Giovanni explains “We knew that we might need to compromise on our transport connections, but at Brent Cross Town we’re surrounded by great train links. Ayumi’s commute is 10 minutes longer, but she now has a direct route, and we were more than happy to be flexible on this because the entire area is so well connected.”
How Giovanni and Ayumi Found a Path to Homeownership at Brent Cross Town with London Living Rent
Name: Giovanni Sanvito
Job: Data Analyst
Age: 33
Type of home: Two-bedroom LLR apartment at L&Q at Brent Cross Town
Monthly rent: £1,383
Total Monthly Bills: £301
Before moving to L&Q at Brent Cross Town, Giovanni and Ayumi were renting a compact studio flat close to Royal Oak station in West London. The fully furnished space, designed for young professionals, quickly began to feel too small for their needs.
“We knew we needed more space, but we also wanted the chance to save for the future,” Giovanni explains. “The London Living Rent scheme offered us exactly that, and for almost the same monthly outgoings – but with two extra bedrooms.”
Giovanni and Ayumi are now living in a two-bedroom London Living Rent apartment at L&Q at Brent Cross Town. The new ‘town’ built with wellbeing in mind will see over 7,000 homes delivered to Brent Cross. Set to be a cornerstone of one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects, Barnet Council’s ambitious regeneration redefines Brent Cross into a dynamic new London district; an array of community facilities, shops and green spaces are being brought forward alongside the homes.
Giovanni was already familiar with the scheme, often browsing the Mayor of London’s ‘Homes for Londoners’ website that lists affordable housing options. When the opportunity at Brent Cross Town appeared, the couple realised it was their chance to secure the home that was right for them, at a rent they could afford.
Aimed at helping Londoners get onto the property ladder, the rent for LLR homes is based on one third of average household incomes within the local area where the property is located. This is designed to ensure that monthly costs stay manageable, and savings can be redirected for the long-term.
“The discounted rent was an absolute game changer,” Giovanni says. “We fit the income band perfectly. The LLR scheme now means that we can save each month towards buying a home in the future, which gave us the confidence to go for it.”
Budget, location and space were the couple’s top priorities. With Ayumi working in Angel, the commute was a key factor in their decision. Brent Cross Town’s connections ticked all the boxes, with the Northern Line running from Brent Cross tube station providing a direct journey to Angel, and the new Thameslink line from Brent Cross West also offers fast access to King’s Cross St Pancras and beyond.
The couple moved into their spacious two-bedroom apartment and immediately noticed the difference. With all integrated appliances, a full-sized fridge freezer and private outdoor space, their quality of life has dramatically improved. Giovanni explains:
“At our old place, we had a tiny fridge and a shared washing machine. I wasn’t able to cook in bulk or meal plan ahead of time, because we just didn’t have the fridge space to store any food. Now however, I can meal prep, use the freezer and do a weekly food shop – saving us money as well as time. The integrated white goods have been a real welcome addition to our life at Brent Cross Town.”
The couple’s second bedroom has been transformed into a home office, as Giovanni says “I now have a dedicated workspace that is separate from our living area, which has made working from home far more enjoyable for me. The second bedroom can also double up as a guest bedroom, so we’re looking forward to having friends come to stay once we are settled.”
Discussing a few more of their favourite features, Giovanni says, “For Ayumi, having a balcony and a bath truly tops things off. We have our own private outdoor space, and to be able to have a bath is such a treat!”
The couple love the feel of the development, saying “We’re surrounded by parks, it feels safe and everyone is really friendly. It’s a great environment to live in, and we’re excited to start our life here.”
“Our overall monthly costs are similar to what they were before, but to now be living in a two bedroom apartment in a vibrant part of London, it’s far greater value for money.”
Looking ahead, the couple see themselves staying long term and using the scheme as a springboard to buy a home in the next 10 years. “London Living Rent is giving us the stability and space we needed, while helping us save towards the future. With so many added bonuses of our new home, we couldn’t be happier.”
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L&Q also has a selection of homes for Rent to Buy, which is a similar rental scheme available outside of London.