Why Claire Rafferty Chose Her Home at Ryewood in Sevenoaks

First-time home buyer Claire Rafferty is a former professional footballer for the Chelsea and England women's teams and also works part-time at the investment bank Deutsche Bank.

After renting in Central London for several years, Claire decided to move back in with her family to save for her own home. In April 2016, Claire moved into her new two-bedroom coach house in Berkeley Group’s Ryewood development. This development is located in the commuter village of Dunton Green, Sevenoaks. Let’s find out more about why she chose to buy a Berkeley Group home.

Saving for a Deposit Whilst Living With Family

Claire moved out of her home to rent in the city with four of her friends, but her football commitments at the time were taking her away often. Because of this, she decided to move back in with her parents. She says:

"My reasons for moving were financially driven; I felt like I was wasting money renting in central London. I lived in a number of different properties in Clapham and in Surrey near our training grounds, but I was spending so much time travelling for football that I was only there a limited amount of time, and so economically it made much more sense to move home and start saving for my own property. My family lives in South-West London, so I was lucky to have the opportunity to live there and not be too far away while I saved for my deposit".

- Claire Rafferty, former footballer and Berkeley Group homeowner

Convenient Location

When Claire began looking into properties, she was impressed with the convenient location and investment opportunity that Ryewood provided.

"I was looking for a home to live in myself, but I also wanted to make sure it was a sound investment and so location was definitely key. Sevenoaks High Street is only a five-minute walk from my house, and Dunton Green Village is also a short walk so I have the Dunton Green train station close by. I work part time at an investment bank in the city, which I can get to in just over an hour. When I was football training, I would drive on the M25 which took about 30 minutes.”

- Claire Rafferty, former footballer and Berkeley Group homeowner

Now a thriving community, Ryewood has stunning landscaping, a residents' gym, and a children's play area.

Offering the best of both worlds, the homes benefit from their privileged location, positioned just five minutes from the charming Sevenoaks town centre and within easy reach of London, yet with plenty of open green space just outside the front door. Ryewood has its own trim trail and offers residents access to tranquil woodland walks and the adjacent Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.

“The location is also great because of the nearby parks, and the fact that I'm only a short walk from the shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants—I really do have everything I need on my doorstep. I use the onsite gym, which is definitely an added bonus, and helps me keep my fitness up!"

- Claire Rafferty, former footballer and Berkeley Group homeowner

Buying in Ryewood Using the Help to Buy Scheme

Claire paid £380,000 for her two-bedroom coach house at Ryewood. Using the Help to Buy scheme, she was able to pay a deposit of just £20,000 (5% of the asking price), which she paid with her savings. 

"Without Help to Buy, I never would have been able to get onto the property ladder in a commuter town near London".

- Claire Rafferty, former footballer and Berkeley Group homeowner

 Help to Buy is available on select properties with Berkeley Group. Exclusively for owner-occupiers, the Help to Buy scheme requires buyers to put down a 5% deposit while 20% is covered by the Homes & Communities Agency Equity Loan and is interest-free for the first five years. The remaining 75% is paid back via a traditional mortgage.

Discover Beautifully Crafted Homes in the Heart of Kent

Whether you're seeking the charm of a countryside retreat or the convenience of commuter-friendly living, our new developments in Kent offer thoughtfully planned communities that blend elegant architecture, high-quality finishes, and green open spaces.

With excellent transport links, top-rated schools, and a vibrant local lifestyle on your doorstep, a home in Kent offers the perfect setting for families, professionals, and first-time buyers alike.

Find out more about Berkeley Group or get in touch for more information.