As the cost of living continues to rise, many more would-be buyers could find themselves priced out of traditional home ownership and looking to the variety of schemes available to help them onto the property ladder. At Central Square in Hanwell, West London, each and every apartment has been sold or is available via Help to Buy or shared ownership, making home ownership accessible for as many people as possible including Pamela Latawan, 45, who turned her dream of finally owning a home into reality in June 2022.
Having previously rented a two-bedroom flat in Hammersmith, Pamela, a hospital worker and protection adviser, used the government’s Help to Buy scheme to purchase a modern two-bedroom apartment with a spacious balcony at Central Square. She paid £460,000 for her home, putting down a five per cent deposit of £23,000 and taking a £253,000 loan from the government. Her monthly mortgage repayments are £1,150.
Pamela comments: “I have been saving for a long time and the scheme has supported me as a first-time buyer. I really am over the moon that I now have my own home, the freedom is incredible.”
Since moving in with her son Joshua, Pamela has been enjoying every moment of her new space. She says: “From our first day of moving in, we could see what a great community we were going to be part of. There is a group chat that we were invited into very quickly and everyone has been so welcoming – offering us help with anything we need. Moving home can come with its uncertainties but we instantly felt comfortable and reassured, it’s fantastic to have such lovely neighbours.”
On completion, residents will benefit from landscaped gardens and a community centre, as well as an on-site shop to make life easier for residents. Pamela adds: “Central Square has a really strong community-feel and as we’re also new to Ealing, it has made settling in so much simpler at a time where you could feel alone.”
Ealing is very well connected with excellent transport links to around London and beyond – it’s now serviced by the new Elizabeth Line and Castle Bar Park Station sits at the centre of Copley W7. It takes just 20 minutes to get to London Paddington. Noting this as one of many reasons she was initially interested in the development, Pamela adds: “Ealing is a very convenient location, I either use Crossrail or Great Western Railway to get to work every day. We’re now closer to some of our relatives in Hounslow. The great transport links and surrounding amenities made Central Square stand out.”
The extensive green space in leafy Hanwell ensures Pamela and Joshua can experience the best of apartment living whilst not having to compromise on access to outdoor space. Pamela says: “I really like walking and there are so many nearby parks to explore. My son also enjoys cycling too. We love our new apartment and we’re so happy to call Ealing home.”
Central Square offers the best of outer-city living with its fantastic transport links, open space and amenities. With its plethora of new and existing bars and restaurants, shopping and entertainment facilities, it’s no surprise that Ealing has been known as the Queen of the Suburbs for over a century. Located within easy reach of London city centre, its extensive green space adds a quintessential charm to the lively high street. New urban quarter, Dicken’s Yard, which offers lifestyle brands, leisure activities and a weekly artisan market is located in the centre of Ealing, just two miles from Central Square.
There are only a small number of apartments remaining – buyers are advised to act quickly. To take a digital tour or to book a private appointment to visit the beautiful two-bedroom show apartment, call JLL on 020 7087 5111.