Newly Launched Affordable Homes in London: Forest Road

Welcome to Forest Road, E17! Located in the heart of Walthamstow, it features 90 one-bedroom Pocket homes, including adaptable options for wheelchair users and private terraces. These affordable homes in London offer the perfect blend of urban living, accessibility, and community.

In this blog, we’re showing you what Forest Road is all about and what exactly makes these homes so affordable… Architectural innovation, eco-friendly design, community spirit, and Walthamstow’s art and culture are just a step away.

CGI: Affordable homes in London, Forest Road
Read more: Newly Launched Affordable Homes in London: Forest Road

Affordability

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to own a home in the city they love, which is why Pocket offer 100% owned homes, available to eligible first time buyers for at least 20% less than the market value. Through innovative design, cost-effective construction, and government-backed initiatives, we’re making homeownership in London a reality for first time buyers. Forest Road is one of many of our schemes creating affordable homes in London, keep reading to learn more!

Location

Located in Walthamstow, ‘Britain’s coolest neighbourhood’,  Forest Road offers culture, food to die for, and endless entertainment. Here’s why this location is perfect for modern urban living:

  • Hoe Street: Hoe street is located between the east and west of Walthamstow, and is pretty much the best of both worlds. You’ll find 5 star restaurants hidden between a greasy spoon and a yoga studio. So, whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.
  • Commuters Paradise: With transport links surrounding you, you can take your pick between bus, train and your own two feet! Walthamstow central is a mere 12 minute walk away, and you can hop on the tube to Kings Cross in just 14 minutes.
  • Walthamstow Village: The oldest part of Walthamstow, Waltham village, is a Conservation Area on Orford Road. Take a stroll through the part of the neighbour hood and discover popular spots like Eat17 and The Ancient House.
  • Green Space: City maker or not, everyone needs a bit of fresh air. With beautiful green spaces like Lloyd Park and Walthamstow Wetlands just around the corner, morning walks and picnics in the park have never been easier.

Home Features

We carefully designed these Pocket homes to match the lifestyles of modern city makers. Here’s what to expect in these affordable homes in London:

  • Open-Plan Living: The open-plan living space not only makes your home feel more spacious, but also makes hosting that bit more enjoyable. Now you can strike up conversation with your guests whilst cooking up a storm!
  • Fully-Equipped Kitchen: Your sleek and modern kitchen includes a slimline laminate worktop, granite composite sink, built-in Beko appliances, a ceramic hob with stainless steel splashback, and more. Whether you spend hours in the kitchen, or prefer a takeaway, we’ve got you covered.
  • Stylish Wet Room: The bathroom is not only aesthetic, but also practical. It features a modern wet room with a walk-in shower and large-format tiles. Ideal Standard ceramics and a Corian vanity top add that touch of luxury.
  • Bedroom Comfort: The bedroom offers plenty of space for a double bed, bedside cabinets, and a wardrobe. 
  • Energy Efficiency: Featuring highly insulated interiors, energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and air source heat pumps, these homes reduce energy costs and minimise environmental impact.

Amenities

From evenings on the rooftop with friends, to growing veg in the allotment beds, Forest Road was designed to create a community. Here are some amenities in these affordable homes in London, to keep your everyday life interesting:

  • Community Rooftop Terraces: These affordable homes in London feature two communal rooftop terraces with views of Lloyd Park and beyond. These spaces are perfect for relaxing, evening drinks, or exercising.
  • South-Facing Courtyard Garden: The ground-level courtyard garden is the perfect place to connect with your neighbours. This south-facing garden has a variety of comfortable seating options and even some communal allotment planters for those green thumbs!
  • Spacious foyer: The entrance at Forest Road is a large and airy space intended to encourage residents to linger and converse whilst collecting post or heading in for the night.
  • Secure Bicycle Storage: In an eco-conscious age, we’re actively encouraging cycling. So whether you commute daily or simply enjoy a summers bike ride, you’ll know that your bike is protected in our secure bike storage.

