“After moving almost every year, it finally feels like I’ve found somewhere to stay”

Shu Ming steps onto the property ladder at Prime Point

For Shu Ming (27), an Associate in Real Estate Finance, buying her first home was about much more than getting onto the property ladder. After years of renting in London and regularly moving between flat shares, she wanted long term security and the ability to properly manage her finances.

“I’d been renting in a flat share in Stratford, but the rent just kept getting higher,” Shu Ming explains. “I really wanted my own space, and after moving almost every year, I just wanted somewhere I could settle.”

Like many renters, Shu Ming experienced the frustrations that can come with shared accommodation. “My previous renting experience wasn’t great,” she says. “There were maintenance issues, and it never really felt like home because you always know it’s temporary.”

When she began her property search in early 2026, Shu Ming was determined to stay close to Canary Wharf, where she works. Having looked at several developments across east London, a recommendation from a friend pointed her towards L&Q’s homes at Prime Point on Greenwich Peninsula.

“I’d always liked North Greenwich and already had friends living in the area, so something about it immediately felt right.”

After just one viewing, Shu Ming knew she’d found the right home. She went on to purchase a Manhattan Studio apartment at Prime Point, L&Q’s contemporary development in the heart of Greenwich Peninsula. Overlooking Central Park, the development offers residents landscaped gardens, a concierge service, roof terrace and private outdoor space, all within one of London’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods, known for its green spaces, riverside setting and excellent transport links.

“I really liked the layout of the apartment and wanted somewhere with as much natural light as possible,” she says. “Prime Point ticked all of those boxes.”

Although she’s still putting the finishing touches to her interiors, she’s already enjoying the biggest benefit of all. “It’s just so nice having my own space,” she says. “I’m still decorating, but it’s exciting because I know I’m making somewhere that’s mine.”

For Shu Ming, choosing a new-build apartment was an easy decision. “I didn’t need lots of space or loads of extra rooms,” she explains. “I was looking for something practical that suited my lifestyle. When I viewed the show home, I loved knowing that all the kitchen appliances were already included. It made moving in so much easier.” She adds: “I actually love studio living. Everything has its place and it feels really modern. It has everything I need, but it still feels bright and surprisingly spacious. It’s cosy without ever feeling cramped, which is exactly what I was looking for.”

One of her favourite features is the private balcony: “During warm weather, I love opening the balcony doors and sitting outside in the sunshine,” she says. “It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference, especially in the capital.”

The location has also been a perfect fit for Shu Ming’s lifestyle. “I absolutely love North Greenwich,” she says. “There are so many green spaces, and I love cycling. I can jump on a rental bike and cycle along the river whenever I want. It feels like you get the best of both worlds – you’re close to central London, but there’s so much outdoor space to enjoy too.”

Just as important is the easy commute into Canary Wharf, allowing Shu Ming to balance work with everything else she enjoys: “The commute is brilliant! It’s only one stop on the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf, so getting to work couldn’t be easier. I can spend less time travelling and more time enjoying where I live.”

Looking back, she says the buying process with L&Q was much smoother than she had expected: “Everything happened really quickly. The broker, my solicitor and the L&Q sales team all worked together really well, so the whole process felt straightforward from start to finish.”

Now settled into her first home, Shu Ming says the biggest difference is the sense of security homeownership has given her: “I definitely feel much more settled. When you’re renting, you always feel like you might have to move again, but now I don’t have that worry hanging over me.”

“For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’ve found somewhere I can stay. It’s such a nice feeling knowing this is my home.”

To find out more about L&Q’s collection of Private Sale homes, visit lqhomes.com/primepoint. Homes are also available through Shared Ownership and London Living Rent.