Serkan finds his way home in Poplar Riverside

25/06/2026

After two years of searching and a few setbacks along the way, Serkan has finally found a place to call his own in Poplar Riverside, thanks to shared ownership.

Rooted in East London

Born in Turkey and raised in Hackney, Serkan has strong roots in East London. He went to school in Whitechapel and spent time around Roman Road. He knows the area like the back of his hand.

It’s where he grew up, built his career, and always pictured his future.

Now in his thirties and working in public service, renting no longer felt like enough. He was ready for something of his own, in the place he already called home.

“I knew I needed to get onto the property ladder. It felt like now or never,” he reflects.

Shared ownership made sense

Like many first-time buyers, Serkan initially focused on buying through the open market. But after nearly two years of searching, things hadn’t gone to plan.

He viewed countless homes, only to have three fall through – some late in the process after months of waiting.

“Issues with paperwork, planning permissions, and unexpected repairs made things stressful,” he explains. “I ended up chasing everyone and being stuck in the middle. It just got messy.”

After the third property fell through, Serkan knew it was time to try something different. That’s when he turned his attention to new builds and discovered shared ownership.

A smoother way to buy

Keen to stay in Tower Hamlets, Serkan began exploring shared ownership homes locally. After viewing a few resale properties, he came across Dunlip House at Poplar Riverside – and one visit was all it took.

“I came to view the development and that was it for me. My decision was made.” He recalls.

From there, everything moved quickly. He viewed in early December, applied later that month, and completed by the end of February.

“I was quite shocked at how smooth and easy everything was,” he adds.

A home that ticks all the boxes

What stood out most to Serkan was the feeling of the space itself. The natural light and views made an instant impression, bringing a sense of calm to his home.

Beyond his front door, the wider development also played a big part in his decision to buy there.

“With Poplar Riverside still growing, there’s a real sense of being part of something new. It’s nice to be part of a community that’s still being built” he adds.

High-quality finishes, along with amenities like a large gym and a future swimming pool and spa, add to the appeal.

“It feels a bit bougie… but in a good way!” he jokes.

Rethinking shared ownership?

Serkan admits that he was initially unsure about shared ownership, influenced by misconceptions from others. But looking back, he sees things differently.

“At first, I was put off by people who didn’t really understand how it works,” he admits. “But keeping an open mind made all the difference. Once I did my own research, everything felt straightforward, well supported and free from surprises.”

For Serkan, shared ownership stood out as a practical and realistic option – especially for people buying on their own. When it comes to affording a home in London, it simply made sense.

The next chapter

Now settling into his new home, Serkan feels confident he made the right decision. After a long and sometimes frustrating journey, he’s found a place that truly works for him – in the community he’s always called home.

Is shared ownership for you?

If you’re considering shared ownership in East London, get in touch with our friendly Sales team.
📧 sales.enquiries@poplarharca.co.uk
📞 0207 538 6460