“Having space to cook again made it feel like home”
How Antonino found a place to call home at L&Q at Alexandra Gate through Shared Ownership
After eight years of renting in West London, Antonino was ready for a change – one that would give him more space, more stability and, most importantly, a kitchen he could truly enjoy.
Originally from Italy, where he previously owned his own restaurant, Antonino has been living in London since 2018 and now works as a head chef at Honest Burger.
“I’ve been a chef my whole life, so having the right space at home – especially a proper kitchen – is really important to me.”
Before buying his home at L&Q at Alexandra Gate, Antonino had always lived in West London, most recently in a studio apartment in Westminster.
Antonino first came across Shared Ownership while exploring new-build developments on his commute.
“I was on my usual walk to work where I would walk past a new development near Edgware Road. I went in and enquired, and the sales advisor told me that their one- bedroom apartments were almost £1 million, which was definitely not within my budget. I asked if they had anything more affordable, and the sales advisor recommended I register my interest with L&Q and did some research into Shared Ownership, because they are one of the country’s leading housing associations.”
As a chef, the lack of space – particularly in the kitchen – became increasingly frustrating. “I didn’t need a huge home, but I needed something bigger, with a proper kitchen and space to cook.”
Despite the high cost of renting, Antonino remained disciplined with saving. “Since 2020 I’ve been consistently putting money aside, and over time this has helped me build up a deposit to put towards my own home.”
“I didn’t know anything about Shared Ownership before. So I did some research and realised it could be a really good option – it made buying something in London actually achievable.”
He applied online and began the process with L&Q.
“The process was very quick and the team were really helpful. Everything moved smoothly, and I was able to move in by early February. This could have been even earlier, but my previous lease had a few months remaining and the L&Q team were extremely accommodating.”
Antonino chose a one-bedroom apartment at L&Q at Alexandra Gate, attracted by both the development and its location. The development offers a collection of two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments through L&Q, with homes ready to move into.
L&Q at Alexandra Gate benefits from excellent transport connectivity, with four stations – Alexandra Palace, Hornsey, Wood Green and Turnpike Lane – all located within a 13-minute walk of L&Q at Alexandra Gate. These provide convenient access to Thameslink, Great Northern services, the Piccadilly line and the East Coast Main Line. Kings Cross St Pancras is reachable in just 16 minutes from Alexandra Palace, whilst Covent Garden is just a 19-minute train ride from Turnpike Lane.
Set within a vibrant new neighbourhood on the former Clarendon Gas Works site, the development features light-filled homes with private outdoor space, landscaped communal gardens, and a dynamic central hub and public square.
“It’s a lovely area – clean, quiet, with nice green spaces. I can still cycle to work, which is important to me.”
For Antonino, the standout feature of his new home is the kitchen – something that was much smaller in his previous studio.
“The kitchen is my favourite part, it has everything included – oven, fridge, freezer, even a dishwasher, which I’ve never had before.”
The apartment also offers plenty of space and natural light, creating a comfortable and practical living environment.
“It’s much more spacious, with large windows that make it feel bright and sunny. It’s a big improvement from where I was before.”
His commute has changed slightly, from around 15 minutes to 30 minutes by electric bike, but the benefits of his new home far outweigh the extra travel time.
“There’s also great cycle storage right near the entrance, which makes it really easy for me day to day” he adds.
“At the moment, I’m very happy here. When I started the process, I knew I wanted somewhere for the long term.”
After moving in, Antonino spent time making the space his own. “I planned everything from October to February – choosing furniture, planning the bedroom, organising storage. Now it feels really personal and like home.”
Now settled into his new home, Antonino is enjoying the stability and independence that comes with homeownership.
“At the moment, I’m very happy here. When I started the process, I knew I wanted somewhere for the long term.”
“I would love to staircase one day and increase my share. Shared Ownership has given me the chance to own a home in London – something I didn’t think would be possible before.”
