Why Leyton could be great for first-time buyers, with its quick transport links and lively social scene

First-time buyers and upsizers used to end up in Leyton by default rather than choice when they couldn’t afford more fashionable and gentrified Walthamstow or Hackney.

However, over the past few decades it has smartened up and has become equally sought after, without having lost its edge.

Independent shops and eateries have opened, there’s a lively social scene and transport links are much better than in many east London areas: Leyton’s on the Central line just one stop from Stratford, has an Overground station and several cycle routes.

The period properties are a real pull. They’re typically Victorian terraces which can be knocked through and extended outwards and upwards, and you’ll also find turn of the century Abraham maisonettes with gardens, Edwardian houses, modern flats and new developments.

‘Anywhere around Francis Road is most in demand, and the Abraham maisonettes give longevity as they have their own front doors and private gardens,’ says Vince Laurella of local estate agency Eeleven. ‘One-bed conversions with no garden start from about £325,000 and three-bed houses from around £775,000 to £850,000 fully designed.’

What’s new

Pocket Living has recently launched Osier Way E10, a collection of one to three-bedroom flats at a 20 per cent discount to first-time buyers currently living or working in the Borough of Waltham Forest.

They’re designed to maximise space, and communal areas include two roof terraces, gardens when residents can exercise, unwind and grow their own produce, a co-working lounge and social/screening room.

Some 20 one and two-bedroom homes are in the first phase, from £274,000 and £400,000 respectively.

Find out more here

HOME10 is a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes with private outdoor space, fully-integrated kitchens and sleek bathrooms, a 10-minute drive from Westfield Stratford.

Prices range from £367,500 for a one-bed flat to £680,000 for a three-bedroom duplex.

Find out more info here

More one, two and three-bedroom flats are for sale at Taylor Wimpey’s Coronation Square, a 750-home development set around a new market square.

A nursery, health hub, a sports and leisure complex and other community facilities are planned, and a local artist has been commissioned to create permanent artworks for the entrances of the residential blocks. From £385,000.

Find out more info here

Freya Court, on the Lea Bridge side of Leyton, consists of 11 one, two and three-bedroom flats, each with a balcony or terrace and secure bike storage. Prices start from £350,000.

Find out more info here

First rung £325,000

This one-bedroom flat is on the second floor in a modern block and includes a large kitchen/living room opening onto a balcony, utility room and parking.

Find out more here

Step up £475,000

A two-bedroom, ground-floor Victorian maisonette with a sunny kitchen/living room opening out to a private garden, and no onwards.

Find out more info here

Top rung, £925,000

Moments from Francis Road, this recently renovated and extended Victorian house includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a huge kitchen/breakfast room.

Find out more info here

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