L&Q is currently offering a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments at L&Q at Kidbrooke Village. To find out more click here
“In London, it’s so easy to live next to someone and never know them. Here, there’s a real sense of community”: two best friends step onto the property ladder in Greenwich.
June 2025
After over a decade of renting in southeast London, best friends Monika and Marta made their respective moves to homeownership with L&Q at Kidbrooke Village – in apartments directly opposite each other.
The pair had been keeping an eye on L&Q at Kidbrooke Village for some time, drawn by its prime location and the site’s impressive progress, which they’d seen during their frequent walks in the area.
“We met whilst working at coffee shop over 12 years ago, and have been friends ever since,” explains Monika. “We were both renting privately in Eltham & Kidbrooke and often would go on walks together around Blackheath and Greenwich. That’s how we came across L&Q at Kidbrooke Village.”
Marta continues: “We’d known about the development for a while from these walks – we kind of watched it grow, seeing all of the new blocks going up, as well as the amenities in the area. It really piqued out interest, so we kept an eye on it.”
Fast emerging as one of London’s most exciting new neighbourhoods, Kidbrooke Village will deliver 4,800 new homes, alongside an array of shops and recreational amenities, set amongst parkland and green spaces.
For Marta, an assistant commercial manager in the construction industry, 40 marked a key moment for her: “I felt like it was time for me to find my own place. I’d been renting in Eltham for years with flatmates, but the thought of continuing to put money into someone else’s pocket didn’t sit right anymore.”
By early 2024, Marta was ready to make her move after a promotion at work. After viewing several flats, she bought a 25% of a one-bedroom apartment at L&Q at Kidbrooke Village, complete with sunset views: “I took my brother and family to see it. They loved it just as much which gave me the confidence to go ahead,” she explained. She moved into her new home in May, just a few months after her property search began.
Monika’s journey followed a few months later. “When the time came for me to begin my property journey, I knew that I wanted to live at Kidbrooke Village too. Jo from the L&Q sales team, very helpful, remembered my interest in the flat just opposite Marta’s – so we started the process of buying the property and by November, I was moved in as well. It’s the perfect setup. We’re neighbours but still have our own space!”
For both women, Shared Ownership was the key to unlocking homeownership. “On the open market, there’s no way we could’ve afforded to buy in London, especially with how high rents are. I could have never saved enough for a deposit,” Monika explains. “Even renting was becoming unsustainable – Shared Ownership offered us a more affordable alternative while also letting us invest in a home of our own.”
Monika was initially introduced to the scheme by a friend who had purchased through Shared Ownership in 2018. “People can be sceptical about it, but it’s such a brilliant option. The rent is far lower than what I was paying privately and being able to own a share, even 25%, gives you a sense of security and pride.”
Both women were able to put away a portion of their salaries each month. “It’s been worth every penny,” Monika says.
When asked about her new home, Marta explains: “The flats are really well designed – spacious, modern, and with huge balconies. The sunset views from my place are incredible, and Monika loves waking up to the morning sun in hers. I’m a night owl and she’s a morning person, so it’s perfect!”
The development itself has plenty to offer: “There’s a real sense of community here,” Monika says. “We’re minutes from the train station, and there are so many shops and restaurants opening up nearby. I haven’t explored the gym yet, but it’s definitely on my 2025 list!”
Both women are excited about their future with L&Q at Kidbrooke Village and are already thinking about staircasing to 100% ownership. “It’s the perfect place to put down roots,” Monika says. “We’ve got everything we need here – beautiful green spaces, great transport links, and the comfort of having each other just a few steps away.”
“We see each other nearly every day – popping round for coffee, sharing food, or just having a chat,” Marta shares. “In London, it’s so easy to live next to someone and never know them. Here, there’s a real sense of community.”
“It’s the people that make a place,” Monika says. “Both the residents and the L&Q team have been wonderful. We couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”