A guide to living in Birmingham

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

Living in Corkfield Building for the past 16 months has been a genuinely pleasant experience overall. The local area has a great mix of shops, restaurants, and open_spaces, especially with Moseley, Kings Heath, and the city centre all within easy reach. There’s a good range of cafés and independent spots nearby, and most essentials are within walking distance. Transport links are convenient—regular buses, quick access to the city centre, and reliable routes even at peak times. The only downside is occasional congestion during rush hour, but that’s expected for Birmingham. My street itself is generally quiet and feels safe. Parking can be limited at busy times, but manageable. Bin collections are consistent, and I haven’t experienced notable anti‑social behaviour. Traffic noise is minimal for a city location, and the building’s insulation helps a lot. Overall, it’s a comfortable, well‑connected place to live with a nice balance of convenience and calm.

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

Building management (Alexandra Enea) has generally been responsive and professional. Whenever I’ve raised an issue, they’ve acknowledged it quickly and arranged a solution within a reasonable timeframe. Communication is clear, and even when things take a little longer during busy periods, I’ve still felt supported.

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

One thing I wish I’d known before moving into Corkfield Building is how much the day‑to‑day atmosphere changes depending on the time of year. During quieter months the building feels calm and spacious, but at peak move‑in periods it can get noticeably busier, especially around the lifts and communal areas. It’s not a problem, just something you only realise after living here for a while. I also didn’t fully appreciate how pet‑friendly the building is. As someone living with two giant dogs, it’s been a relief to discover how wide the corridors are, how reliable the lifts are, and how close the green spaces are for daily walks. It’s a great place for large pets, but that’s not obvious from a standard viewing. A final tip for new neighbours: get familiar with the parcel lockers early on. They’re incredibly convenient, but they fill up fast during busy seasons, so keeping an eye on delivery timings makes life easier.

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

I love the area! About 5-10 mins walk to New Street train station, Bullring Shopping Centre and about the same to Digbeth Coach Station, and transport links are excellent. It is a sweet spot I would say to other parts of Birmingham and also 3 minutes walk to the Birmingham Market. There is a bus stop right in front and opposite the development. The development is very well situated, right opposite the Arcadian which leads to Chinese Quarter leading to a range of restaurants, bars, Asian shops etc. I have started exploring some of them and truly, its really lovely having all these in such close proximity (4 mins walk) Bin collection is good. Currently car park unavailable due to cladding works. Traffic noise is barely noticeable due to the great sound proofing in the property. I was worried about that, but yeah its wonderful.

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

Very responsive! Extremely. And the fact that you can track maintenance or issues requests on the app is just divine! Before and after I moved in, I had issues with cat hairs left by the previous tenant. They changed the carpet, I got a new bed frame, changed couches even to the dining chairs. And moving in, came in to help balance my washing machine. This is just to mention a few.

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

I knew it all! I have a friend here already so she gave me the inside scoop. Knowing her, if it was bad, she'd have left and not even recommended them to me! The negative thing for me, which has rectified itself, is the Wifi connectivity. There is only one provider for the building. So if the connectivity in your flat is crap, you're stuck with it. That was a teething issue for me when I moved in. But fear not! It rectified itself as the Wifi provider is also very responsive as well. Also, there are different layouts to the development. If there is a style you lean towards, ask during your enquiry with the development if that is available. Whatever you think is important for you (bath, shower, more or less cabinet space, balcony) ask during the enquiry phase. That helps so at least you are satisfied with what you choose in the long run.

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

Fantastic local amenities, plenty of shops, bars and things to do nearby! Such a diverse part of the city as well.

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

Yes they have, quickly and effectively. Very good service.

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

Building works happening. Noise from builders outside the windows.

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

The local shops are quite far but the location otherwise is perfect and I wouldn’t change anything else

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

They’re always fast and very helpful , anything I’ve needed they’ve responded and helped.

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

Nothing everything was explained very clearly I wouldn’t add anything.

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

The location is excellent, with a great range of high-quality shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and open spaces nearby. Transport links are very convenient, making it easy to access surrounding areas. The street feels peaceful, well maintained, and welcoming, with a clean environment and a pleasant atmosphere. Overall, it is a fantastic place to live with everything needed close by.

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

The building management team has always been professional, approachable, and responsive whenever any questions or concerns have been raised. They handle matters with care, efficiency, and genuine attention, ensuring residents feel supported and valued. The team’s communication and commitment to maintaining a high standard of living truly reflect the quality and service that Octagon provides.

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

Beyond the beautiful design and facilities, what stands out most is the genuine care, welcoming atmosphere, and sense of community. My tip for new neighbours would be to enjoy all the amenities and get to know the wonderful team, as they truly make Octagon feel like home.