Greenwich I am in you...

It’s very weird to think that I’ve nearly been in my new flat for a month now. Time has totally flown by and I expect that that next time I blink, it will be 6 months from now. It’s been great showing people around! I promise that I will share some pictures when I have sorted stuff out. My favourite comment so far when I’ve shown people around is that is looks like an a page in the Ikea catalogue!

Anyway, with all of the unpacking (nearly) done, the next step is really to discover more about the place that I will call home for many years. It’s time to find the best bar, best pub, best places for a romantic dinner and the best place to take the parents for Sunday lunch, that’s if I don’t attempt to cook it myself.

For me though, I know this area quite well and it holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Greenwich with a couple of friends about 3 years ago. It was the first place I lived in London and an area that I felt so comfortable in. I did love living in Brixton and I would recommend the area to anyone, but Greenwich really had my heart.

One of things I always do when I move somewhere new is start following local blogs and Twitter accounts to really get up to speed with the area. If you are moving somewhere new, I would totally suggest doing the same.

Here are a couple of blogs I’ve started following:
The Greenwich Phantom - http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/
853 - http://853blog.com/
The Blackheath Bugle - http://blackheathbugle.wordpress.com/

Here is a Twitter featuring Greenwich and surrounding area Twitter account, which I will be adding to over time:
https://twitter.com/originalsteve/greenwich/

Do you live in Greenwich and know some more blogs I should follow? Drop me a note at @originalsteve or post a comment below.

Looking forward to sharing more of my adventures with you soon.

My first flat, Shared Ownership advice...

This is what it's going to be...

The last few weeks have been a pretty amazing for me, if you have read my #deartuesday post you would have seen that I got my mortgage offer. (if you haven't read it yet, check it out here http://bit.ly/UagO47). I've been waiting for over a month for this information now. But, it finally means that I can make progress on my new flat.

In my life I really didn't think that I would ever be able to buy a flat, as you need at least a 20% deposit to get a mortgage, which is a huge amount of money. I never thought that I had been earning enough money to live in London, save some money and pay off the debts that I built up as a student. So buying a flat had always been out of the question.

In July last year I was speaking to my mum about my housing situation. I was living in a shared flat, which firstly was being sold by my landlady and secondly I had a housemate who was going through a few issues that were affecting all of us. I had always wanted to live in my own place and on my own for a while. You know the feeling when you just want a place where you can wander around in your pants, watch the TV you want to watch and do the cleaning when you want to. 

My mum suggested that I take a look at the Shared Ownership scheme, where first time buyers can buy a certain percentage of a property and the rest of the property is owned by a Housing Association. You pay for the mortgage on the percentage you own and pay rent to the Housing Association who owns the rest of the property. For these type of properties you usually only need a 5% - 15% deposit on the section of the property you own. Which it an easier sum of money to save compared to the usual 20%. It would mean that I could have my own place where I could settle down. No one but me could sell the place from under my feet and the money I was spending was not going just going into someone’s pocket, but helping me up the property ladder.

It sounded too good to be true, but I took a look and found that I could get a brand new/newly built flat with a small amount of savings and at an affordable monthly rate. If I decided just to rent on my own, I would be looking at spending at least £1500 a month, but with this, I would be paying much less on a mortgage and rent. The places available usually are in upcoming areas of London and come with a few restrictions, but if you are happy to put up with that, you are all sorted.

So that was it, I visited a few places and somewhere affordable and in a location I was happy with. It was time to save for the deposit, so I moved back in the parents and the rest is history.

If I’ve got you thinking about doing the same, here are my tips to get you on your way:

1. Register with First Steps London (or look here to find your nearest place) and take a look at the properties available

2. Look at the different areas and work out how much you can afford to spend on rent/mortgage every month. Also add about £300 on top for bills, just in case. I made an excel document to track my outgoings and work it out. It was really useful!

