HR specialist Shivani Gandhi (28) and her now husband Arun Chopra (28), a Digital Marketer, had been living at their respective parents' homes in West London since the beginning of their relationship, over eight years ago. As they were planning their upcoming big wedding in 2021, the couple also decided to step on the property ladder to find their ideal starter home, marking the new beginnings of their lives together.
Arun and Shivani started their search for their new home online in October 2020, looking at new build and existing homes in West London which might suit their flexible lifestyles. They looked at three developments in the surrounding areas but were unsatisfied with their options until they stumbled across Shanly Homes' Waterside Quarter in Maidenhead on Rightmove, two months into their search.
The couple instantly liked the high specification and attractive location of the development and proceeded to arrange a viewing to see a two- bedroom apartment which suited their budget. Despite the development still undergoing construction, Arun and Shivani decided to buy a two- bedroom first floor apartment with a terrace offering stunning canalside views of Maidenhead off-plan.
Arun explains: "We had always planned to buy our first home once we get married and were lucky enough to have saved a 10% deposit to support the purchase of our very first home at Waterside Quarter. As first-time buyers, we also able to benefit from a 15% Help to Buy Loan and 75% mortgage to secure our perfect home."
Since moving into their apartment in September 2021, Arun and Shivani have been enjoying the delights of their new home and neighbourhood which has an eclectic selection of local convenience shops, bars and restaurant just opposite their home. They have become regulars at the local bakery Bakedd which serves fresh pastries and coffees while the Coppa Club and Pizza Express are the perfect spots for some evening entertainment.
The regeneration of the Maidenhead area was one of the key reasons why Arun and Shivani decided to buy their first home in the area as they wanted to live in a vibrant and upcoming location which would provide good resale value when they decide to move further up the ladder in the future.
The couple adds: "Moving into Waterside Quarter has exceeded our expectations of living in our very first home together. We both work flexibly at the moment and our apartment allows us plenty of space for both of us to work comfortably while the once-a-week commute into Osterley for work takes us 40 minutes to drive which will be even shorter once the new Crossrail station opens soon."
Discussing their experience as first- time buyers, Arun and Shivani couldn't be happier with the team at Shanly Homes who were incredibly helpful throughout their journey and still continues to support them since moving into their starter home.
Benefitting from its location within the focal point of Maidenhead's regeneration, Waterside Quarter is a stylish collection of one and two-bedroom apartments. All apartments feature stunning open-plan living areas, spacious kitchens and contemporary bathrooms. Every apartment has access to private outdoor space, in the form of a terrace or balcony, offering additional space to unwind in.
The new homes are perfectly placed within easy reach of Maidenhead's restaurants, bars and shops, as well as plentiful green and blue spaces, providing the ideal blend of convenience and tranquillity. Located just an 11-minute walk from Maidenhead train station, London Paddington can be reached in as little as 26 minutes.
Homes at Waterside Quarter start from £270,000. For further information, please visit /developments/berkshire/waterside-quarter/ or call 01628 673046.
