Shared Ownership gives access to homeownership for first-time buyer in London

Home ownership in London becomes a reality for Tabby after buying in Oval. "Every time I go into Central London, I’m shocked at just how close I am" - Tabby

Tabby discovered she could actually afford to buy in London with Shared Ownership

“I can buy theatre tickets 30 minutes before the show starts, and still be there with time to spare!” Tabby comments. Musical theatre fan Tabby wasn’t searching for a new home when she discovered Peabody New Homes Zone at Oval Village. But, after viewing the development, she decided that being so close to the bright lights of the West End was an opportunity she couldn’t miss out on, and reserved her dream apartment as soon as she got home!

Software engineer Tabby Grant (29) was renting a three-bedroom maisonette in Wapping with two friends when she discovered she could actually afford to buy in London with Shared Ownership. She purchased a 25% share of a two-bedroom apartment, overlooking the communal gardens. “I saw an advert for Zone at Oval Village on social media, and I was shocked to see that the price being advertised was within my budget. I decided to pop into the site on one of their open days as I was already in the area, and when I viewed the show home I instantly loved it.”

Shared Ownership made a central London location a reality

“Obviously I loved the apartment and the development as a whole, but the main draw for me was how central the location was. I thought I was central in Wapping but no way – here, I can jump on a bus and be in Covent Garden in 10 minutes. I’m a huge musical theatre fan and the joy of living so centrally is that you can get those last-minute tickets for amazing value. I can buy my tickets 30 minutes before the show starts, and still arrive with time to spare!”

Positioned in the heart of Central London, Zone is within easy reach of everything that the capital has to offer. This is a neighbourhood bursting with history and culture, with the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Battersea Power Station and Tate Britain all about a 30-minute walk away. Sports fans can enjoy a day at The Kia Oval Cricket Ground, right on the doorstep of the development. Alternatively, those preferring a night in the West End can speed to Leicester Square in just five minutes from Kennington station, accessing a wide variety of plays, musicals, and cinematic releases.

My apartment itself is really sizable for a two-bedroom flat in Central London

Tabby comments: “My apartment itself is really sizable for a two-bedroom flat in Central London, there’s lots of space and I love relaxing on my balcony. The biggest surprise for me was the incredible roof garden as when I viewed and reserved the apartment, it hadn’t been built yet. I didn’t realise that it would be so amazing – it has 360 degree views across London and you can see every single one of the typical London tourist attractions, from Canary Wharf, round to Big Ben and the London Eye and then towards the Battersea towers. I tend to go up there the most when I have friends over, and we have a catch up over drinks while overlooking the skyline.”

In addition to private balconies to all homes, there is a residents’ roof terrace providing spectacular views across the London skyline, a great place to work quietly, soak up the sun in the summer or simply catch up with your friends. Perfect for those hoping to explore their surroundings, the development hosts cycle storage facilities, with residents also benefitting from access to Zipcar club services. The on-site pay-as-you-go gym banishes any excuse to skip a workout!

Zone is 10 minutes cycle to Victoria which is incredible!

Like many young professionals, Tabby enjoys meeting friends at the weekend, and her new home has made this even easier. “I go into Central London every weekend to meet friends; we’re all dotted around different areas on the outskirts of London, so we like meeting in the various pubs and bars in Victoria as that’s the central point for everyone. Every time I go into Central London I’m shocked at just how close I am. I enjoy cycling, and it takes me about 10 minutes to cycle to Victoria which is incredible!”

With three Underground stations close by, just a 5-minute walk away Oval Station provides Northern line services across the capital, with trains to London Bridge in just 9 minutes. For those looking to hop on National Rail and Victoria line services, Vauxhall is just an 8-minute walk away, while the river boat can be accessed from St George Wharf.

Zone at Oval Village adds a touch of luxury with on-site amenities

Sharing more about the local area, Tabby comments: “I don’t think I’ve made the most of the local outdoor space yet as the weather has been awful, but I’m really looking forward to getting out there in the summer. Kennington has a village feel which is nice for me; my family are from Wales and I’ve never really lived in cities, so having an area that feels like a village makes the city more homely for me. Kennington Park and Battersea Park are both spaces I’m excited to explore in the summer. It takes about 20 minutes to cycle to Battersea, and I love it now the area has been renovated. I’m also only 5 minutes from the Thames, so summertime riverside walks are on the top of my list!”

Zone at Oval Village adds a touch of luxury to your daily routine when it comes to on-site amenities. A dedicated 24-hour concierge is on hand to provide a warm welcome around the clock. Later residents will enjoy a new a café, the Oval Works working-hub and the convenience of an onsite supermarket. “The 24-hour concierge was a big pull for me. The people on the desk are lovely and I’ve really got to know them since I moved in.”

Zone has a network of stunning landscaped gardens

Offering space to zone-out, a network of stunning landscaped gardens are scattered within the development with calming water features and a thriving living roof, providing Oval Village residents with a tranquil oasis without sacrificing the much-loved buzz of the city.

Tabby concludes: “I would definitely recommend Zone at Oval Village to anyone wanting to move to London. There’s no way I would have been able to afford to buy a home so close to Central London on the open market, so Shared Ownership was a fantastic option. It has meant I can enjoy London living, without the extortionate price tag that normally comes with buying in London.”

Zone at Oval Village represents more than just a place to live; it’s a new community for residents to become part of, to enjoying the benefits of living in a central location surround by green space and awards winning parks.