A guide to living in Birmingham

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location is extremely convenient, particularly being so close to Birmingham city centre and having shops and cafés within easy reach.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Communication has been quick and professional when any issues have been raised. There is also the Moda app for raising and keeping track of maintenance requests, which makes the process straightforward.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I didn’t know how useful the Moda app would be for keeping everything simple and in one place.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Excellent location, right on the boarder with Chinatown and only a-10 min walk to Bullring shopping center that really has everything as well as Birmingham New Street and Moor Street stations that connects across the country. Plenty of restaurants and shops a short walk away. The building is secure, offers parking options, parcels holds and maintenance on site. There is some residual noise from the night bars on weekends but very good noise isolation when windows are closed.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very quickly and professionally. Had no issues is anything was needed.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

If you are very sensitive to noise then try a flat on a higher level as there is residual noise from neighbouring bars but only on the weekend and only when flat windows are left open.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Very good transport links and the community area is always very clean and spotless. The gem is very well equipped but I would like a stairmaster or treadmill. The community feel is great but I do feel that we should have a residence group chat or more resident events for neighbours to get to know each other. I overlook the train station which when the windows are opened is very loud but when close the soundproofing is amazing. I would like it things to do with painting were done properly or we are given the names of the paints used so we can repaint as of when we need you but they don’t give that to us.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Problems are usually done quite quickly but sometimes when a query is left with the concierge is not passed on to morning management which can be annoying especially if it is an urgent matter

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I have no complaints the good does outweigh the bad

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living at The Octagon is very convenient due to its central location. There is a great choice of shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and bars within walking distance, with Birmingham city centre, Bullring and other amenities all nearby. Transport links are excellent, with Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill, buses and the tram all easily accessible, making commuting and travelling without a car very straightforward. The main downside of living in the building is that there is no communal hall or shared social space for residents to use, which would be a nice addition for the community. The area itself can also be busy at times, but overall the central location and excellent transport links make it a convenient place to live.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management team have always been helpful, responsive and professional. CJ, Alina and the rest of the team listen to concerns and make a genuine effort to resolve any issues quickly and keep residents updated.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is that there is no communal hall or shared social space within the building. Having a dedicated area for residents to meet, relax and socialise would be a great addition. Apart from that, the central location, modern design and helpful management team make it a great place to live.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I love how helpful the staff is. Eleni, Aman, Naqqash and many more from the front desk go out of their way to help me out. This is the most unique aspect of the residence and I am so grateful to all of them. They are the sole reason I am extending my rental contract.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Promptly and with initiative. The front of house go out of their way to help me. They are what defines the Goodsyard for me. They bring incredible value to the development.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I have had an extremely easy, convenient and welcoming experience.