High prices are locking many first-time buyers out of the capital, with the average asking price for a two-bedroom apartment now £703,907, according to Zoopla.[1] However, at Countryside’s King’s Park development in Harold Wood, Essex, prices for a new two-bedroom apartment start from £380,000, with London Help to Buy available, offering a more affordable alternative without compromising on the London location.

Located in Havering, which has recently been named London’s greenest borough[2], Kings Park has just a few homes remaining at the Hemington Apartments. The two and three-bedroom homes are ideal for Londoners in search of contemporary living in picturesque surroundings, whilst still having a short commute to central London.

The Hemington Apartments at Kings Park are within a short walking distance of Harold Wood station, located in Zone 6, providing frequent services to Liverpool Street in 35 minutes. Residents are also set to benefit from quicker commuting times with the impending arrival of Crossrail, reducing travel to Canary Wharf from Harold Wood station to 32 minutes, and reaching Bond Street in just 42 minutes.

David Everett, Managing Director of Countryside New Homes and Communities Central region comments: “For those who have previously been priced out of London, Kings Park offers a more affordable chance to get on the ladder, in a fantastic location. These contemporary apartments offer residents the best of both worlds, ideal for those searching for easy access to the capital, whilst also wanting to enjoy the greenest borough in the city, with ample outdoor space to enjoy.”

The Hemington Apartments have been designed with modern living in mind, and feature luxurious finishes throughout. Each home has access to outdoor space, in the form of a terrace or balcony, with many overlooking the beautiful surrounding parkland or the landscaped courtyard. The open plan living, kitchen and dining area is flooded with natural light, thanks to the full height glass window and door leading to a spacious outdoor terrace or balcony. Bedrooms benefit from fully fitted wardrobes, and access to an impressive bathroom.

All Kings Park homes benefit from the high-quality specification for which Countryside is renowned. Kitchens feature gloss white units and composite worktops, with a range of integrated appliances. Bathrooms are sleek, with contemporary white sanitary ware, ceramic tiling and chrome accessories throughout.

These homes are also available with the Government-backed London Help to Buy scheme, which allows buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit, making them ideal for first time buyers searching to get onto the ladder in a prime location. The Government will provide an equity loan of up to 40% of the property’s value, which is interest free for the first five years and twice the amount purchasers can receive when buying outside of London.

Residents are within easy reach of a number of local amenities, with a Post Office, supermarket, bakery and restaurant all within walking distance. Nearby Brentwood has a wider selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Motorists are well served, with easy access to the A12, A127 and M25 for fast connections into and around London, Kent and Essex.