Affordable homes in the Capital

Unless you've been living in a cave, it will have been impossible to miss the vast quantities of media coverage on the continued fall in UK house prices.
However, this does not mean that home ownership has suddenly come within reach of the thousands of paramedics and ambulance workers that work in the Capital. In fact, as the cost of living rises and everyone feels the effects of the credit crunch, getting a foot on the ladder without being forced out to the margins of London remains an almost unattainable goal for many of us. That's why leading housing association Notting Hill Home Ownership is continuing to find new ways to help key workers across London into new build apartments that would otherwise have been out of financial reach.

One such opportunity is through the London-Wide Initiative (LWI); a Government-backed scheme that enables key workers to own a brand new home at significantly discounted prices.
Parkside, set on the edge of King George's Park in Wandsworth, is one of a handful of LWI schemes throughout the Capital that offers a limited number of discounted homes for key workers. This particular development offers one and two bedroom apartments for sale, some with en-suite bathrooms and balconies overlooking the park. Mark Vaughan, Director of Sales and Marketing at Notting Hill Home Ownership comments, "The beauty of this scheme is that key workers only pay around 50 per cent of the market value, depending on how much they can afford, and unlike many other affordable home ownership schemes, they don't have to pay a penny in rent. Buyers will also own 100 per cent of the home. In return the Government will have a right to share any increases in the value of the home as and when buyers decide to sell on."

This means that paramedics and ambulance staff with clinical skills can own a superb new build home in a highly desirable south west London location and pay a heavily discounted price on completion. Apartments under this scheme enjoy the same specification as those available for private sale.

Whether you wish to take a relaxing stroll in the wide-open spaces of King George's Park, or are in need of some retail therapy, Parkside has it all. Virtually on its doorstep is the revitalised Southside Shopping Centre, where stores such as Waitrose, H&M and Next, can be found, as well as the Cineworld cinema and Virgin Active Health Club. The village atmosphere of Old York Road is a 15-minute walk away, with its chic shops, cafes and bars. Also, only short bus rides away, are the trendy bars, cafes and pubs on St John's Hill.

Wandsworth Town over-ground station is the nearest railway connection, which offers direct links to Waterloo, via Clapham Junction.

To secure an invitation to one of the Open Days - which will take place on July 8th, 12th and 13th, contact Notting Hill Home Ownership's Customer Sales Team on 020 8357 4444 or email parkside@nhhg.org.uk

At the LWI Open Days a presentation will be given that explains how the scheme works and you will have the opportunity to view the show flat. Packs will be handed out containing floor plans, brochures, prices and prompt cards listing documentation needed for the reservations day. You will also have the opportunity to gather financial advice from Independent Financial Advisers.

Within two weeks of the first LWI Open Days, the first 'Reservations Day' will be held, allowing prospective LWI buyers to reserve their choice of apartment, secured by a £500 reservation fee and the relevant supporting documentation. The units will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.