When Kamal (40) and Haya Hersh (31) were expecting their first child, they decided it was time to take the next step and buy their first home. They were eager to stop paying rent and wanted to settle down and give their family the stability of owning their own home.
After living in Willesden Green for several years, the couple began searching across London and after six months discovered Redrow’s Colindale Gardens in North West London. The development is part of a large regeneration project in North London with the surrounding area continuing to undergo a transformation following significant investment in the Brent Cross and Cricklewood area. Kamal and Haya quickly fell in love with the development and community feel of the neighbourhood.
Kamal says: “It was really difficult to find something that fitted our criteria in terms of financials, quality, location and schools. When we found Colindale Gardens we became determined to live here. We were very happy when we found our flat and made a decision quickly after seeing it.
“The neighbourhood really stood out to us. Colindale feels like a place that has been reborn and has a new spirit. There are a lot of families, green spaces, outdoor exercise spaces and playgrounds. You see a lot of people out and about. These little things really show that this is a place where you come to live and enjoy.
“It’s also really diverse in terms of people’s background, age and gender. You get a wonderful sense of community living here.”
Kamal and Haya moved into their new three bedroom apartment in June 2019, just one day after their daughter Lina was born.
Kamal describes the exciting day they moved in: “I know they say nesting is a thing in the final days before your baby is born – we perhaps took things to the next level. On Friday we got the key, and maybe it was all the excitement, but my wife gave birth to our daughter on Saturday and we moved in on Sunday. My daughter’s first day was our family’s first day in our first home. It’s a really special memory.”
Kamal and Haya were able to purchase their home using the Help to Buy Scheme. Having the support of a homebuyer scheme enabled them to take the first step on the property ladder while also helping them to remain stable when the pandemic hit a few months later.
Kamal explains: “Our mortgage payments were less than our rent was previously which was really helpful when the pandemic hit because I didn’t have as much work. We feel fortunate that the period wasn’t too bad for us financially as a new family starting out.”
The couple welcomed their second child in 2021 and over the past five years the family has laid down their roots and become heavily involved in the Colindale Gardens community. Kamal is Chairman of the Colindale Gardens Social Committee, a group founded during the pandemic as a way to bring neighbours closer together through online events. It has since grown and now holds in person events and activities throughout the year with the aim of building a harmonious and happy community.
Kamal says: “Not only do we organise events such as our annual Summer Fair but we are also connected with the Councils which helps to support people with certain needs and the wider community. Helping the community and helping each other, it’s crucial these days and that’s what it’s all about for me.”
Colindale Gardens has recently launched its Discount Market Sale Scheme to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder. Through the scheme, available to any first-time buyer who lives or works in any London Borough, 27 one and two bedroom homes will be sold at a 20% reduction to the market value.
Colindale Gardens offers a range of one and two bedroom homes with a contemporary design and designated private outdoor space. Each apartment features an open-plan kitchen and living room to create a welcoming space for spending time with family or entertaining guests.
The luxurious apartments are surrounded by open green space including a four-acre park, gardens, cycle paths, walkways and outdoor play areas with exercise equipment. Residents also have access to a 24-hour concierge for peace of mind and a private gym to help keep happy and healthy.
For more information visit Colindale Gardens’ website here.