Copyright:www.takeonephotography.co.uk By:John Kemp

Rachel Suckling, 22, has taken her first step on to the property ladder at Thames Waterside, a Fairview New Homes development in Greenhithe.

Having been in her job as PA for a director at a Mayfair-based company for three years and living at home with her mum in nearby Dartford, Rachel realised she wanted more independence.

Rachel says: "Renting wasn't really an option for me as I didn't want to be pouring money into something I didn't own. I was always looking to buy, but property prices in London are just too high for my budget. Working in Mayfair meant I needed to live somewhere with a reasonable commute into the capital. Fairview's Thames Waterside is an ideal choice for me, as the railway station is a two-minute walk away and trains to London Bridge take only 39 minutes - the same journey time as travelling from Dartford.

"Daily commutes to work can have such a huge effect on your quality of life and this is something that I couldn't compromise on. What's more, the road connections from Greenhithe are so convenient, which means I can visit my nan down on the south coast via the M2 and see my mum whenever I want, which is great.

"I visited the marketing suite at Thames Waterside and immediately fell in love with the new homes. As they are right on the riverfront, the views from some of the properties are spectacular. The specification for the interior, especially the kitchens, was impressive and my apartment has a good-sized balcony, definitely a place to show off to my friends and for evening drinks."

Rachel bought her new two-bedroom home at Thames Waterside for £189,000 and was able to take advantage of Fairview New Homes' five per cent deposit top-up incentive for first-time buyers.

She said: "My new home will hopefully be ready in September and I am so excited to move in. The area is fantastic, perfect for young professionals, with a 24-hour supermarket right on your doorstep and Bluewater just minutes away.

"I also get a secure underground parking space, so I will definitely be taking my car with me."

The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are set around landscaped gardens and are priced from £144,995.

The new properties at Thames Waterside, Station Road, will have open-plan living areas, fully fitted Symphony kitchens, fan ovens, electric hobs and washer-dryers.

For more information and prices, call the marketing suite on 0800 883 8193 or visit www.fairview.co.uk