3. Look at the required deposits and work out how much you have or can save on what you are on. Also, add on £4000 to the required deposit for legal fees, mortgage costs and for kitting out your new home

4. Take a look at a few places. Get a feel for what is available. Ask lots of questions, the housing association and developers are happy to help

5. Get your finances in order. Reduce your overdraft and pay off any loans or credit cards. The Housing Association and mortage company will look at your finances thoroughly. Most schemes will ask you to speak to a Financial Advisor, which is usually free until you get a mortgage. Again, ask lots of questions and don't be scared to tell them the truth. They want to help you

6. If you find a place you like, find out what the process is and how long it will take. Sometimes you might have to buy off a plan if the place isn't built yet.

7. Ask your friends or family for a good Solicitor. Ask them lots of questions. I was lucky one of my close family relations is a Solicitor. 

8. Lastly, be prepared for extra and hidden costs. This could be ground rent or additional money for other things. Even though this is 'affordable housing' people are looking to make money from you.

Keep following this blog to see what happens next and how the move goes! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

Cheers,
Steve

Goodbye Greenwich - Top things to do in Greenwich!

 Royal Naval College - Greenwich

Sadly, after exactly a year in this great part of London, it is time for me to wave goodbye as I head to pastures new and start the next adventure. It is amazing to think that Greenwich is in London; people forget that it is only a 10 minute train ride from London Bridge. It features in a big part in London's history and is the place where time begins. The buildings are magnificent and the place has almost had a village feel. For me, it has been a great place to live and (if I could ever afford it) I would love to come back and live here again. Anyway, as I wave goodbye and shed a little tear, I thought I would share what I think are the best bits of Greenwich.


Greenwich Market. Map
Quite a small when compared to some of the markets around London, but it holds some amazing delights. Especially the food section of the Market - it seems like every nationality is represented! For around £5, you can get a brilliant lunch to take away and eat in the park. My favourite has always been the Nigerian chicken stew with bean bread. IT IS AMAZING.

Greenwich Park - Greenwich

Greenwich Park. Map
One if London's most beautiful parks at any time of day. Head up to the top of the hill to find some amazing views of Canary Wharf and the city. Stroll through the windy paths, find yourself at the hidden Rose gardens and find the first bath in London! I used to run here on Spring mornings, chill and stroll through at the weekends or even go back on a summers evening to see the laser showing you where time begins. Also, have a look at the Queens House! It's stunning!


The Royal Observatory. Map
Situated in Greenwich park is this little free attraction. Wonder around and find out more about time! Also, book tickets and go to the plantetarium, it is the only one in London!

Royal Naval College - Greenwich

Royal Naval College. Map
The buildings are magnificent. I often used to buy food in the market and bring it here to enjoy in the sun. Have a look at the painted hall and head over to the chapel. Or even just sit there and watch the Thames go by on a summers day.

Painted Hall - Greenwich

The Greenwich Union. Map
One of my favourite pubs! A very chilled and relaxed atmosphere, it serves it's own brews and does an amazing Sunday roast. It is tucked away from the main part of Greenwich, but worth a visit!

So if you ever find yourself with a free weekend, just jump on a train and go a visit Greenwich!

Give it a little wave from me. :)

Snow Snow Snow...

So it's time to slip and slide around the place again. The snow is here...just before December begins! :)

Things are getting Christmasy!

On my way home from work I walked past a little row of shops near my house. As the lights twinkled on this frosty evening I began to feel a little festive.

Always good to find a great little place!

So, the cafe around the corner from my house has just re opened after a 2 month refit.

I had only been in once before on the way to work before it closed. It was small, but did coffee and greasy spoon style breakies.

But after if 2months away, Baba's (near Greenwich station) is back with more space and a new lick of paint. A big full English (sausage, egg, bacon, beans, mushroom, toast and bubble&squeak) WITH COFFEE, will only set you back £5.50! Bargain!

I think I know where I will be going for my weekend hangover cure! :)