From independent student to homeowner with Barratt

After five years of independence as a student, Marc Lowman knew he would find it difficult to adjust to living back at the family home when he started work. So he began looking for a property of his own – and found exactly what he needed at Aspects, Barratt’s latest development in Sutton, south London, where he has bought a large studio apartment.

Marc, 24, said: "I went to look at Aspects and looked first at a standard studio apartment, but then I walked into the larger split-level studio apartment and it took my breath away! As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to make it happen, even if it meant pushing my budget a bit further.

“It was quite unique – you don’t normally get a split-level studio flat with a separate kitchen and massive bathroom. It definitely ticked all the boxes for me” he said.

Marc spent almost five years living in a student house in Southampton while at university before moving back home with his parents. He said: “I knew I wanted to get a place of my own. It all coincided with starting a new job as a chartered accountant and beginning a new phase in my life.”

Marc’s £179,000 studio apartment is on the 12th floor of Aspects, a spectacularly converted office building in the heart of Sutton. It comprises a hallway, full-fitted bathroom and fully-fitted designer kitchen, with steps leading down to a large living space.

As a first-time buyer, Marc had his 5% deposit and 1% Stamp Duty paid by Barratt, plus a contribution of £1,000 towards his legal and moving costs – a package worth well over £10,000. The price included the kitchen oven, hob and extractor, fridge/freezer, washer/drier and dishwasher – plus tiling and carpets throughout.

Said Marc: "I would not have been able to afford this apartment without the help from Barratt – it made a huge difference. Having to find an extra £40 per £1,000 each month for the mortgage would have been really difficult. I didn’t even have enough money saved for a deposit.”

The location of the apartment at Aspects was perfect for Marc in more ways than one. It is just five minutes’ walk from Sutton station and he can get a train direct to London Bridge – just a short stroll from where he works for a multinational accountancy firm - from there in 35 minutes.

“It’s also easy to get to see my friends and family who all live in Surrey. I always used to come clubbing in Sutton anyway – and all my favourite clubs are now really close to my flat, so my friends can come clubbing and then stay over at mine. It’s the perfect location!” he said.

“My friends have all been amazed at my flat when they’ve come to see me – they are quite envious of what I’ve got here.”

Marc also likes the views from the “massive windows” in the living room at his apartment. It overlooks a park and up there on the 12th floor, he can see all the way to Wembley Stadium, the London Eye and Canary Wharf.

He was also pleased to have a concierge on the premises: “It has been particularly useful when you order things over the internet and he can take in packages when they are delivered to you.”

And Marc liked having a gym within the development. “I’m trying to use it at weekends and three times a week when I can get home in time from work.

“My new home is fantastic – I just wish I wasn’t working so hard and had more time to enjoy it!

Aspects is the conversion of a former 16-storey office block towering over the centre of Sutton, south London. Barratt has transformed the building into 169 apartments with an entirely new-look exterior in white and terracotta, topped by a swooping silver roof.

The development is now all sold, but Barratt is building similar homes across the eastern half of Greater London – visit Barratthomes.co.uk to find out more.