Pocket - Page 4 of 10 - Starter homes for city makers

Our newest Pocket residents – Gardner Close E11

July 2, 2021July 8, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

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!

Our favourite up and coming cafés in Croydon

June 8, 2021June 9, 2021 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

Finding a good local café is important, and we think the best ones combine location, atmosphere, and, of course, great coffee. To help with your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best up and coming cafés in Croydon, all a stone’s throw away from our Addiscombe Grove CR0 development. Some are colourful, some are cosy, but all of them live and breathe the spirit of Croydon, which is why we love them.

Things to do in Barking and Dagenham

June 1, 2021June 4, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

East London has a lot to offer, with certain areas becoming increasingly desirable due to rapid regeneration. A vibrant borough that we’re keeping an eye on is Barking and Dagenham, which is seeing significant growth in the arts and cultural sectors and an influx of jobs and new homes. More and more young people are moving further eastwards in search of affordable homes, so we’re pleased to have built a development for first time buyers right in the heart of this exciting borough!

Is it better to rent or buy in London?

May 20, 2021March 15, 2023 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

If you rent, deciding whether to take the plunge and buy a property is probably the biggest decision you’ll ever make.

For many people, the decision will be swayed by what’s affordable to them. In most areas of London, average monthly rents are actually higher than mortgage repayments, making buying a better option (as long as you can afford the deposit).

Everyone’s circumstances are different, but if you’re struggling to decide whether it’s better to rent or buy in London, we hope this article will help inform your decision.

The best green spaces near our developments

May 11, 2021May 18, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

London wouldn’t be London without its canals, riversides, gardens and parks. In fact, over 18% of the city is made up of parks, which is why it was named the world’s first ‘National Park City’. Beyond Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath, there are many lesser known nature areas big and small dotted around London’s boroughs. We make it our mission to build our developments in areas that have good access to them.

7 ways to make your home more eco friendly

April 21, 2021July 4, 2022 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

As environmental concerns become increasingly pressing, the way that we live in our homes has become more important than ever. If you are wondering how to make your home more eco friendly, we have some answers for you that are surprisingly easy. By making small tweaks to your lifestyle and the way your home uses energy, it is possible to both have an eco-friendly home and save a lot on energy bills in the process.

COVID-19 update

April 7, 2021April 8, 2021 Hayley Donigan 2 Comments

Despite last year’s challenges there is good news from Pocket: we launched three new developments, helping more of London’s first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder. We still have a full team working to conduct socially-distanced viewings safely and in line with government guidance, or we’re able to offer detailed virtual viewings as an alternative. We’re also now approaching our 1,000th home – with several developments in the pipeline for London’s middle earners.

Interview with first time buyers India and Hallam

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

All of our residents are unique, so we love learning about how they settle in to their first homes. This interview with first time buyers India and Hallam dives into their favourite parts of their Pocket home at Arklow Road SE14.

Working from a Pocket home

March 21, 2021March 22, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Although working from home isn’t a new phenomenon, the pandemic has made remote working a central part of many of our lives. With that said, procuring the right working from home setup is essential to productivity and wellbeing, as small adjustments can help prevent strain, injury and fatigue.

Working from home in a smaller space poses its challenges, but there are many ways you can optimise your living space to accommodate a work station, even if you don’t have a home office. Read on to learn our top tips for working from a Pocket home.

Will mortgage rates go up or down?

March 18, 2021March 19, 2021 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

Will mortgage rates go down in 2021? We’ve been hearing a lot about mortgage rates trends in light of the Brexit trade deal and coronavirus, so we thought we’d unpack this a bit for all you first time buyers who may be thinking about buying your first home in the coming months.