Home ownership
03/06/2026
“We moved out of London to buy our first home without sacrificing a job in the city - here’s how you can too”
Nestled just 25 minutes from the bustling capital, Stevenage is a popular commuter town, ideal for those looking to escape the noise and price of a central London borough.
In this blog, we explore life at our Fairlands Gate development in Stevenage - offering new homes in the heart of the town and just two miles from the local train station.
Creating two, three and four-bedroom homes for sale, Fairlands Gate is perfect for couples, first-time-buyers, families and downsizers. If you’re seeking easy access to the capital, or looking for a more affordable option, you’ll find plenty of choices.
For first-time buyer David Cook, 36, moving into his Keepmoat home in Stevenage marked a significant milestone. After David and his wife, Mayne, landed exciting new jobs in London, they decided it was time to gather their savings and step onto the property ladder.

Following months of searching and being discouraged by the prospect of older homes with various issues, David, a data scientist, and Mayne, a research quality manager, decided to opt for a new build to eliminate renovation stress and ensure minimal maintenance.
Choosing a new home at Keepmoat’s Fairlands Gate development felt like the perfect option. It offered a lower cost of living compared to the capital, along with an easy commute to London.
David explains: “After a couple of years of living in rented houses, Mayne and I were keen to get on the property ladder in a place we could really call our own. London is extremely expensive, making the property ladder unattractive and unrealistic for most, so when we decided to look at purchasing our first home, we knew we would look to move out of the capital.
“When we embarked on the search for our first home, we looked at properties in Milton Keynes and Stevenage, both realistic commutes but also lovely towns full of amenities we could really settle into. When we viewed Fairlands Gate, we knew this was the place for us. We’re so pleased to have been able to make the move onto the property ladder and can really envision a future here.”
Both avid runners, David and Mayne enjoy the outdoors, making Fairlands Gate and its surrounding green spaces, park and sailing lake an ideal fit for them. The couple also benefits from energy-efficient technology, including solar panels on their home, which helps keep their energy costs low.
With a supportive and responsive customer service team available, David’s experience demonstrates how perseverance and openness can make even a first home purchase a successful and rewarding transition.
Victor Idowu, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, South Midlands, commented: “It’s great to hear how David and Mayne have found their new home and happiness in Stevenage while continuing to work in London.
“Fairlands Gate offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, something the couple desired, allowing residents to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing their careers. The town provides a manageable commute, making it an ideal choice for those looking to balance work and home life.
“At Keepmoat, we take great pride in our commitment to building thriving new communities and strive to create environments where people want to live.”
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or starting a new chapter, Stevenage has much to offer. Please visit www.keepmoat.com/fairlands-gate to find out more.
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