Sustainability

  • Highly Insulated Homes: These affordable homes in London are highly insulated, meaning they efficiently retain heat. Not only will this keep you comfortable in those grisly winter months, it’ll also reduce your monthly energy costs.
  • Solar Power: Solar panels contribute to the electricity supply for communal areas which is a step towards cleaner, renewable energy sources.
  • Natural Light: Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the development allow natural daylight to brighten up your living space and minimise the need for artificial lighting.
  • Air Source Heat Pumps: This scheme utilises air source heat pumps to provide renewable heating and hot water. This technology reduces our carbon footprint whilst making certain you’ll be comfortable.
  • Brownfield Site Development: The homes are constructed on an urban brownfield site. By reusing existing sites, we’re helping to protect London’s Green Belt and reducing new construction on untouched land.
Bedroom: Affordable homes in London, Forest Road

Floor Plans and Pricing

These affordable homes in London start from just £298,000! To view the full price list, click here.

To view the brochure & floorplans, click here.

Visit pocketliving.com and get started on your homeownership journey today. By creating your My Pocket account, you can explore the range of 20% discount, 100% ownership homes tailored for you.

How to Add Character to a New Build Home, Cheap!

New builds are great for a number of reasons. There’s less maintenance, less risk,  and on the whole, less to worry about. But as with moving into any new home, sometimes they feel a tad… well, characterless. It’s important that when you enter a new space you make it your own, and you’ll be pleased to hear that adding a bit of warmth and personality to your home doesn’t require emptying your pockets! Read on to reveal how to add character to a new build on a budget.

Read more: How to Add Character to a New Build Home, Cheap!

1. Embrace Colour

Colour isn’t just for the eccentric, it can instantly turn your new build into a home. Here’s how you can embrace colour and add some personality into your new home…without sending your budget into a spin.

Colourful Walls: There’s no quicker, more budget-friendly way to add character to your new build than by paint. Choose a bold coloured paint or wallpaper to create a focal point in your living room or bedroom. Whether it’s a deep green or a bright yellow, a pop of colour can make all the difference.

Furniture: If bright walls aren’t your thing, consider adding colour through furniture. Statement sofas, eye-catching chairs, or colourful coffee tables can liven up your living space just like that.

Accessories: Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Cushions, throws, rugs, and art in bold, contrasting colours can be added to your décor. Don’t be scared to mix up colours and patterns to find your style.

2. Statement Lighting

An empty, uninspiring room can quickly turn into a space filled with personality by simply changing the lighting. 

Lamps: When it comes to adding character, Floor and table lamps are your best friends. Look out for unique bases or colourful lampshades to add some pizzazz.

Second hand finds: Charity shops and online marketplaces often hide unique and affordable treasures. Keep an eye out for vintage finds like chandeliers  and remember, with a fresh coat of paint or some DIY, you can turn these almost anything into a statement piece.

Bulbs: Sometimes, it’s the bulbs themselves that can be the star of the show. Edison bulbs, for example, offer a vintage, industrial look. Or opt for colourful, energy-efficient LED bulbs to add a touch of whimsy.

Statement lighting will add character to your new build home in an instant

3. Vintage and Second Hand Finds

Here’s how to add that vintage charm into your home without emptying your pockets:

Charity shops: Dive into local charity shops and markets for hidden gems. The of the hunt itself is part of the fun, and you’ll be amazed at the items you can discover on a budget to add character to your new build.

Online Marketplaces: With the rise of online marketplaces, vintage finds are easier than ever. Sites like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace offer a vast array of affordable vintage furniture, décor, and accessories. Pro tip: Set up alerts for specific items or styles you’re seeking.

Upcycling Projects: Embrace your inner DIY enthusiast by upcycling vintage furniture or décor. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or minor repairs can breathe new life into old pieces. Plus, you’ll create something entirely unique in the process.

4. Houseplants

Adding character is about more than furniture and paint – it’s also about creating an atmosphere and house plants are an easy way to do just that. Not only do they purify the air and bring nature indoors, but they also add a touch of personality and cosiness to your space. And you don’t need a green thumb or a big budget to enjoy the benefits.

  • Start with low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos vines. They’re fine in almost any light condition and can handle a little neglect.
  • For a pop of colour, consider flowering plants. You can find budget-friendly options like marigolds, petunias, or African violets.
  • Repurpose old containers or second hand pots for a shabby-chic look. Mix and match containers of different shapes and sizes for a more dynamic display.
Add character to your new build home by taking a visit to the garden centre!

5. Textiles

If you really want to know how to add character to a new build, look at the smaller details. Textiles, for example, have the ability to turn a plain room into a cosy haven or a vibrant gathering place. Here’s how you can work your magic with fabrics:

Curtains: Opt for curtains with bold patterns, rich textures, or subtle sheens to set the tone for your space. Whether you’re into boho or minimalism, there’ll be a fabric for you……

Rugs: A well-chosen rug can be a room’s centrepiece. Look for rugs that not only add colour but also texture. Layering rugs can create depth and intrigue, too. Plus, they feel great underfoot!

