First time buyer lands cool new home in Islington

Owning a smart new apartment in central London might once have been a distant dream for a first-time buyer. The current housing market, however, is opening up fantastic opportunities for young people such as 26 year-old marine surveyor Dan Griffiths, who has just bought his first home in Islington, one of the most exciting and vibrant areas of London.

Dan’s new one-bedroom apartment is at Northpoint, an exclusive development of 32 smart contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments by Inspace Homes in partnership with Your Lifespace.

Dan had been renting an apartment in Bromley, but he felt that it was the right time to get on the housing ladder and the windfall of an inheritance provided the extra help he needed.

Northpoint, situated on the Essex Road minutes from the heart of Islington, fitted the bill perfectly. Dan says: “The apartments are very spacious and stylish. I can see why they’re selling so quickly; they’re very well priced and come with plenty of extras, which make them great value.” Dan adds: “Islington is an up and coming area and my friends and family think my apartment is a real investment for the future.”

Islington was Dan’s top choice because it is perfectly located for his lifestyle and work. Dan comments: “I know Islington very well because I spend a lot of time socialising around here and it’s a great place to live.” With its fantastic nightlife, superb shopping and quirky street markets,Islington has built a reputation as one of the coolest parts of the capital.

Dan’s apartment has a very high specification and the clever design uses space very effectively, providing plenty of room for entertaining friends. Dan comments: “I love the open-plan layout which makes the apartment feel very spacious. The kitchen is very high-tech and has everything I need.” The Pepper designed kitchen includes an AEG oven, hob, hood, integrated dishwasher and fridge, and a free standing Zanussi washer/dryer, leaving virtually nothing to buy.

Many of the other buyers at Northpoint are young professionals like Dan, which brings the added bonus of a great social atmosphere. Dan says: “I’ve heard that that most of the other people buying here are first time buyers of a similar age to me, so that should make it even more fun socially.”

Living in Islington is as practical as it is fashionable, not least because of its excellent transport links. It will take Dan just ten minutes by motorbike to reach his office in Fenchurch Street. If he wants to use public transport, Angel and Highbury & Islington tube stations are about a 15 minute walk away or he can hop on one of the frequent buses that stop opposite Northpoint. For even more options, every apartment at Northpoint comes with a cycle store and 12 months free membership of the Streetcar car club. For everyday shopping, there is a Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s about five minutes walk from Northpoint.

Three-quarters of the apartments at Northpoint have already been sold. Prices of the remaining homes start at £180,000 for a studio, £210,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £290,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. All floor coverings and kitchen appliances are included within the price.

The Marketing Suite and show apartment at Northpoint are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

For more information visit Northpointislington.com. Details of all Inspace Homes developments can be found online at Inspacehomes.co.uk.