Two first-time buyers, who had been looking for property for five months are now proud home owners thanks to spotting Network Homes’ The Printworks development on Facebook. Chefs, Tiberius and Geta Darie dreamt of owning a home but with high property values in London did not think they would be able to get on the ladder until they spotted the apartment on the social media platform.
Tiberius, 32, and Geta, 31, were renting a room in a shared house in Hendon when they began looking for a property closer to work. They had been saving for four years but were unsure of what they could afford until they saw The Printworks in Neasden. Network Homes soon contacted the pair, who had one other priority – to buy an apartment fitted with a large kitchen where they could prepare meals together.
The pair, both originally from Romania, purchased a 25 per cent share of a one bedroom apartment on the first floor for £350,000 and moved in within eight weeks. Tiberius comments: “I think some people, when they start looking for a property give up easily because they think Shared Ownership is a complicated process. With Network Homes it was simple. They contacted us immediately after we registered and made the Shared Ownership process smooth and the process very quick.”
Shared Ownership is a Government initiative that enables first-time buyers the chance to get on the property ladder, paying a mortgage on a portion of the property and rent to a housing association on the remaining share.
Tiberius adds: “We are chefs and work shifts so wanted to be as close to work as possible, I now have a short tube journey to work in Queens Park. It was not just the location that appealed to us at The Printworks; the building is striking on the outside and very modern, which we both like. The property is perfect for us and the kitchen is big, there’s enough space for us to cook together.
“For us it is a dream to be to own a property and we would recommend Shared Ownership to anyone who wants to buy. It’s exciting to be able to say we now own our own place and look forward to staircasing in the future.”
Network Homes unveiled The Printworks in 2018 – a stylish collection of 47 one and two bedroom apartments for Shared Ownership. The development has already enjoyed strong sales success and comprises the transformation of the former Neasden print works, the Press House. There are also 27 homes available for affordable rent.
The development, which has been constructed using innovative cross-laminated timber (CLT), maximises space and light, with an attractive private courtyard, complemented by communal landscaping to create a welcoming entrance. Each of the apartments offer private outdoor space, high quality interiors and kitchen appliances and come with allocated parking.
Tiberius and Geta are now looking forward to putting the finishing touches to their home in the way of interiors. Geta comments: “I love living at The Printworks and feel so comfortable here. It is great to finally have my dream home with my husband and to be able to put our interior finishing touches in place.”
Nestled in close proximity to the Welsh Harp Reservoir and Wembley, with Willesden Green to the South, and Brent Cross Shopping Centre just off the A40, The Printworks is perfectly placed to suit a variety of lifestyles. While international sporting events and concerts are held close by in Wembley Park, the area still retains its distinctive neighbourhood feel with independent shops, restaurants, cinemas, good schools, public parks, and a strong multicultural community.
Those who are interested in well-being are also spoilt for choice as the development is surrounded by green spaces and parks. There is even an outside gym at Neasden Recreational Ground, sailing on the reservoir, tennis in Gladstone Par k or just a walk through beautiful country parks all on the doorstep.
Neasden underground station is just a short bus ride away with the Jubilee line providing fast access across London, including Baker Street in just 12 minutes and Waterloo in 22 minutes. There is also a strong local bus network and road connections including the A406 North Circular and M1 making for easy travel away from the capital. For holiday getaways Heathrow is only 34 minutes to the west and Luton, 39 minutes to the north.
Current prices start at £77,500 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment. Visit www.networkhomessales.co.uk to find out more.