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First-time buyers snap up homes on the edge of Olympics zone

24th July 2007 Print
Leon & Lizel Englelke First-time buyers Leon and Lizel Engelke knew just what they wanted in their new home, and they found it at Forest Place, Barratt’s latest development in Walthamstow, north-east London.

What’s more, Barratt helped them buy their two-bedroom apartment by paying their 5 per cent deposit, 1 per cent Stamp Duty and making a £1,000 contribution towards legal and moving expenses – a package of help worth around £17,000.

Leon, 29, said: “We had been renting a flat on the Isle of Dogs for about 18 months and began looking for a place of our own a year ago. When we visited Forest Place, we signed up immediately - the price was right, the amount of floor space was right, the fact it was a newbuild helped a lot, and the buying incentives played a huge part in taking our decision to ‘yes’. So we reserved straight away.”

The first-floor apartment comprises two double bedrooms, a fully-fitted bathroom, and an open plan living/dining space and designer kitchen, with a balcony off the living area.

With a full market price of £238,995, Leon and Lizel were able to use Barratt’s first-time buyer assistance plans to secure a total discount of about £17,000. The price included oven, hob and extractor, plus convection microwave in the kitchen, as well as tiling in the kitchen and bathroom. In addition, the couple decided to pay £8,000 extra for a private parking space.

Leon said: "We are very happy with our new apartment. We really enjoy living here and it is nice to have our own space. The location is nice and quiet and it is very well located in terms of shops and supermarkets. We also like the fact that Forest Place has a concierge, a gym and a bicycle store.

“The the road links are very good and in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, public transport links will probably be upgraded and roads will be widened, so that will improve things even more.”

Originally from South Africa, Leon, an auditor, and Lizel, 28, who works in administration but is also studying management accountancy part-time, both work at Canary Wharf. Their journey to work takes between 45 and 55 minutes in each direction.

Leon said he felt Forest Place was just the start of reinvestment in a popular and well-established corner of Walthamstow, and that this would also help increase the value of their apartment.

Forest Place, which is under way on a famous old ex-industrial site once owned by aircraft builders Hawker Siddeley, offers 184 new homes for sale. In addition, a new school is being built nearby and stylish 1930s office buildings refurbished as part of a comprehensive community regeneration scheme.

Set well back from the road, Forest Place offers a range of stylish modern apartments rising to four storeys. As well as a gymnasium for the exclusive use of residents, the development includes private parking and a magnificent landscaped formal garden running through the centre of the scheme. A concierge is on hand to help residents day-to-day.

Walthamstow is an established and attractive area of London with a huge range of shopping, bars, cafes, pubs and clubs, plus excellent road and rail connections.

Prices for homes at Forest Place start from £164,995 for one-bed apartments, £196,995 for one-bedroom apartments, and £264,995 for two-bedroom / two-bathroom apartments.

A marketing suite and showhomes are open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Alternatively, log on to Barratthomes.co.uk for more information.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Leon & Lizel Englelke