How Shared Ownership helped Osman find his dream home
For Osman, a 40-year-old digital designer for a finance company, finding a home that truly catered to both his work and passions felt like a distant dream—until he discovered Peabody New Homes Shared Ownership development at City Angel. After 15 years of renting in West London and struggling with long commutes, Osman found the perfect blend of location, luxury, and affordability in his new one-bedroom flat.
A year prior to moving to City Angel, Osman started his current job in Liverpool Street. At the time, he was living in East Acton and facing an exhausting 45-minute to an hour commute to work.
“The commute was killing me. It was a major motivation for moving. Now, with a convenient 10-minute commute to the office, City Angel was the clear and perfect choice.”
Shared Ownership helped Osman buy in Central London
With some help from my family and savings from the last 10 years, Osman purchased a 30% share of his flat. “It feels amazing to be paying my own mortgage instead of someone else’s. I also plan to staircase in the future to increase my ownership share. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine owning such an incredible property in such a perfect location - but here I am. It was a no-brainer. It provides the best of both worlds: location and comfort.
I saw six other properties, all Peabody, but this one was the standout. Remarkably, it was also the first property I visited.
Initially, I was sceptical about finding a spacious and luxurious property in such a central location. I thought it was going to be tiny because it is so central, but I was wrong. The layout and space are incredible. It’s twice the size of my old place.”
Luxury living at City Angel
In addition to its generous layout, the apartment boasts features that make it an exceptional place to work from and call home. “The specification is outstanding. Everything has a luxury look and feel—even the hallways and the main door reminds me of a 5-star hotel. The high ceilings and beautiful windows are unique touches that I couldn’t find elsewhere. They flood the space with light and make it feel even more expansive.”
City Angel’s amenities are a perfect match for Osman’s passion for fitness. “The facilities here are incredible. There is a gym, spa, swimming pool, yoga studio, library, and a fantastic concierge. I use it all! As a fitness enthusiast, I feel so fortunate to live in a building with such an amazing gym and exercise classes. It’s a dream for anyone who loves fitness. Plus, the classes are a great way to connect with other residents.”
City Angel, located between Islington and Farringdon
Alongside the on-site amenities, the area where Osman now lives is vibrant and full of energy. “There’s an abundance of amazing places to eat in the area. A few of my favourites are Bone Daddies near Old Street, Ozone for breakfast and brunch in Old Street and Lantana, an Australian restaurant, for brunch and lunch. My favourite bakery, Belle Epoque Patisserie, is in Angel, and I love the wine bars in Camden Passage.”
The central location also complements Osman’s love of art. “Farringdon, a hub of creativity, is filled with design studios and galleries. In my spare time, I love exploring them. Living here means that I have easy access to the places that truly inspire me and fuel my passion.”
Shared Ownership is perfect for first-time buyers
“Discovering Shared Ownership was honestly life-changing. I never even considered buying in London before—it just didn’t seem feasible with how expensive it is. But after my friend shared his experience with shared ownership in Elephant and Castle, I decided to do my research. I searched Shared Ownership on Google and found Peabody. After learning that they are one of the largest housing associations that provide shared ownership in the UK and reading numerous positive reviews, I felt confident moving forward with them. The more I investigated it, the more it seemed like an incredible option.”
Shared Ownership is a great alternative way to buy, especially in cities with a competitive housing market such as London. It is accessible to anyone who doesn't currently own a home which makes it perfect for first-time buyers like Osman.
From viewing to moving in: how Peabody made the process seamless
Osman praised the exceptional service he received from Peabody New Homes throughout his purchase. “The Peabody team is brilliant. I especially appreciated the support from Emerson, who kept me informed every step of the way. This was crucial as the properties were selling very quickly, and his updates really helped keep me on track. Sarah was also incredibly helpful, going above and beyond to push the solicitors to expedite the paperwork, ensuring everything stayed on course. They were so communicative and accommodating.”
For Osman, City Angel represents more than a home—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. The combination of a short commute, exceptional amenities, and proximity to creative hubs has transformed his day-to-day life. “Moving here has been the best decision I’ve made.” With plans to staircase and a newfound sense of ownership, Osman is excited about what the future holds.
Located in the vibrant heart of Zone 1, City Angel sits on City Road linking the charming Islington area with the innovative start-ups, trendy bars, and eclectic restaurants of Old Street, Shoreditch, and Liverpool Street.
Designed for ultimate convenience, City Angel lets you cut down on commuting and make the most of your time. With stylish 1-bedroom apartments ready to move into and everything you need just moments away, this is modern city living at its best.