Bedding: Don’t forget about the bedroom! Crisp white sheets and neutral bedding create a tranquil atmosphere, while vibrant duvet covers and patterned pillows add a bold and energising touch. Who knew your bed could be such a blank canvas!

Choosing the right curtains, cushions, rugs & bedding are sure to add character to your new build home

Embrace colour, dabble with lighting, explore vintage finds, bring in the greenery, and cosy up your space with textiles. These are your tools, and adding character has never been more budget-friendly. Whether it’s through an accent wall, a thrifted lamp, or a touch of nature, it’s all about turning your new build into a space that you’ll love.

Discover more tips and explore budget-friendly homes designed for city living at Pocket Living.

Designing places for people

A blog by Hugo Owen, Marketing and Communications Executive

Have you ever wanted to understand what theories go into making a great place?

Most of us look at buildings and instinctively understand whether or not we like them. But when asked exactly what it is about the place that we like, it is sometimes harder to explain.

At Pocket Living, our design team has many years of experience in understanding exactly what it is that helps elevate our built environments. In this blog, I will outline a few simple design features that we tend to make great places.

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Things-to-do-in-Croydon

Our favourite things to do in Croydon

Dating back to the Domesday Book, Croydon has evolved into one of London’s most interesting boroughs, filled with markets, art and people from all walks of life. We’re more than ready to start adding to the mix with the launch of Addiscombe Grove CR0, our upcoming scheme in the heart of buzzing East Croydon.

Our favourite things to do in Croydon will undoubtedly resonate with the scheme’s future residents, who will all be city makers local to the area. With that in mind and in anticipation of Addiscombe Grove CR0’s launch this spring, we’re highlighting some of the coolest things to do nearby that really should not be missed.

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Not so vibrant London

At Pocket we love London. We love it’s vibrancy. That’s why it’s so disappointing to see report after report warning the capital that, the people that make it such an exciting place to live, want to leave.

 

“Londoners are almost unanimous in their belief that London ranks worse than elsewhere on both the affordability and the availability of housing. For the average London resident, housing affordability and housing availability are the indicators on which London performs worst.”

This is a direct quote from the Vibrant Capital report by Grant Thornton.

 

The urban commentator and Harvard lecturer Ed Glaeser has commented that the continued success of cities relies on a simple equation, that the cultural and commercial richness of the city must benefit inhabitants more than the downside of living in close proximity and sharing so much with others. The Grant Thornton report shows that amongst all groups researched, valued the cultural and leisure benefits of living in London alongside it’s diversity and benefits to pay and career. For too many however, these benefits are outweighed by the challenges of finding affordable and secure housing that meets their needs.

 

As a city, we have to move faster to help these largely young aspiring Londoners resolve their housing issues. At Pocket, we hear the stories from this audience constantly. They have been frustrated by the housing situation that they find themselves in and can’t see any way out of it. The cost of living swallows up their incomes so significantly that the prospect of ever owning a home is a distant dream. Furthermore, these costs deny them access to so much of the culture and fun that the city should provide. The equation that Ed Glaeser talks of, no longer makes sense and for a highly mobile workforce, who have never seen their career as a single “job for life”, leaving the Capital is increasingly the only answer.

126 new homes for Haringey from Pocket Living

Pocket Living was delighted to receive planning permission from Haringey council last week, for our most ambitious scheme to date, West Green Place N17.

 

This allows us to deliver 98 Pocket homes, which will be available to local first time buyers at a 20% discount, establishing another strong community of owner occupiers. West Green Place will also include with a new community centre for the benefit of the whole local community .

 

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Buying a home in your local area – the tale of Thomas Golden

 

Become a homeowner in the area where you grew up – Pocket makes it happen!

 

The idea of buying a home where you grew up seems a bit of a pipe-dream – pie in the sky even! And so it may be for many Londoners, but Pocket is trying hard to make it possible for as many city makers as possible to own a home in their local area.

We are very proud to introduce Thomas Golden. You may have already spotted him in the Metro this morning, his is one of the buyers of Pocket’s compact homes in Oak Grove NW2.

 

Thomas and his mum on handover day.

 

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