Beatrice finds her dream home with the London Living Rent scheme
March 2023
Beatrice spent four and a half years renting in a house-share in Shepherd’s Bush, before deciding that she needed to find a place on her own.
Hoping to step onto the property ladder and buy her own home, Beatrice began researching potential options as a single person looking to stay in the capital.
“The process of buying in the UK is quite different to France, so I did lots of research to understand how to secure a mortgage, as well as home ownership schemes and what might be accessible for me.
“However, I began to realise that homes for sale in London weren’t affordable on my current salary. Luckily, I came across London Living Rent, a rental scheme which would enable me to save some money towards a deposit, until I was ready to buy.”
A steppingstone towards home ownership, London Living Rent (LLR) is a Government-backed scheme which makes saving for a first home more affordable – and achievable. LLR offers high quality homes in the capital at a reduced rental rate – sometimes up to 50% less than those available on the open market. The extra savings can then be put towards buying the home that’s being rented, through Shared Ownership.
Beatrice initially applied for a London Living Rent scheme in White City, but wasn’t able to progress with the application.
“My salary wasn’t high enough, which was a real knock at the time. That was until I saw an advertisement for L&Q on Facebook, who seemed to offer a wide range of more affordable developments. I headed to their website, which is where I discovered L&Q at Hayes Village, a collection of modern newbuild apartments with private outdoor space, which ticked a lot of my boxes – plus it was close to where I had previously been living in West London.”
Having submitted the LLR application form and her financial documents, Beatrice was told she was eligible for the scheme and arranged a viewing of the apartments.
“I was really impressed when I first saw the homes at L&Q at Hayes Village – I didn’t really know the area, but I loved that the apartments were brand new and no-one had lived there before. Everything was clean and kitchens were fitted with integrated appliances, so I wouldn’t need to buy a fridge or washing machine which was a real bonus.”
Certain that L&Q at Hayes Village was for her, Beatrice began the process of securing her one-bedroom LLR apartment with L&Q.
She comments, “Finding a home with L&Q through LLR has meant that I’m now much more comfortable – I really appreciate living on my own in a flat that I can buy in the future without having to manage buying new furniture whilst I will have a mortgage to pay.
“The process took just one month from my viewing to moving in – and I was on holiday for two weeks! I came home and had just two weeks to pack everything up, it all went so quickly. The market is so fast paced, and I was incredibly excited, so I took the opportunity to move in as soon as I had the chance!”
Speaking about her experience with L&Q, Beatrice says, “the L&Q LLR team were all really nice and helpful. They answered my questions about the process, and it meant that I was settled in my new apartment just six weeks after I first saw the advertisement!”
Since moving into her home in June 2022, Beatrice has had time to settle into life in Hayes.
“The development is really peaceful – it’s away from the noise of the high street, but still close to town for the shops, which has everything I need for everyday life. We have a big Asda and lots of nice parks nearby. Plus, the transport links are really good. Hayes & Harlington station is within walking distance, and is well-connected via the new Elizabeth Line, meaning I can get to Paddington in just 20 minutes.”
With a secure tenancy of at least three years, Beatrice is already looking ahead to what LLR can offer her in a few years’ time.
“I’m hoping to buy my home in the future. Because of LLR, I’ve managed to start saving towards a deposit and I want to speak to L&Q more about the financial requirements of buying my apartment through Shared Ownership. It’s an amazing opportunity to buy the home I’m already living in and I’m really looking forward to taking the next step.”
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View our variety of homes to rent available on the London Living Rent scheme.