“I was wandering around Ancoats, researching potential areas to
buy, when I spotted an old mill being converted,” she says. “I contacted the developers and was lucky – the renovations were running behind schedule so a few buyers had dropped out and there were flats available.”
Rachel applied for an equity loan through the government’s Help to Buy scheme, to top up her deposit, and a mortgage from NatWest. “I’ve banked with NatWest since I was 11, through to being a student, and now have a mortgage with them,” she says. For buyers like Rachel, online tools, including the NatWest paperless application, make things faster and easier than ever.
For the first few weeks after moving in, Rachel couldn’t quite believe
it was hers. “It was so swanky,” she says. “Hardwood floors, an exposed brick wall and the original metal beams and pillars, painted red – decorating would have detracted from the features, so I didn’t need
to do anything apart from add furniture.”
Family donated bits and pieces, and she upcycled two chests of drawers and a dining table and chairs, all bought in charity shops. Her only real indulgence was a rug made by a women’s cooperative in Morocco. “It was expensive so I spent weeks convincing myself to buy it. It was in line with my values, I reasoned – an ethical purchase.”
Rachel Albinson was lucky to buy a flat in a coveted mill conversion, and during lockdown it became her haven as well as helping her meet new friends
Rachel’s story
Hardwood floors and original features meant Rachel didn’t need to do much decorating
We invested in deckchairs and in the evenings we’d potter down for a socially distanced chat
One of the few positive aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been an increased appreciation of our outdoor spaces. For Rachel, that’s a big central courtyard that she shares with her neighbours.
“During my first summer here nobody used the courtyard except me – it was a shame. But then in the first lockdown last spring, a few of us clubbed together to buy deckchairs. In the evenings, we’d all potter down with a drink, our chairs spaced two metres apart, and chat. We’re a mixed bunch – 30-something couples, families with little ones and retirees – so it was all very social.”
As Rachel now appreciates, when the seasons change, different parts of our homes become favourite spaces, and her winter lockdown haven was the window seat in her bedroom. “All the windows in the flat have long, deep sills, so I bought a cushion that fits the space to create a cosy perch for reading,” she says.
Happily, it will soon be warm enough to congregate in the courtyard again, where Rachel and her fellow residents can enjoy feeling at home, together.
R
achel Albinson, 32, a public sector worker from Manchester,
is single and bought her two-bedroom flat in May 2019.
The first time buyer
ILLUSTRATION AND ANIMATION: SIMON JUGOVIC FINK FOR BRIDGE STUDIO
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Home is where the heart is, so love where you live.
ILLUSTRATION AND ANIMATION: SIMON JUGOVIC FINK FOR BRIDGE STUDIO
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
All information within this article is produced by The Times. Please note that the views and information have not been endorsed, issued or approved by NatWest. Any views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of NatWest.
When you’re ready to make that move, or remortgage, NatWest could help. Visit natwest.com for tips, information and a handy mortgage calculator to help you start planning your dream home tomorrow.
Home is where the heart is, so love where you live.
When you’re ready to make that move, or remortgage, NatWest could help. Visit natwest.com/mortgages for tips, information and a handy mortgage calculator to help you start planning your dream home tomorrow.
