Family finds dream station location at Crescent Gardens
Meet Paulina and Joel, new homeowners enjoying the benefits of space and location at Crescent Gardens, Croydon.
Discovering shared ownership
When 35-year-old Paulina’s husband Joel (39) first mentioned shared ownership to her, Paulina had no idea what the term meant. However, the conversation turned out to be crucial to the couple's future – as did discovering Crescent Gardens when they were browsing for new homes online.
“I had never heard of shared ownership,” explains Paulina. “I did some research, and it sounded like a great way to buy a home without needing to raise a huge deposit. We booked four different viewings, including an apartment at Crescent Gardens, right by East Croydon train station. I had seen the building when using the station previously and always thought that I’d like to live there.
More space and an ideal location
Paulina and Joel, along with baby daughter Mary, purchased a two-bedroom apartment in autumn 2024 on the fifth floor of Crescent Gardens. It was a contrast from the rented studio apartment elsewhere in Croydon.
“Joel moved in with me a year ago." Paulina says. "Then we had Mary, so we were definitely ready for more space! As we’ve gone from a studio to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, we have so much more space now; the property feels huge. I love the open-plan living space and the balcony."
Benefits for Paulina and Joel
- More space to raise their family.
- Dream location near the station and a shorter commute.
- A lower deposit than buying on the open market.
- The satisfaction of owning rather than renting.
- Shops and leisure amenities - short walk away.
I’ve been living in Croydon for a long time now, so I know the area really well, and locations don’t come much better than this. Crescent Gardens is just minutes from the station and shops but it’s also really quiet – we were delighted to be able to buy here.
Paulina at Crescent Gardens
A dream for commuters
The location, just a four-minute walk from East Croydon station, was a key deciding factor when the couple viewed Crescent Gardens.
Joel works in central London from Monday to Friday and his journey to Oxford Circus each day is now “very fast and easy”. Paulina works at the Tate Modern at weekends, with her journey to work via Blackfriars station now taking just 15 minutes.
“I’ve cut 20 minutes off my commute," comments Paulina. "They’re building a bridge from here to the station next year – it will be just a one-minute walk to the station once that’s finished.”
Saving to own
Purchasing with shared ownership meant that the couple needed a lower deposit than they would buying on the open market. They saved £6,000, which was enough for a deposit for a 25% share of their new two-bedroom home. They now pay around £2,000 per month for their utilities, service charge, mortgage and the rent on the share of the property that is owned by Latimer. They have the option to staircase their way to full ownership whenever it suits them.
Paulina comments: “The buying process with Latimer was very straightforward. It's amazing to own our first home. It's much better than renting. It's a big sense of achievement. In fact, I recommended it to a colleague at work.
Local amenities
Paulina, Joel and Mary are making full use of the wealth of shops and leisure amenities in the local area.
“Everything's so close,” says Paulina, “From food shopping to going to the gym, it's all on our doorstep. And when the weather warms up, we'll be making good use of the communal gardens. There's also a primary school just five minutes' walk away, ready for when Mary is older. We have everything we need. We're very happy here.”
