Purchasing a new build property off-plan comes with many positives; buyers can often secure their favourite plot before anyone else, there is no costly maintenance or DIY to carry out and the potential for future price growth before even moving in are just some of the reasons why off-plan purchases are proving popular with London’s homebuyers.

Deciding to reserve her first home off-plan, Alexandra explains why this was the perfect investment for her, and what she is looking forward to when she moves into her new apartment at Peabody’s Arden at Parkside development in Lewisham, SE10. 

CGI of the Arden development at dusk.

Explaining what led to choosing to buy a property off-plan, Alexandra comments:

“I am originally from Portugal and had to relocate to the UK as the IT consultancy firm I work for opened a new office in London. I am currently living in a rented house share with two work colleagues; my job means that I have always been able to work from home in some capacity, however, once the pandemic hit this became the new normal.

While having company at home was great, I soon realised how important it is to have a space to retreat to, somewhere that was for working and somewhere to relax. This made my mind up that it was time for me to invest in a home of my own.”

Alexandra continues:

“I had considered other developments but when I found Arden at Parkside, it felt different. I had taken a few walks around the development and it feels like it has a ‘soul’ – it’s in an up-and-coming location close to Deptford, which is now considered to be the new Shoreditch and within easy reach of Greenwich – I can walk to Greenwich Park and the Cutty Sark in 15 minutes!

There are lots of trendy bars and restaurants close by, with more to come – there is so much potential in the area, I can see how it is going to change in the coming years. In comparison to other locations Arden really stood out for me, I viewed the show apartment, it was really impressive. The specification is going to be exactly the same as my apartment – by deciding to buy off-plan I got to choose which unit I wanted, opting for one that overlooks woodland at the back and the communal gardens at the front and there is no rush!

My apartment will be ready next September so I have plenty of time to stay where I am, which will save me more money in the long-term.”

Living area in Arden show home

Derived from the Latin meaning ‘great forest’, Arden occupies an attractive and tranquil setting within the leafy and well-established development of Parkside, SE10 - perfectly positioned to take advantage of four popular London districts, with Lewisham, Greenwich, Deptford and Blackheath all within easy reach.

Homebuyers who choose to make this corner of the capital their home will enjoy a bourgeoning new neighbourhood to explore, where the coexistence of green space and well-being are perfectly composed for modern city lifestyles.

The wider program of regeneration at Parkside already provides residents with access to a thriving new destination in the capital bringing over 1200 new homes, a modern community hub and café, a nursery and significant new public green space.

IT Project Manager Alexandra was keen to ensure her first home offered everything she wanted and Arden didn’t disappoint:

“I had some key factors I wanted to fulfil with regard to the location of my new home and the internal features. Living on my own, it is important to me to live in an area that is accessible, sociable and not exclusively residential – somewhere I can easily walk to other places from and where there are amenities nearby.

From an internal point of view, obviously having two bedrooms so I can create that divide between work and home was a must. I also really wanted under-floor heating – radiators take up so much wall space in an apartment and unfortunately this doesn’t come as standard in all new build homes. The overall standard and finish was something I looked closely at too – a spacious layout, wooden flooring, tiling in the bathroom and having outside space and I even have a centre island in my kitchen!

Arden has ticked every box I had and more - when you are buying a property why should you compromise – my advice is keep going until you find the one that has everything you want.”

Arden Show home - Bedroom

Explaining more about the local area and what her new apartment at Arden will offer once Alexandra moves in, she says:

“I love to stay fit and work out, Arden will have an onsite gym which will be great for me. I find that you engage with likeminded people in likeminded places – I have met some of my greatest friends from going to the gym and expect it to be the same here.

Wherever you live, you should always have a beautiful park or green space close by – living at Arden I will have both! Greenwich Park is 15 minutes’ walk from me, as well as the beautiful, landscaped gardens within the development. I have plenty of choice locally, Lewisham, Deptford and Greenwich surround me and offer lots of places to have drinks or meals with friends or spend the day doing something nice outdoors.”

“I am really looking forward to moving into my new home – having that second bedroom will completely change my set up and routine. I will have two private balconies, one is covered and will be in the room where I will work from home, and the other will be in my bedroom looking out over the communal gardens – perfect for having time with friends. The layout has been really well thought out too, it will be very bright and open-plan creating a very sociable space.”

Gym & Fitness area @ Arden

Alexandra concludes:

“Purchasing off-plan has been very easy and straightforward and the best thing is there is no urgency to get everything arranged all at once, I can take my time and plan all the furniture I am going to buy! I am really looking forward to moving into my new home at Arden and seeing how the area will have changed in just a year – watch this space!”