Tyrese chose an apartment at The Exchange, Watford.

Discover how first-time buyer Tyrese transformed his lifestyle and shortened his commute by stepping onto the property ladder with Berkeley.

Tyrese’s Story as a First-Time Buyer

Commuting Convenience and Connectivity

When Tyrese, a security engineer, decided to become a first-time buyer, he knew he wanted to shorten his current 90-minute commute to Liverpool Street. He unexpectedly found the solution by moving further outside of London to Watford at The Exchange, the dynamic new mixed-use development by Berkeley.

Situated right next to Watford Junction, the location offers unrivalled connectivity. By buying a 1 bedroom apartment in Watford, Tyrese has cut his travel time by more than half, with fast trains that reach Euston in as little as 16 minutes. With up to 10 trains going to Euston every hour, moving to The Exchange has made Tyrese’s commute that much more convenient.

The development also places him just a 10-minute drive from the M1 and M25, and only 30 minutes from his family and friends in Harrow. And for travels further afield, Luton Airport and Heathrow Airport are around 30 minutes away by car.

Buying Off-Plan as a First-Time Buyer

Tyrese secured his property off-plan in October 2023, with a 20% deposit he had saved for over two years. For a first-time buyer, purchasing a property that had not been built yet provided a distinct financial advantage: the ability to pay the deposit in instalments. This flexibility allowed him to manage his budget effectively while securing a property in a high-growth area.

Tyrese says: “I didn’t buy my apartment as an investment – it is my home above all – however the price is excellent value given how quickly I can get into London. And there is strong potential for a financial uplift when buying into a new development early, especially one which has such a regenerative impact on the local area. This is just an added bonus!” 

The advantage of buying off-plan from Berkeley is Tyrese was given the opportunity to add bespoke finishes to his home. “I was offered a range of choices and colours for flooring and the paint on the walls. This was a really nice touch and it was great to have the option to personalise my new home,” he says.

Why The Exchange Stands Out Among New Build Homes in Watford

While there are various other new build homes in Watford on the market, Tyrese found that many lacked character. “I saw a few new build developments before coming to The Exchange. The schemes I’d seen all felt a little bland; I wanted a new home I could be proud of,” says Tyrese. 

The Exchange distinguishes itself from standard Watford apartments for sale by offering high-end amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, gym and a private screening room, offering both a real community feel and great convenience. There are also beautiful residents’ roof and podium gardens and a business lounge perfect for remote working and meetings. Across the development there is art and sculpture, inspired by Watford’s papercraft heritage.

“This Exchange really stood out. I was excited to hear about the community initiatives being established, such as regular residents’ events and the public art programme. I think this will create a happy environment and lots of opportunities to make new friends. The overall vibe, of a buzzing new neighbourhood, not just a block of flats, is exactly what I was looking for,” he adds. 

Why Live in Watford

For Tyrese, the local culture was a major selling point: “Watford felt like a really nice area to live in, the friendly people and vibrant atmosphere remind me of the strong community in Harrow. I’m especially excited to check out the amazing new skate park in the town!”  

It’s not just Tyrese who’s a fan of the area – Watford was voted the second “Best Place to Live” in the 2026 UK Vitality Index, with a projected 7% population growth over the next decade. 

The Exchange includes Penn Square, a formal landscaped garden with pleached trees, perfect for socialising and enjoying the outdoors. There’s also an array of shops, including a Sainsbury’s conveniently situated nearby. 

Beyond the development, residents have access to over 250 hectares of green space nearby, including Cassiobury Park, which is just seven minutes away on foot or by bike.

For keen cyclists, The Exchange is near Watford’s Green Loop, designed for walking and cycling. There are 1,400 secure cycle parking spaces and local cycling clubs and meet-ups.

Residents who have cars can benefit from 203 parking spaces and 41 electric vehicle charging points. 

With Watford town undergoing an estimated £1.5bn rejuvenation over the next 10-15 years, Tyrese has made a solid investment in a real up-and-coming area [1]. 

The average predicted price growth for prime property in outer London from 2024-28 is 16.4% according to JLL, Knight Frank House and Savills [2].

At The Exchange, Tyrese is also a 10-minute drive from the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, home to the famous Harry Potter studio tour. With 10 new sound stages and 400,000 sq ft of production and support space being added at the studio, more people than ever could be flocking to Leavesden and its surrounding areas.

New build homes start at £291,000 and there are 2 bedroom homes ready to move into or buy off-plan. Studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available. 

For more information, call 020 3944 9445 or visit The Exchange to learn more.

Disclaimers

[1] Watford BID Business Plan 2021-2026
[2] JLL Residential Property Forecast (London), Knight Frank House Price Forecasts (POL) and Savills Prime House Price (Outer Prime London)