- Name: Chris Tendai
- Purchased: Two bedroom Apartment at The Quarry
- Full Market Value: £305,000
- Deposit: £35,000
- Monthly Outgoings: £1,121.56
Self-employed choreographer Chris Tendai, 31, was renting an apartment in West Finchley when he decided it was time to think about buying his first home. The security of homeownership, a more spacious home and easy access to outdoor space were all key factors that led Chris to his dream home at The Quary, in Erith.
Recalling why he no longer wanted to rent, Chris explains
“Renting was fine, but I did feel like I was throwing money away! Due to tenancies ending and rising costs, I’ve moved around quite a lot, which can honestly be exhausting.”
Ready to find a more permanent place to live, Chris started his search. With a clear wish list in mind, Chris knew exactly what he was after, saying “I was set on living in South East London, so I began looking around at a whole range of developments. I wanted a new build – that was my main criteria really. I’m very conscious of doing my bit for the environment and new builds tend to be far more energy efficient than older homes, which also means cheaper monthly bills!
“I looked at a few homes in Erith, when I eventually stumbled across the private sale homes at The Quarry online, and just got such a good feeling.”
The Quarry, a joint venture between L&Q and Anderson, is an impressive development compromising of a collection of one to four bedroom homes available through private sale and shared ownership. At The Quarry, homes for sale are available with the Deposit Unlock scheme, which means buyers can purchase their private sale home with just a 5% deposit.
Transforming the disused Erith Quarry site, the development offers heating and hot water supplied by an Air Source Heat Pump, electric car charging points and preserved ecological areas, appealing to the eco-conscious Chris.
He recalls “Whilst I wasn’t able to get to the development at the time, the sales team at The Quarry took me on a virtual tour of a few apartments and sent me lots of videos too. They were so helpful and always answered my emails quickly. I felt like they had my needs at the forefront, and genuinely wanted to support my homebuying journey.”
“I could tell that they were listening to what I was after in a home, and weren’t just trying to make a sale. That to me was really significant, and actually led me to my dream home.”
“I love how spacious the flat is”, explains Chris, when asked what he’s enjoying about his home.
“After having lived in smaller homes prior to being here, having a lot of space was really important to me. The bathroom is amazing especially. I’ve got a wonderful bath, a huge mirror and it’s pristine. I’m very big on cleaning and find that the bathroom and kitchen are both so easy to keep clean because they are brand-new.”
Chris is also making use of the many draws of the local area.
“The great thing about living here is that there’s plenty within walking distance. I love a good walk in the park, which is just ten minutes away. We’ve got an onsite Sainsbury’s now, which is incredibly convenient. I was thrilled when that opened. The neighbourhood is friendly too, so I always feel safe – we even have a residents’ WhatsApp group!”
“Bexleyheath is a ten-minute bus ride away, which is handy because I use the gym there and the shopping centre is great for grabbing some last-minute bits for dinner, or for when I’m in the mood to go shopping. It’s got everything you need, so I don’t need to travel into the city centre if I don’t want to.”
As a self-employed choreographer, Chris is often having to travel across the capital and beyond for work.
“You can be in central London from Erith station in about 40 minutes, or you can jump on the Elizabeth line from Abbey Wood. The transport links are really excellent.”
Looking towards the future, Chris explains “I see myself staying here for a long time. The atmosphere of the neighbourhood is so lovely; my partner and I feel very happy here. I plan to host lots of dinner parties and to personalise my space over time. It feels like home.”
To find out more about homes currently available at The Quarry, and for more information on 5% deposits available through the Deposit Unlock scheme visit the website here: https://lqhomes.com/thequarry/.
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
