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.
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Bolu’s story – Harbard Close IG11
When Bolu (24) moved home to South East London after graduating from university, she immediately started saving for a place of her own. “Owning a home has always been a goal of mine. I did not want to get stuck renting in London – it’s so expensive and, particularly as a single person, I knew it would be impossible to afford the monthly cost and save for a deposit. When I left university, I decided my best option was to move back in with my parents and save everything I could. I was determined, but even I didn’t think it would be possible by the time I was 24!”
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Viewing a home as a first-time buyer: Questions to ask
Buying your first home is likely to be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Preparing the right questions to ask when viewing a home is a key element of the process, but too many first-time home buyers fall into the trap of rushing through viewings and turning up unprepared. This can lead to valuable time wasted and unnecessary stress.
Property viewings are an opportunity to find out everything you can to ensure that you find a home that’s right for you. By maximising every viewing, you will be equipped to make an informed decision about what home to buy. After all – you only get one chance to be a first-time buyer, so get it right!
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Can you move home during lockdown?
You have made the commitment to buy a new home – you pick up the keys, excited to start the next chapter. But we are all living in lockdown conditions at the moment in response to the coronavirus outbreak. All but essential activities have been stopped. The big question is, can you move home during lockdown?
The short answer is yes!
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Pocket lockdown stories
Every Pocket development has a thriving community of neighbours thanks to the city makers who live there. These first-time buyers have so much in common and are there to support each other.
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How to save money in 2021
Ever check your bank account and wonder how your pay cheque disappeared so fast? Don’t stress – saving money is a problem that most people face at some point in their lives. Whether you are looking to pay for a house, or treat yourself to a nice holiday, knowing about ways to save money allows you to do the things you enjoy without worrying about the cost. Thankfully, it is never too late to start saving, and 2021 is a perfect time to think about how you can improve your finances. Find out some of the best ways to save money by using our saving tips below.
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Things to do in Walthamstow
Thinking of living in Walthamstow and wondering about things to do? You’re in luck, the borough of Walthamstow is alive with activity, sights to see, and places to visit. Not only is it home to a God’s Own Junkyard and William Morris Gallery, it is also a great spot to take a country walk, and has emerged as one of the best places to live in East London.
Celebrate Christmas a bit differently this year
We are all about community at Pocket Living, which is why we want to celebrate Christmas a bit differently this year with our #PocketAdventCalendar campaign.
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Promoting wellness in Pocket developments
The pandemic has highlighted the challenging living conditions many city makers in shared accommodation face. The spaces we live in contribute to our wellbeing, and especially in big cities, it is vital to live somewhere that is not only affordable and well located but also well designed. That’s why promoting wellness in Pocket developments has always been a fundamental part of our design.
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Why we love allotments
‘It has always been my dream to plant tomatoes once I have my own space.’ Anna, who moved into West Green Place N17 in Haringey this year, was overjoyed when she found out that she would be able to garden on the communal roof terrace of her building. A new development, residents have been working with their neighbours to populate the plant beds with vegetables, herbs and flowers, making their shared spaces greener and more sustainable.
During the pandemic, we realised more than ever how vital these outdoor spaces are for the wellness of residents. Although communal amenities vary from development to development, we have found that when we provide allotments, they are received particularly well. We spoke to residents in two of our developments featuring allotments to learn more about how they are being put to good use.
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