When Nitish Kumar's landlord unexpectedly raised his rent from £1,500 to £1,765 per month, the 30-year-old software engineer decided enough was enough. After renting a flat in Wembley, the sudden increase became the catalyst for his journey onto the property ladder.
From renting to owning in East London
Nitish took the plunge in July 2024, purchasing a two-bedroom flat in Poplar, East London for £620,000. The property forms part of Berkeley's Poplar Riverside development, a new neighbourhood that captured his imagination from the first viewing.
"I absolutely love the area — it's much quieter and more peaceful compared to where I lived before," Nitish explains. "There are beautiful local walks, and it's great for cycling, with plenty of routes to explore."
The location offers the perfect blend of green spaces and city convenience, situated in prime Zone 2 with excellent transport links. Both Canning Town and East India stations are within walking distance, and a new bridge currently under construction will further improve connectivity to Canning Town.
Financial breakdown and family support
Nitish secured his property with a 25% deposit of £155,000, with approximately 70% coming from a generous family gift and the remainder from his own savings. His monthly costs now include a £2,800 mortgage plus £400-£500 in bills.
"Prior to purchasing the flat, my savings were deposited in both a Cash ISA and Stocks and Shares ISA," he shares. "Since the AER of the Cash ISA is much lower, I liquidated it and used that money to increase the deposit amount."
The family contribution allowed him to keep his investments intact and properly furnish his new home. "I'm more about quality than quantity when it comes to interiors, so I've taken my time to choose pieces that feel right," he notes.
Why Poplar Riverside stood out
Nitish was particularly impressed by Berkeley's build quality, citing small details like "the thickness of the doors" as indicators of superior construction. The flat features balconies on both sides, perfect for chasing sunlight throughout the day and providing excellent ventilation during summer months.
The development continues to evolve, with plans for a Riverside Club that will include a 20-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, lounge, co-working spaces, games room, cinema room and even a salt room. The neighbourhood also boasts a new public square that will host events and be surrounded by cafés, bars, and restaurants.
"I also considered Alexandra Gate, a Berkeley neighbourhood in Haringey, but ultimately chose to buy at Poplar Riverside because I was already familiar with the nearby area, having lived in Canning Town," he explains.
Making a house a home
As an avid gamer, Nitish has personalised his space with a dedicated gaming desk, games console in the living room, and even a chess set in the kitchen. The living room serves as his favourite space, where he spends most of his time enjoying his passion for gaming while benefiting from natural light through access to both balconies.
"There is plenty of space, especially given it is a two-bed," he says. "There is plenty of room for storage — it sometimes feels like Narnia. The open floor plan of the kitchen and living area makes it feel even bigger."
Advice for aspiring homeowners
Nitish emphasises the importance of location when buying property. "One of the most important factors when choosing a home is finding the right area. For me, Poplar was a clear choice. It's rapidly evolving and becoming an increasingly popular place to live, which makes it a great investment."
He also recommends considering new builds and plans to stay in his Poplar home for the next five to seven years before potentially moving when ready to start a family.
His mortgage experience was mostly straightforward, with a two-year fixed rate secured after a minor issue with one bank was resolved by switching to another provider. The entire process from rent increase to key collection took just a few months, proving that with the right preparation and support, the dream of London homeownership remains achievable even for first-time buyers.
