An alternative to Shared Ownership: How Pocket Living helps first time buyers get on the ladder

The London housing challenge

Buying a home in London can feel impossible for many first time buyers. With sky-high property prices, large deposits, and the added pressure of rising rents, owning your own home in the capital might seem out of reach. You might’ve looked into options like Shared Ownership, but that will often leave you with ongoing rent. So, where can you find a solution that lets you step onto the property ladder, to a home that’s 100% yours?

The smart alternative for first time buyers

Enter Pocket. We believe that buying a home in London should be accessible for everyone, so we made a way for first time buyers in London to step onto the property ladder with affordable prices and 100% ownership.

Pocket homes are sold at 20% discount to the local market to eligible purchasers, defined by income and where they live or work. For nearly two decades, Pocket has provided discounted housing in London, helping over 1,000 first time buyers in over 65% of London’s boroughs.

What makes a Pocket Home different?

Each development is designed with sustainability, and community in mind. Everyone says they are community-focused, but we back-up this claim with action. All our pocket developments have shared spaces such as roof terraces, landscaped gardens and communal hubs to foster a spirit of togetherness.

Why Pocket Living is the right choice for you – 100% ownership

With Pocket, you get to own your home outright, with no rent to pay on any portion of the property. Some more perks of buying with Pocket are:

• Our homes are around 20% cheaper than the market average, making it easier for people who might otherwise be priced out to finally get a foot on the property ladder.
• We partner with local councils to make sure our homes go to people who live and work nearby, keeping communities together and helping neighbourhoods grow in a sustainable way.
• Our homes are designed to be energy efficient, so they’re better for the planet and cheaper to run, saving you money in the long run.

Current developments

We’ve got a range of discounted Pocket homes available across London, each designed to make homeownership more accessible, energy-efficient, and community-focused. Here’s what’s on offer right now:

Forest Road E17

Located in the heart of Walthamstow, Forest Road E17 consists of 90 one bedroom discounted Pocket homes for first time buyers. Eight of the homes are adaptable homes for wheelchair users and some have private terraces. Reserve at Forest Road E17 and get a free interior design consultation with BBCs Banjo Beale, providing exchange takes place on or before August 18th 2025. PLUS, your first time buyer Stamp Duty paid if completion takes place on or before August 25th 2025. Now 80% sold.

Addiscombe Grove CR0

Addiscombe Grove in East Croydon has been designed by award-winning architects Metropolitan Workshop and offers one bedroom discounted Pocket homes, minutes away from East Croydon station.

Woodside Park N12

The joy of homeownership is within your reach. At Woodside Park N12, we’re selling 37 energy-efficient homes at a 20% discount to the market price.

Sheepcote Road HA1

Located a 10-minute walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill station, Sheepcote Road HA1 offers 149 one bedroom homes spread out across two blocks, including 16 that are wheelchair adaptable. This tranquil, energy-efficient development has plenty of outdoor space, including several flats with private gardens.

Speak to our sales team about our current incentives and offers.

Start your journey today

Think Pocket Living might be the right fit for you? Check your eligibility and see if you qualify for one of our affordable homes.