a park view that you can come back to and chill. Public transport is good and there have been some new public amenities promised – like a coffee shop – which would really benefit the area, somewhere to hang out in before or after taking the kids to the park. I’ve lived here for 6 years and started encountering some issues with hot water after 4 though which you wouldn’t expect from a new build. All in all though I’m happy with my place.”
Verified Owner, Monika, who used the Help to Buy scheme – August 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Acton Gardens here.
Ropemakers Yard by L&Q
The Help to Buy properties at Ropemakers Yard consist of sleek apartments and landscaped gardens situated within the heart of East London. Contemporary riverside homes contrast with Victorian and Georgian surrounding architecture, interspersed with trendy cafes, acclaimed restaurants, and proper pubs.
Apartments feature open-plan interiors that are as stylish as they are comfortable. Residents also benefit from amenities such as 24 hour concierge, private balconies, and access to a residents-only gym.
“Nice quiet-ish area, not like being in a busy like eg Shoreditch. There’s good transport links, though.”
Verified Owner, Anonymous, who used the Help to Buy scheme – July 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Ropemakers Yard here.
Lexicon by Fairview New Homes
Situated in the charming district of Harrow, Lexicon is a Help to Buy property whose chic specification is perfectly in keeping with an area facing exciting regeneration. From contemporary interiors to private balconies, Lexicon exudes style.
Harrow boasts pubs, restaurants, tearooms, shopping, and five excellent primary schools (plus the renowned Harrow High School). Several fitness clubs, sports facilities, and beautiful parks are also located nearby.
If you need to travel further afield, Harrow-on-the-Hill Underground station (Zone 5), which connects you to Central London, is a five-minute walk walk away.
“Station at walking distance.. five minutes walk…… Two shopping centres very close…. cinema, primark and lots of pubs and restaurants. Very safe location and also very clean. Park is few minutes away.”
Verified Owner, Rosario, who used the Help to Buy scheme – July 2019
Check out more resident reviews of Lexicon here.
