It is officially summer, and we are happy to report that a new batch of Pocket residents have moved into our first development in Wanstead – Gardner Close E11. These affordable Pocket homes are exclusively occupied by first time buyers who live or work in Redbridge, making it an extension of the wider community. Right around the corner from Wanstead Station and Wanstead High Street, they have easy access to a range of local amenities.
Pocket developments are unique because they are filled with like-minded city makers who have often struggled to afford to buy a home in London. With so much in common, we have already seen friendships form amongst neighbours at Gardner Close, and we cannot wait to see the community spirit build as they all get settled in. Read on to find out how we welcomed them to their new Pocket homes and what they are getting up to!
Getting ready for move ins
Before the new first time buyers moved in, we arranged a welcome surprise to bring them luck and happiness – a Chinese money plant from The Glasshouse. This social enterprise rehabilitates women in prison through horticultural training and employment in disused glasshouses of UK prisons, making these house plants very special. House plants are proven to improve mental and physical wellbeing, as well as remove toxins from the air, so we thought this was the perfect gift to wish them luck in their new chapter.
The residents
As the residents moved in, we heard lots of stories about how difficult it was to get onto the property ladder and how exciting it was to find affordable homes in London with Pocket. Mark, a personal trainer who has lived in Wanstead his whole life, told us, ‘Because I wasn’t on a salary, my money varied, making it tough to get a mortgage. I struggled to get onto the property ladder, but when I found out about Pocket it became possible for me to buy a home in the area.’
When we asked him about how it felt to move into the development, he said, ‘It’s hard to explain the experience I had moving into Gardner Close. All my neighbours were moving in as well and having the same experience, versus friends I know who have moved into new homes without meeting any of their neighbours. Even after just a month of living in our new homes, my neighbours and I have had several meet ups already. It’s amazing – we have drinks together and then all go back to our homes and say goodnight.’
The welcome event
As a team, we always most look forward to the welcome event we host when a building completes. At Gardner Close, we invited all the new first time buyers for drinks and pizza in the landscaped courtyard so they could meet their neighbours properly and toast to new beginnings. Since then, this new little community has gathered for outdoor dinners, drinks and even a viewing of the 2021 Euros. It is safe to say that some solid friendships have formed, and we could not be happier.
It is exciting times for these new homeowners, and we are hard at work building even more affordable homes for first time buyers in London. If you are interested in buying one of our discounted Pocket homes, register for a My Pocket account to see if there is anything in your area.