University Student Opts for a Modern New Home at Alexandra Gate
Having moved to London from Hong Kong two years ago for his Biochemistry degree at University College London (UCL), Chi spent his first year living in student accommodation by Euston Square. Now in his second year of studying and having spent a year sharing a bathroom with an entire floor of people, he decided he wanted somewhere more modern and private to live.
A family friend who works in an estate agency shared the benefits of buying new and recommended Alexandra Gate, Berkeley Group’s major new development in north London, due to its well-connected location, safe community and high-quality homes. Chi and his parents went to visit the new neighbourhood before deciding to reserve a one-bedroom apartment.
Alexandra Gate Ticked All the Boxes
After spending his first year in London in a Zone 1 location, Chi still wanted a home in a convenient location that offered everything he needed. At Alexandra Gate, he didn’t have to make any compromises.
He says: “As I’ll be studying for the next two years at UCL, it was important my new home was in a well-connected location. From Alexandra Gate, the Piccadilly Line takes me straight to Russell Square and it only takes about 35 minutes altogether. It is great that central London is so close but there is also everything you could need here within walking distance including local shops, supermarkets, green space and cafes.
“Next year, there is also a range of resident amenities opening at Alexandra Gate including a swimming pool, which I’m very excited for. It will be great to have these amazing facilities on our doorstep, and it is also a great place to meet my neighbours – I’ve already met a couple of my neighbours in the gym which is part of the development.”
As his university and friends are all based in north London, it made perfect sense for Chi to stay in this part of the capital. He also wanted to live in a safe location with a friendly community.
Chi comments: “I’m still very new to London so I wanted a location which was safe and quiet but had a friendly community, which was why our friend recommended Alexandra Gate to me. I feel very safe, and all my friends live very close to me still.”
Benefits of Buying New
After staying in student accommodation for the first year of his studies and having grown up in Hong Kong living in older buildings, Chi had his heart set on moving into a newer property.
He says: “I can see myself staying in London for many years so financially it made more sense to buy a property than continue to rent student accommodation. And moving out of central London – where most of the properties are older – meant we got a lot more for our money yet I’m still only 35 minutes away, so it felt like a win -win.
“Buying at a new development also meant I was able to choose the specific property I wanted – I went for one on the highest floors which has a balcony with a view over Alexandra Palace Park and it also had a walk-in closet – which is very different from what I was used to in my first-year accommodation!”
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