Modern glamour always comes at a price: at Saffron House it's a
very low one. Family Mosaic's elegant collection of 11 one-, two-
and three-bedroom apartments in Ramsgate Street, E8, doesn't skimp
on scale or style, yet thanks to the part-ownership scheme it
is well within reach of first-time buyers. As a delighted Olivia
Howitt found when she bought a top-floor, two-bedroom apartment in
the block, buying into a truly aspirational property in one of
London's most vibrant districts can actually save money.
"I have been looking for a part-buy, part-rent property since
2007 but never found one in an area I liked," says Olivia, 35, who
has purchased a 35% share of the £285,000 flat for £99,750. "Buying
at Saffron House is much, much cheaper than renting: Family
Mosaic's scheme is extremely cost-efficient." The typical outgoings
on Olivia's new home, including mortgage costs, rent on the 65%
balance and service charges, are £861.46 per month.
Coincidentally, the flat Olivia had been renting for the past
two-and-a-half years is just around the corner from Saffron House,
so she knew the area well. "I never expected to find anywhere in
this area, and certainly not of this specification," she says. "I
bought off-plan, having viewed a three-bedroom apartment on the
ground floor, so I had never actually seen my flat until I moved
in. It far exceeded my expectations. I knew the quality would be
high, but I was surprised by the size - it is much bigger than I
imagined. It feels like a mansion compared with where I was
before.
"I had no hesitation investing with Family Mosaic. Not only is
their quality great, but the whole team has been incredibly helpful
and supportive."
Not only are Olivia's monthly outgoings lower than in the rental
market, but Family Mosaic's thoughtful extras have also saved her
money. "The hob, oven, hood, washer-dryer and fridge-freezer that
are included have been a massive help. And I didn't realise until I
moved in that the water is heated by solar panels on the roof,
saving me even more. It's a very nice bonus."
The careful planning and first-class specification of the
apartments in Saffron House also include private patio gardens to
the three-bedroom flats on the ground floor and spacious balconies
to the units on the upper levels; well-designed storage spaces;
Moores kitchen units in white high gloss with 'Black
Twilight' worktops; stylish white bathroom suites with beige floor
tiles and beige full-height tiling around the bath; chrome-finish
heated towel rails; fitted carpets to bedrooms; and oak flooring in
the living areas and hallways.
Olivia, who moved from Manchester six years ago, has bought at
the right time, for the Dalston area is well and truly on the up.
"There has always been a good selection of shops on Kingsland High
Street, lots of fresh food at great prices at Ridley Road Market,
and now the regeneration of this area means there is a new library,
theatre and live music venues close by."