"Finding Home in south east London: A First-Time Homebuyer's Journey During the Pandemic"
Location South Norwood
In the midst of a global pandemic, the journey of these first-time homebuyers was one of unexpected twists and turns. With a fortuitous opportunity to housesit for six months, they were able to accelerate their savings and embark on a quest to find their dream home within a tight deadline. And despite the charm of their period property, they opted for a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic that imbues the space with a sense of lightness and tranquility.
1. Tell me about your experience of being a first time buyer?
Our journey as first-time homebuyers happened relatively quickly due to the pandemic. We had been renting for three years and saving as much as we could. An opportunity arose for us to housesit for six months, which increased the amount we could save each month. However, this also meant we had a fixed timeline to find our next place to live. Although there were stressful times, looking back, our journey was relatively simple and quick.
2. What did you enjoy about the area you resided in previously?
We previously rented a property in Bromley for three years. I grew up in Bromley and have many family members and friends who live in the area. Bromley was ideal for us due to its amentities, excellent transport links, open green spaces and familiar atmosphere. For these reasons, we aimed to purchase a property either in the area or within a 15-minute drive.
3. What was your experience like buying a property during the Covid - 19 period?
Although we have no other experince to compare it to, the process of buying our property seemed quite smooth and easy, based on discussions with friends and family who have gone through a similar processes. We were working with a tight deadline for two reasons; we needed to move out of the place where we were housesitting, and we wanted to complete the purchase before the stamp duty holiday ended. As a result, our property search was brief, and we only viewed five houses. During this time, the housing market was extremely busy with many people buying and selling, which caused some delays with our solicitors. Nonetheless, the entire process took only 11 and a half weeks from offer to completion.
4. Did you use mortgage broker? How long did the home buying process take for you?
We utilised an online broker service that was highly convenient, allowing us to access the app or online portal from anywhere. Correspondence was entirely digital and located in one place, which greatly improved task management efficiency. The entire process, from offer to completion, took 11 and a half weeks.
5. What was the first part of the property you started the renovating, and what have you enjoyed about it?
Initially, we thought that the property would only require new flooring throughout, a fresh coat of paint, and a new bathroom and kitchen in the future. However, when you walk-in into a property that is completely stripped of all its belongings and see it for what it really is, you realise that you may have a little more work on your hands. Fortunately, the house is structurally sound, and we wont be making any structural changes. We first focused on the bedrooms and then moved on to the garden, which was a big selling point for us. It's a good size, south-facing and very low maintenance. We love to entertain, have barbecues, and spend time outside, so the space is perfect for us. Our next project will be the bathroom. My husband, dad and I have done all of the work ourselves on the property, which has kept costs low but takes more time. However, there is definitely a great sense of achievement in knowing that you have put all the work into making the house your home. I personally love interiors, so it has been a dream of mine to have my own space and bring my designs ideas to life.
6. Did the house come first, or was it the area? What drew you to the community that you live in?
We chose to look for a house in Woodside/South Norwood because it was within our search area, property prices were lower, and my husband grew up there. Additionally, we needed good transportation links into London for work. Since moving to the area, I have experienced a beautiful community vibe that I had not felt before when living in a bigger town. As a result, I feel more connected to this area and its community. We try to shop locally and support local businesses as much as possible. South Norwood has a lot going on, and has even earned the nickname SONO from some locals. In fact, it has it's own app to keep residents informed of local events and happenings.
7. What inspired you in designing your home?
I have always been interested in properties and interior design. As a teenager, I used to watch shows like Homes Under the Hammer, Location, Location, Location, and 60 Minute Makeover. Even now, I still enjoy watching renovation shows and getting inspiration from platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and our travels. Despite owning a period property, I prefer to keep the space light and airy with minimalistic Scandinavian aesthetic.
8. How did you and your partner deal with budgeting for the renovation?
When we purchased the property, we had set aside a small budget for the first round of renovations. However, we had to stop when we ran out of funds. Since then, we have been tackling the renovations project by project, and saving money wherever possible. Unfortunately, the cost of materials has skyrocketed, which has slowed down our progress. To overcome this, I have had to be creative with up-cycling and making the most of what we have. For example, we plan to install built-in wardrobes in our bedroom, but until we can afford the materials, I have placed curtains over the space to cover the rails and drawers. It's safe to say that home renovations is a long-term game. Once you finish one project, it's time to start the next one.
9. What is the next renovation you would like to have completed before the end of this year?
I have several small DIY projects in progress, mainly involving painting and decorating. Our new bathroom is currently in our living room, waiting for my dad to come and start working on it. Ideally, I would like to have the kitchen renovation completed by the end of this year, but we might have to be patient.
10. What tips would you give to first time buyers?
My advice would be to keep in mind that your first home may not be your forever home. Therefore, it's important to choose a property that has the potential to appreciate in value, even if it's not your first choice of location. Consider investing in an up-and-coming area or a property that requires some renovation work (while you're still young and energetic enough to handle it). Keep an eye on the property market in your area and be careful not to overspend on renovations, as you don't want to risk not being able to recoup your investment down the line. Finally, becoming a homeowner is no easy feat in today's world, so no matter how you achieve it, be proud of yourself for this amazing accomplishment.