My move back to Hampstead

Once regarded as a compromise, living with family can afford a multitude of opportunities, whether it’s saving for a deposit on a first rental property or indeed to buy a first home. It can also provide an interim solution if you’ve sold a property and are waiting to complete on your new property – particularly when buying off-plan.

Niall McCann, a solicitor who has lived in London for the past twenty years, recently found himself temporarily living with family after selling his existing property and buying off-plan at Hampstead Manor in quick succession.

Niall explains: "I have family who have lived across the road from Hampstead Manor on Kidderpore Avenue for many years and I started to take interest in what was happening when Mount Anvil applied for planning permission for the site.

I had viewed a number of different developments across north London, from Islington to Kentish Town, but none offered the apartment size, calibre of build, or onsite facilities of Hampstead Manor. Furthermore, it can be difficult to find a well-located apartment with parking in a quiet part of town, particularly because new-build housing stock is so limited in and around Hampstead. Hampstead Manor ticked the box in terms of location and connectivity, plus it afforded me the luxury of an on site gym, pool and 24-hour concierge, so it felt like an upgrade."

I put my own flat up for sale and, once momentum was underway, I returned to Hampstead Manor and reserved a one-bedroom apartment in excess of 700 square feet. Overall square footage – and in particular size of living space – was important to me; while it’s a one-bed, I wanted to feel like I could spread out. I also arranged with Mount Anvil to install a door onto my living area so that I could accommodate a sofa bed, and the room could double up as a guest room when I have people to stay."

Buying off-plan was utterly straight forward – and indeed a process I’m familiar with having done it before. I knew that in order to secure the apartment I wanted this was the only option. I was able to work from a scale model, architects’ drawings and CGIs when selecting my apartment, so I felt fully equipped to envisage what my new home would be like."

While Hampstead Manor is largely a development of heritage conversion homes, I elected to buy a new-build: the architecture is particularly attractive and blends well with the surrounding period architecture – both on site and in the immediate neighbourhood."

Of course, buying off-plan and selling my flat all at the same time means I’ve had to find alternative accommodation in the interim, but I’m fortunate that I have family who live nearby, so I can stay with them until my flat completes in September, while getting my affairs in order. It’s also been a while since I’ve lived in this part of Hampstead, so I’m enjoying getting to know the local area again, finding my favourite local cafes, bars and restaurants."

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to moving into my new home and to making the most of living in one of the best parts of London."

About Hampstead Manor

Spanning almost two centuries and multiple architectural movements, Hampstead Manor is a melting pot of heritage, social change and intrigue, with a fascinating historical narrative within its very fabric. With seven show homes available to view, and the completion of the development later this year, it’s a very exciting time to visit Hampstead Manor. Get in touch with the Mount Anvil team on 020 7776 5730 or email us to find out more.