For Senior Program Manager Prajna Bhat (33) and Engagement Manager in Banking and Capital Markets Navneeth Baliga (34), buying their first home together was about more than just stepping onto the property ladder – it was about creating their future. After meeting online in 2021 and getting married later that year, the couple knew they wanted to find a home that could grow with them.
Navneeth and Prajna were renting a one-bedroom apartment in Canary Wharf for three years before they turned their attention to homeownership.
“We loved the convenience of living in the city, but the looming possibility of a rent hike combined with a lack of living space made us consider our long-term plans” explains Prajna. “We knew we wanted a bigger space; we just weren’t sure whether we wanted a house or an apartment. All we were sure of was that we wanted room to grow.”
A work friend of Prajna’s had recently bought at The Quarry, a landmark development on the site of a disused quarry in Erith, south London. Delivered by L&Q and Anderson, included in the masterplan are 849 new homes – a mix of apartments and family houses – as well as green spaces and community facilities, all within easy access to efficient transport links into the capital and beyond.
Intrigued, the couple decided to visit. Their first viewing at The Quarry was in July 2024, when they initially looked at a house but held off while they explored more options within the development. By October, they had set their sights on a four-bedroom mid-terrace house.
“We weren’t too familiar with Erith before,” says Navneeth. “But Prajna’s colleague kept talking about how lovely The Quarry is. When we visited, we fell in love with how green and well-planned the development was. It felt very calm and peaceful.”
Prajna continues: “When we saw a four-bedroom house, we fell in love with the spacious floor plan and garden. We knew it was what we’d been looking for.”
Just a few months later, on February 14th, 2025, they moved into their new home: “A Valentine’s Day gift to ourselves!” Prajna says.
Connectivity was a key factor in their decision-making process. With both of their offices near Liverpool Street, easy access to the Elizabeth Line was essential.
“We were initially hesitant about moving further from the city, to be honest, but the excellent transport links and green spaces in the development won us over. We can get to Abbey Wood station and hop on the Elizabeth line easily and then get to come home to lots of open space.” explains Prajna.
When asked what they are most enjoying about their new home, Navneeth explains: “One of our must-haves was a garden. We’ve always wanted a pet, and now we finally can!”
The couple also wanted a separate lounge, multiple bathrooms, and a bright and breezy space with great ventilation. Their new home ticks all these boxes. “Every room has big windows,” Prajna adds. “The natural light makes such a difference. The build quality is fantastic, and our home came with integrated appliances, ample storage space and kitchen cupboards – all of which made the move so much easier.”
As they settle in, they are looking forward to decorating and making the house their own: “It feels like a blank slate right now,” says Navneeth. “Our next project is making it feel like home.”
Beyond their home, the couple are excited about everything The Quarry has to offer.
“Lime Wood Primary School onsite is a great bonus and we would likely consider it in the future”, says Prajna. “The onsite Sainsbury’s Local is also very convenient!”
Another major plus is the local amenities: “We love that an Indian grocery store is within walking distance, with Erith Leisure Centre, Riverside Shopping Centre, and a few local pubs just minutes away too,” adds Navneeth. “Bexleyheath High Street is just a 10-minute drive away, with a bus route that gets you there easily.”
“One of our colleague lives here too, and it’s been amazing having that sense of community,” Prajna says. “We’re actually trying to convince more of our friends to move here! After visiting our house, my cousin loved it so much he actually reserved a four-bedroom house on the next road to us. He’s been looking for a new house for two years now, and The Quarry just ticked all the boxes for him. We are so excited for them to move into the neighbourhood.”
As first-time buyers, Navneeth and Prajna were initially nervous about the process, but L&Q made everything seamless.
“We had a deadline to move by, and L&Q made it happen for us. Everything moved really quickly, and the solicitors L&Q recommended were incredibly helpful and professional. We had so many questions, but they guided us through it all,” Prajna reflects.
Now, as they look towards the future, the couple couldn’t be happier with their decision. “This is our dream home, and we are excited to start this chapter of our lives here.”
To find out more about homes currently available at The Quarry, and for more information on 5% deposits available through the Deposit Unlock scheme, visit: https://lqhomes.com/thequarry/.
