The Brent Magazine issue 87 February 2009
I love my home
Owning your own home is for many residents a cherished dream.
Dr Beata Krawczyk is in love and February will be the relationship's third-month anniversary.
She was attracted straight away and has never had any second thoughts. Her affection is for a two-bedroom apartment she bought in Chalkhill,Wembley.
"I love it" says Beata, a disability analyst. "It's very handy because it's a three minute walk to my work, and Natasha, my daughter, is in nursery nearby.When I first saw the flat I was hooked, it's just beautiful."
After living in a privately rented home, which was cramped and unbearably noisy, she bought a place in the development built by Metropolitan Home Ownership. Beata has a mortgage, which she used to buy a 25 per cent share in the home through a scheme called New Build HomeBuy which is a shared ownership initiative, helping people to get onto the housing ladder.
The apartment has carpeted floors, underfloor heating, built-in wardrobes and a balcony with views across Wembley.
"The flat is so serene" says Beata. "It makes such a difference from the place we rented before.The surroundings are so quiet, which is ideal when you have a small child. It means Natasha can sleep peacefully at night."
Beata also loves its security. "The flats are equipped with video intercom, so I can see who's at the door before answering it. It is all very child friendly which is a huge plus. The windows all have locks and the underfloor heating is safer for little children."
Beata, who is Polish and a keen traveller, said she was attracted to the place because of its European feel. "It is very similar to European housing: lots of storage space, balconies and French windows are all typical of European design."
Beata's two-year-old daughter Natasha also likes her new home. "When Natasha goes back to visit her relatives in Poland, she always says she can't wait to go home, so she can play in her lovely new flat," added Beata.
For more on affordable housing in Brent visit www.brent.gov.uk/affordablehousing call 020 8937 1200 or for the Chalkhill scheme go to www.chalkhill-inspiration.co.uk or call 020 8920 7631.