Buying a first home, getting married and preparing for the arrival of a baby are all busy life events and Raph and Jaye would know, after experiencing all these milestones simultaneously. With a moving date in early August and celebrating their wedding just two days later, it was a busy summer for the newlyweds who have bought a home through shared ownership at The Switch by Peabody New Homes
Raph explains, “We knew we were taking on a lot but couldn’t wait to move in. It was actually brilliant timing as the process was smooth thanks to Peabody New Homes’ support. Getting married in Battersea and then coming back to our own home after, made the day even more special.” Jaye, a nanny in Chiswick, and Raph, a Health and Safety Manager for the NHS, purchased a 25% share of a two bedroom apartment. Determined to avoid renting, Raphael was keen to go straight from living at home with his parents to taking a step on to the property ladder. He said, “It goes against my principles to rent. I was taught by my parents to aim to buy a home. I’ve always been a good saver and my father encouraged me to stay at our family home in Enfield, on the condition that I focused on saving for a property of my own. So, I’ve been saving 70% of my monthly salary for five years.” Jaye, originally from Australia, was living in a rented shared home in Acton before moving into their new apartment. She adds, “It’s a huge relief to own a home now and I’m not missing sharing my kitchen with three other people one bit. My parents were here for our wedding, so had the chance to visit our apartment and explore the area. They were so excited for us and really loved everything about it.”
Location, Location, Location
Located in south west London, The Switch is equidistant between Earlsfield, Tooting and Wimbledon, and is set around new retail and leisure space. Raph continued, “It’s amazing here. We really wanted to stay in London and buying through shared ownership was the best way to make this happen. We’ve fallen in love with the area and the travel connections are great.” Raph originally started his property search in 2022, planning to take the traditional mortgage route, but due to an extremely long chain, his first attempt fell through and his mortgage broker advised he should look into shared ownership. At the time, Jaye was waiting for her visa to come through and as soon as she received this in March 2023, they re-started their search with a new direction. Looking at homes available to buy through shared ownership meant they could afford to buy in a premium London location. Jaye comments, “Raph came to view the home first and was really excited to show me around. I immediately agreed that he’d found the right place for us to start a family. One of our two bathrooms is an en suite and we have a balcony too. The second bedroom will be a nursery for the baby and we’re currently planning this interior.”
A Community To Call Home
With their first baby, the couple have been exploring their new neighbourhood with the friends they’ve made on their antenatal course. “Our antenatal friends all live locally, so have been showing us around and I know we’ll continue to meet up for coffee and walks once our babies arrive. It’s a very family friendly neighbourhood.” Discussing the process of buying through shared ownership, Raph concludes, “Everyone at Peabody New Homes was so helpful and very efficient, guiding us through each stage of the processes. From my initial phone call, they managed to book me an appointment for the following week. I was so keen that I visited the day before to check out the area. “When I returned the next day, I was so impressed with the quality of the homes here I could instantly see us living here and within four months, we were! Although I love my family, it feels liberating to know that I have full independence, despite the fact I’m having to pay my own bills now! My sister is the only sibling left at home now. She is also saving for a place of her own, so of course I recommended Peabody New Homes.”
Home Is More Than Just A Place To Live With Peabody New Homes
Peabody New Homes is committed to helping buyers find homes that suit their budget, and with schemes specifically designed for first time buyers, you’ll get the support you need. With flexible buying options, stunning new builds, charming preloved homes, and locations that offer the best of London and beyond, Peabody is the perfect partner for first time buyers.
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.
