Introducing Bernard Noel, a manager for people experience at a gaming and entertainment company. After moving from Belgium and living at seven different rental addresses in London, Bernard was unable to find a property that felt like home and began considering giving up on his dream to live in the UK and thought about returning to Belgium.
Finding a home on the open market in Bromley-by-Bow was out of reach for Bernard, but through Shared ownership he was able to purchase a home at Leaside Lock from Guinness Homes. The warmth of his apartment and its riverside location was one of the key selling points for Bernard, and with a fantastic community at Leaside Lock, Bernard has met many wonderful neighbours that he can now call friends.
- Name: Bernard Noel
- Age: 29
- Occupation: Manager for people experience at a gaming and entertainment company.
Financial information:
- Deposit: £30,000
- Share Purchased: 30% of a one-bedroom apartment.
- Full market value: £375,000
- Monthly rent: £643.67
- Monthly Mortgage: £500
- Monthly Service Charge: £180.31
- Total monthly outgoings: £1323.98
“I couldn’t find a space that felt like home – then I came across Leaside Lock!”
After moving from Belgium four years ago, Bernard was unable to find a property which felt like home, hopping around rental homes in the capital. Feeling unable to settle, Bernard even contemplated leaving the UK to purchase a property back in Belgium.
Bernard comments, “During my time in the UK I have lived at seven different addresses, and none of them provided the warmth that I was looking for at my dream home. My previous homes didn’t provide the type of lifestyle that I was looking for – I considered leaving the UK altogether!”
“I was previously renting in London, and the apartments I lived in were often unsafe, low-quality and expensive, not to mention I had to keep moving home, so I just never felt truly settled. Not being able to afford a home on the open market, I felt slightly stuck. After a search online, I found out about Shared ownership – the homes were around the same monthly cost as my previous rental apartments and have so much more to offer!”
Bernard has recently purchased a 30% share of a one-bedroom apartment at Leaside Lock with Guinness Homes. He explains how quick and easy the process was:
“One day, I was browsing the internet and I came across the apartments at Leaside Lock – I took an instant liking to them! I was eager to take a look at the apartments for myself and quickly booked in for a viewing – the Leaside Lock sales team were there to show me around. I visited a few apartments on different floors, but I instantly fell in love with my apartment on the seventh floor for its open plan living and amazing views of the city skyline. I reserved it a few days later and within a week I had all my documents ready and signed to begin the moving in process – I am usually quite an impulsive person but this was very quick even for my standards!”
The Zone 2 location and excellent amenities available at Leaside Lock was one of the key selling points for Bernard. He adds:
“Due to my line of work, I am passionate about practising wellbeing in all aspects of my life. I needed a space where I could relax, unwind and enjoy everything that East London has to offer. I love Leaside Lock’s waterside location on the River Lea, where I enjoy daily walks along the towpath. I also think it’s great how well-connected Bromley-by-Bow is, reaching central London in 15-20 minutes..”
“My favourite part of my apartment is how much light comes through my windows on the seventh floor. At sunset, my whole apartment is filled with beautiful gold and orange colours which makes me so happy and relaxed – I have even added orange lights around my living room to add to the sunset vibe.”
Bernard found the sales process to be faultless throughout, with excellent support from the Guinness team throughout his journey in purchasing his Shared ownership home.
Bernard says, “I couldn’t ask for anything more from the Guinness team. Their help and support throughout made the buying process easy – I would recommend them to anyone. I felt so lucky to have the support of the Leaside Lock sales team throughout the whole process, from my first tour of Leaside Lock to purchasing my apartment here, they were there every step of the way to answer any questions I had.”
Looking to the future, Bernard plans to stay at Leaside Lock long-term.
“I would love to work my way up to owning 100% of my home, which I can see happening in the next two years.”
Bernard finishes, “I feel like I have found my forever home here, and I am so glad to have come across such a fantastic development. My neighbours here are amazing, we have a residents WhatsApp group and often spend evenings socialising on the roof terrace together – I even persuaded my friend to buy an apartment here!”
“I can’t see myself living anywhere else, I am just so grateful to have found Leaside Lock – it has given me a new lease of life which I was struggling to find in the UK before!”
To view the development and more information please visit https://leasidelock.com/
