There’s something happening in Colindale that savvy first time buyers are starting to cotton on to. While everyone else scrambles for overpriced flats in Clapham or fights over tiny studios in Zone 2, this unassuming corner of north London is quietly building a reputation as the place where young professionals actually stand a chance
Six months ago, if someone had mentioned Colindale, I’d probably have given them a blank look. However, after exploring the area and speaking with recent buyers, it’s clear that this neighbourhood is having its moment.
Why Colindale Works
Nestled between Hendon and Edgware, Colindale has this refreshingly unpretentious vibe that’s increasingly rare in London. You’ve got proper tree-lined streets where people actually say hello to their neighbours, yet you’re still only 25 minutes from Oxford Circus on the Northern Line.
The green space situation is genuinely impressive – Hendon Park is practically on your doorstep, plus Scratchwood nature reserve for weekend escapes. Transport links are the real game changer. Colindale station might be Zone 4, but that Northern Line connection is gold dust – 12 minutes to Hampstead, and seamless rail connections via King’s Cross and Euston.
The Beaufort Park Development
What’s caught my attention is the transformation happening around the old RAF Hendon site, which has created something that feels like an actual community rather than just another housing estate. We’re talking 25 acres of proper parkland, with farmers’ markets and independent cafes that feel organic rather than forced.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
Here’s where it gets interesting for anyone watching their savings account with growing despair. Places for People has just launched its latest phase at Dace House, and the pricing structure is honestly eye-opening.
One bedroom apartments where you can get started with a 25% share for £98,750 – and here’s the kicker, Places for People has just reduced its rent charges from 2.75% to 2%, which saves buyers £185 per month on the Dakota apartments. That reduces the annual income requirement to £41,000, making it more accessible to a broader group of buyers.
The two bedroom Westland apartments start at £131,875 for your 25% share, with even bigger monthly savings of £243 thanks to the reduced rent rate. The income requirement for these has dropped to £62,000 annually – still serious money, but considerably more achievable than most London options.
The apartments themselves are smart and well thought out. Decent spec throughout, private balconies that are actually usable, and layouts that make sense for how people really live. The recent rent reduction shows the developer understands the pressure first time buyers are under right now.
The Reality Of Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership isn’t perfect. You are still paying rent on the part you don’t own, and staircasing up to full ownership takes time. But for many first time buyers, it is becoming the only realistic route on to the property ladder.
The key is understanding exactly what you’re signing up for, budgeting correctly, and having a clear plan for potentially buying additional shares down the line.
Why This Matters Now
The property market’s been brutal for first time buyers lately. What’s happening in Colindale represents a shift towards more realistic options. Not everyone can afford a £600,000 two bedroom flat in Islington.
The transport infrastructure is in place, the community is forming, and crucially, there are still opportunities to get in before prices skyrocket. It’s the sort of timing that, in five years, people will look back on as either brilliant or “why didn’t I think of that sooner”.
For anyone who is serious about getting on the property ladder, Colindale deserves a proper look. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s possible.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about?
Don’t just take our word for it – book a viewing and experience Beaufort Park for yourself. With homes moving quickly and that reduced rent rate making ownership more accessible than ever, it’s worth seeing what £98,750 can actually get you.
Visit placesforpeople.co.uk/new-homes/find-a-new-home/beaufort-park
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
