New-build homes in Harrow: new apartments for sale in fast-changing town with a 20-minute commute to Zone 1

Buying in Harrow offers quick transport links to the City and better value for money for first-time buyers.

David Spittles16 July 2019

For 10 years, first-time buyers have never had it so bad. Tough mortgage terms requiring a huge deposit have made it almost impossible for many young Londoners to get on to the property ladder.

Help to Buy is a lifeline for some, while developers are trimming prices and offering incentives.

Fed up with a house share in Chalk Farm, Michael Dan, 26, started to plot a path to owner-occupation. First of all, he decided to purchase a new home "off-plan" in order to get the best apartment his money would buy.

"I started by looking along the upcoming Crossrail route, but soon realised my £420,000 budget would get me only a studio or one-bedroom flat at best."

His plan was to buy a two-bedroom home and rent out the second bedroom for extra income.

So he focused on cheaper outer London locations with quick transport links to the City, where he works as an account manager.

He opted for Harrow, where a major town centre makeover is under way. "Despite being quite far out in Zone 5, I can be in Zone 1 in less than 20 minutes.

Michael Dan, 26, chose to focus on cheaper outer London locations with quick transport links to the City

Buying off-plan was away to save a bit more money ahead of moving in, plus I was able to make some design choices on colours and finishes.

Via the Metropolitan line I have an easy commute from Harrow-on-the-Hill station direct to the heart of the City. Already I've seen improvements to the area since I put down that £2,000 reservation fee in November 2016."

Harrow Square, where Michael lives, has 318 flats designed by Chicago-based skyscraper specialists SOM architects. Four blocks rise from six to 20 storeys and are part of a new high street commercial hub that includes a new library, shops, offices and upgraded public spaces.

Many apartments are dual-aspect and there are communal roof terraces with solar panels that help generate cheaper electricity for residents.