Editor of First Time Buyer magazine visits Edge

As the Editor of First Time Buyer magazine I often visit developments, which is a very exciting part of my role. When I was invited to go and see Edge in Hainault by Countryside, I was really looking forward to seeing what the homes and area were like as it is not a place I am familiar with. I arrived at Hainault Underground station (Zone 4) and within a 10-minute walk I was at the development. It is perfectly positioned and opposite a very good and busy parade of shops including a Tesco Express, butcher, Post Office, Boots and my favourite bakery, Wenzels!

Edge is impressive! There is a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, which all offer a very high specification. The show home is very well designed and gives potential first time buyers a great idea of how their home could look. I have a real problem with show homes which are over-dressed so you really can’t see or even imagine the space you actually have. This was just right and the rooms are spacious and well thought out. I was particularly impressed with the stylish kitchens which come with full integrated appliances – a great saving for first timers who won’t have to worry about the extra costs of buying an oven or fridge etc.

The bathrooms and en suites are total luxury and reminded me of an upmarket hotel with mirrored wall units to the main bathroom and a wonderful heated towel rail. The living space is generous with plenty of room for a sofa and chairs plus a dining table and I was happy that they had cleverly made a cosy corner for a small work area. Now we have all embraced hybrid working this is very important – no more bending over a coffee table or balancing on the bed and giving yourself serious back problems.

Every apartment has a terrace or balcony with plenty of space for an outside table, chairs and some planters. Those apartments on the higher floors have really spectacular panoramic views of the London skyline. I could imagine myself sipping a sundowner on a lovely summers evening looking at the view. There is also a landscaped podium garden in the middle of the development, which will also include some play equipment for children, so this is the ideal choice for families as well. Even more appealing for a young family is that next door to Edge is a day nursery and a primary school nearby – who could ask for more?

After looking around I decided to go for a walk around the area to see what was on offer. There are two country parks right on the doorstep. Hainault Forest Country Park which offers a variety of walking trails, a café and a small animal farm plus a boating and fishing lake. So, whether you want to partake in a very active lifestyle or just want a wander at the weekend it really ticks all the boxes. Also Fairlop Waters Country Park has sailing, rowing and windsurfing available on its large lake and it also boasts the biggest boulder park in the UK – so many activities to discover and enjoy!

For those of you who enjoy some retail therapy then look no further than the Central Line to whisk you straight to everything the capital has to offer or to Westfield Stratford with its amazing shops, restaurants and bars and if that isn’t enough you are only about half an hour’s drive from Lakeside.

I met a variety of first time buyers during my visit – couples, families and singletons – this development really does appeal to everyone. I spoke to them about the joy of buying a new build and starting with a blank canvas and having the peace of mind that it will save on energy and money in the long run. The incentives Countryside are offering are very generous – it seems like a no–brainer not to buy now. I spoke to a lovely couple who had a young daughter and after looking at the show home they decided to take a walk around Hainault to get a feel for the place, which in my opinion was very sensible. As I left they came back and decided to go ahead and buy their dream home – it was the perfect end to a very enjoyable day.