First-Time Buyers Secure Brentford Flat with £12,000 Deposit Scheme Boost
Harry Horrigan, 27, and his partner Oliver purchased a one-bedroom flat in Brentford for £390,000 in September 2025. They received a £12,000 top-up through the Fairview deposit scheme, which helped cover moving costs and furnishings. The couple, originally from Middlesbrough, had been renting in Wembley but found the Brentford development, Printmakers Yard, offered the creative community they missed from living up north.
Deposit and Mortgage Journey
The couple saved a £30,000 deposit, partly using a Help to Buy ISA that Harry had been contributing to since 2019. Their monthly mortgage payment is around £1,750, with bills adding £400-£500 per month. The mortgage process took about a month; Harry faced challenges because he was freelance at the time, but he was just about to sign a full-time contract. The £12,000 from Fairview's scheme was a key factor in making the purchase feasible.
Why Brentford?
Harry explained that the area felt different from Wembley: “When we’d take the dog out for a walk at home up north, people would say good morning, and we just felt like Wembley wasn’t really like that. We wanted a community. There are a lot of creatives here as well, and you can definitely feel that in the area.” Local favorites include an Everyman cinema a three-minute walk away, which they visit at least twice a week, and pubs like the Coach and Horses and the Weir along the river.
Making the Flat Their Own
The couple has personalized the flat with wallpaper in the bedroom, painted each wall in different light shades, and added quirky decor such as upside-down diver lamps from Sophie. Harry said, “We’ve been able to start from scratch and do everything exactly how we’d like it.” The balcony, which is sheltered for rainy days, and a communal rooftop garden are standout features. They also enjoy hosting friends for dinner and drinks, something they couldn't do as easily while renting.
Future Plans and Advice
Harry advises other first-time buyers: “It’s a bit more affordable than you’d think. There are lots of schemes out there where they’ll give you some money if you sign for it.” He plans to stay in the flat for at least five to eight years, given its proximity to central London where he works. The couple had one issue with a cracked glass hob, which was replaced free of charge, and a resolved hot water problem. They still plan to decorate the hallway with art.
