First-time buyer snaps up a new home in Croydon
Croydon is currently enjoying a new lease of life, and has a £1bn overhaul in the pipeline. Several large institutions, including a new Westfield and the 2,500-strong HMRC workforce are moving in, so the area is getting itself ready for growth.
First-time buyer Sabrina Moore, 26, is the proud new owner of a one-bedroom apartment at the popular Redrow development, Morello in Croydon. Sabrina has been renting a room in London to save up for a deposit to purchase her first home.
An assistant producer at a London TV company, Sabrina says: “I was keen to get on the property ladder and finally own my own property, but I really wanted to make sure it was a good investment too. I was looking for somewhere in an up-and-coming location that had the potential for good capital growth.
Sabrina looked at a number of properties in Croydon and the surrounding area, but narrowed her search down to Morello, a new build development close to the station. Located on Cherry Orchard Road, Morello is a joint venture between Redrow London and regeneration specialist Menta.
The design of the development was inspired by the natural and cultural history of the area, and offers stylish, modern living. Over half of the site is dedicated to gardens, landscaping and public realm improvements, giving residents the opportunity to make the most of the outside space.
Sabrina, her brother Sam and their parents attended a launch event at Morello in October 2016 to see what was on offer. They were all impressed by the apartments and could see their potential as a long term investment.
With her savings and a little help from her family, Sabrina was able to put down a 20% deposit on a property and reserve her first home off-plan. The apartment is due for completion at the end of this year.
Sabrina’s brother Sam also decided to buy an apartment at Morello. Sam is 29 years old and works as project manager at an advertising company in central London. He currently owns a flat in Sandersted, Surrey, which he is selling to buy his property at Morello.
Sabrina comments: “I love my new apartment. It’s very well designed with a great layout. The lounge is a good size with big floor to ceiling windows, which gives the apartment a light and airy feel. The location really works for me too. I think what’s happening in Croydon at the moment is really exciting. It is definitely an area that is ear marked for growth. The local area has a huge variety of amenities on offer – the town centre is vibrant with shops, bars and restaurants, with more on the way too. I think the popularity of the new Box Park really proves that people are ready to see that change happen. It will take a few years for the real redevelopment to kick in, but you can feel and see the changes already. Having a new Westfield shopping centre in the area will also add to the appeal.”
Sabrina continues: “The great transport links were a big factor in my decision to buy in Croydon as it means my commute to work in Shoreditch will be very straight forward. As Morello is right by the station I will be able to roll out of bed and straight onto the train in the morning... you can’t really argue with that!
“Plus, with the south coast connections being so good too, I can head down to the coast for some fresh sea air if I want to get out of the city at weekends. I am excited about moving into my apartment at the end of the year. Since I reserved back in October, I keep hearing of other old school mates who have reserved plots in the same block. Hopefully there’ll be plenty of people to borrow sugar from once we move in!”
Prices at Morello start from £375,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
View more about Morello from Redrow Homes