Network Homes opens Harrow’s first London Living Rent development

Network Homes marked the opening of Harrow’s first development for London Living Rent with a special tour for stakeholders on Monday 12 February.

Guests from Harrow Council, including Council Leader Cllr Sachin Shah, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and developers visited Le Bon Court which is an exclusive collection of 27 one to two bedroom apartments built by Network Homes.

The development is the site of the former Kempsford House Hotel in St. Johns Road and is one of the first in London to be part of the London Living Rent scheme. This initiative was introduced by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and it forms part of his affordable homes programme in the capital with rents based on a third of average household incomes. This gives Londoners the chance to save for a deposit to buy a shared ownership home.

Twenty-three properties will be for London Living Rent and these have been offered to Harrow residents who will be able to rent on assured shorthold tenancies of up to 18 months, with the option to renew for a further three years. They will also get the opportunity to buy shares in the home for up to five years after the launch date of the development. The four remaining properties will be available for affordable rent.

Le Bon Court was designed by MEPK Architects and offers homes with generous light and space, alongside contemporary design and finishes. Situated across five floors, the apartments all boast private outdoor space. Homes also come with an excellent specification and residents will enjoy five star quality interior design featuring built-in wardrobes, spacious bathrooms and distinctive gloss kitchens. This green development boasts a secure cycle store and disabled parking, with residents encouraged to make use of nearby public transport.

The first residents are due to move in to their stylish new apartments in late February and March.

Helen Evans, Chief Executive at Network Homes, said: “This is a really high quality development that offers stylish and genuinely affordable homes for local people in Harrow. Network Homes is pleased to working with the Greater London Authority and Harrow Council on this innovative scheme to support people to rent, save and buy their own home.”

James Murray, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said: “I am delighted that residents in Harrow are now benefitting from one of the Mayor’s key manifesto commitments to make renting more affordable so people can save for a deposit. Fixing the capital’s housing crisis is a marathon not a sprint, and Government will need to play its part, but this shows what a difference Sadiq is making already by offering Londoners an alternative to the private rented sector and providing genuinely affordable homes at lower rents.”

Cllr Sachin Shah, Leader of Harrow Council said: “Here's another great example of Harrow meeting the affordable housing challenge. Having a nice place to call home, at a rent that’s manageable, has such a positive impact on people’s lives. These are great new homes and I’m delighted that Harrow residents have been given priority.”