A Guide to Living in Birmingham

Please review your development:

The flats are nice and light, with big windows. They are well insulated with good bathroom/waterheaters etc.

Ovens that come with the flats aren’t full size and without having to buy extra kitchen furniture I’m not sure how you could comfortablely use them- there’s a single double cupboard at the bottom and a 3 half depth cupboard above and a single shelf.

The block was nicer a year ago when we moved in- but damaged ceiling panels in communal areas have not been fixed yet and generally when something needs work on it – you’re waiting on it for quite a while.

The building manager is hard to get a hold of and the concierge can’t do too much without their approval, and they are prone to changing policies without telling residents. I think sometimes they forget that you’re paying for a service with your service charge.

There aren’t enough bins for the number of flats in the stores for recycling which leads to unhelpful passive aggressive letters from the property management which I think is poor service.

If there is a problem with something in your apartment you get caught between the property management company and the company that built the block as neither generally wants to take responsibility.

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

It’s quite a bit further to new street station than you might first think!

The service you get isn’t comparable with the price you pay to live here.

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

Slow to respond. Didn’t tell us when they had put the flat on the market.

Ended up locked out when property management company broke our lock- very little response or action. We were out the house for 8 hours.

There is a lack of on street parking – even with a permit. Half the road is pay and display and the other half is permit only. The permit only parking is often full so you’re lucky if you can park down the street. The main road whcih provides access to the street has been closed for almost a year due a damaged bridge, you now need to drive through the center of town to get home – it’s nothing bad but a pain in rush hour!

Please review your development:

The balconies could be more private. They over look the canals and as there is always a high foot fall, people are always walking but and staring up to see what you are doing.

The cladding on the property is a major issue. It all needs replacing due to its flammability. The insurers have stated they will not provide insurance for the building until it is replaced, but it’s not subject to the goverment funding, the owners are responsible for the costs which are in the £10’s thousands for each tenant – be wary if you’re looking to purchase here.

Because of the above (I can only assume) the previous property management firm have ended the contract and a new property management firm has just been appointed – I’m yet to have any dealing with them but theu are regionla local firm.

The building manager is really helpful. Usually a really quick response when requiring assistance.

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

How slow the lift is! Its an old development so the lift is nit very quick.

Its also very easy for noise to transfer from one flat to another. You don’t notice this on the viewing as there is so much ambient noise, but at night it is loud!

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

The heating system. The electric panel heaters are not big enough for the rooms and are very difficult to use.

There is always vast amounts of codensation which form on the sliding doors forming mould on the seals.

Please review your development:

The development itself is ageing quite badly and a lot of the appliances that Charles Church put inside the flats, you can tell, were cheap and poor quality. The parking was great at the development but the gate a total nightmare – always breaks down and takes the management company so long to fix!
I have had no issues renting out the flat and so far the tenants have stayed for a good length of time.

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

Deliveries can be a pain as the pedestrian entrance is a floor lower than expected

What is the best feature of your home:

The location in Jewellery Quarter is fantastic – highly recommended

Please review your development:

I really enjoy living at Liberty Place. All tenants I have met have been very friendly, the concierge is fantastic and very helpful and open 24 hours. The design of the development itself ensures it is quiet and peaceful despite its very central location.

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

I didn’t realise my previous internet provider (Virgin broadband) could not be installed at this property as they do not service this area. As a result my personal broadband connection is quite slow.

What is the best feature of your home:

Very light and open flat design and nice size balcony.