At Weston Homes, we build with passion and deliver with pride. Ryan Bleach, who purchased his first home at our Rivermill Lofts development in Barking, explains why he chose Weston Homes to start his climb on the property ladder and what he loves about the area he now lives in.
Where were you living before?
I was first renting and then I moved back in with my mum in order to save some money, as I knew I was planning to buy somewhere
Why did you move to the area?
I moved to Barking for a combination of reasons. I had been tracking investment progress in the area, compared with other regions in London and found the figures to be some of the most impressive. Another big factor for me was the commute. Due to the fact that I work in The City, good transport links were of paramount importance to me and from Barking it is only a 15 minute train journey and then a short walk to where I work. The number of cafes and bars in the area are also on the rise, which is great.
Why did you choose Rivermill Lofts?
The first thing that drew me to the development was the high specification, something that a lot of new build developments lack.
The sales staff were also incredibly patient and helpful and when an issue arose they were quick to help me sort it, whereas I feel a lot of other sales teams would not have cared as much. I really have to say that the Weston Homes team were a key factor in my decision to purchase at Rivermill Lofts. I also loved the location of Rivermill Lofts, I have a great café/ bar just a short stroll from my apartment and I’m also close to the art quarter which offers a number of galleries and exhibitions.
Has the area lived up to your expectations?
Yes, most definitely. I was previously living in South West London and still wanted to get that same ‘vibe’ and Barking hasn’t disappointed. I also feel incredibly safe in the area, which can sometimes be difficult when living in London.
How were you able to get on the housing ladder and would this have been possible elsewhere in the capital?
I was renting with a friend but decided to move in with my mum a year before I was looking to buy in order to save money. Luckily I was able to save up (with a bit of help from my mum) and buy my first home at the age of 26. Looking at the quality of the apartment I have bought, alongside its location, I don’t think I would have been able to achieve this offering elsewhere in London.
What improvements would you like to see in Barking? – what are the things that it currently lacks and what would you like to see changed/ removed?
There honestly isn’t much about the area that I would change. The rejuvenation of the town centre would be great and I understand it is something that the Mayor of London has already talked about. Apart from that I really love living in Barking. It is an incredibly diverse area which offers everything I was searching for in a place to call home.
If you’re looking to buy a new home, please search our website to view all current developments.
If you’re also a first-time buyer, like Ryan, looking to move into your first home, our exclusive First-time SecureBuy scheme might be able to help. Click here to find out more.
