In London, the average deposit put down by a first-time buyer is around 26% or £106,577[i].  To purchase her first ever home, Dana Dobson did not have to sacrifice her love for living and working in London when she bought her studio apartment at Joseph Homes’ development, 43 Durnsford Road in Wimbledon, SW19.

Dana (41), an Executive Assistant in Croydon, was previously renting a shared house with three others in Southfields, SW18.

Having saved for a number of years, Dana put down a 5% deposit of approximately £13,700, thanks to the Help to Buy scheme and has moved to the thriving south-west district of Wimbledon.

Dana explains: “Having my own home is wonderful! I have always wanted a property of my own, but with London homes being so expensive, I had never been able to achieve this until now. Renting on the open market as a single person is very expensive and I thought it was time that I look into buying instead. Wimbledon is the perfect place for me, as it allows for an easier commute into work and it’s close to my friends.  However, given my budget I was unsure I would be able to find a home of the high standard I desired at a price I could afford.”

43 Durnsford Road is the conversion of a former commercial building on the old Wimbledon football ground into a stylish collection of new space-efficient loft style studios. Each studio includes a sleek open-plan kitchen with integrated appliances and chic urban concrete worktop overhung with pendant lights. Bathrooms continue the stylish city vibe with retro tiles, wall hung basin and vast walk-in shower enclosure. Interiors are flooded with natural light and the space is divided into zones that can be used flexibly while maximising space.  The apartments were available through the Help to Buy scheme, offering first time buyers further assistance in getting onto the property ladder, which proved popular as all homes are now sold.

Dana continues: “As soon as I saw the studio apartment online, I immediately booked to visit. After viewing the studio at Durnsford Road I was concerned that the deposit would be too much. Fortunately, the Help to Buy scheme allowed me to pay a 5 percent deposit meaning I only paid £13,700.  The Help to Buy scheme is fantastic and I can’t praise it enough – I’m very grateful that it allowed me to buy my dream home at last!”

Dana concludes: “What I love about Joseph Homes is that they haven’t designed your conventional four walls of white paint studio, they’ve created a really unique home. It’s a new build but it has an industrial feel with exposed pipe work and brick, like a New York loft studio, which I love! I have always wanted a new build and Joseph Homes has finished the home very well.  The team at Joseph Homes have been amazing throughout, I’d definitely recommend them to friends and family.”

Continuing Joseph Homes’ strong reputation delivering the highest quality specification and exacting attention to detail, The Tramyard in Balham equates to Durnsford Road’s stunning design. Soon to offer 70 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments, two and three-bedroom duplexes and penthouses, this exciting new development is set to launch this September.

The Tramyard is located on Balham High Road between Balham and Tooting Bec underground stations. Aimed at the first-time buyer market, the layout includes communal spaces for residents to socialise helping create a friendly and welcoming community. The fresh and edgy scene will provide residents with an array of cuisine to suit every palate from modern European brunches to traditional Eastern delicacies.

Apartments at The Tramyard will start from £499,999 and will be launched on 15 September 2018. For more information please visit www.tramyard-balham.co.uk or contact the selling agent Marsh & Parsons at their Tooting office on 020 8767 3655.

[i]https://www.royallondon.com/life-insurance/articles/owning-your-own-home/