A guide to living in Borough of Haringey

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

Tottenham Hale is a fantastic residential space, with the nearby wetlands providing a number of excellent jog and/or hiking spots. The Sessile is situated very close to the tube station however there is very little noise from outside thanks to the large communal area of the building.

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

I've not raised any problems since moving in last month.

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

I would strongly recommend visiting the area and local establishments to see what Tottenham Hale is about before moving. It's an excellent town with pockets of culture to get lost in - privately owned businesses are still prevalent and support each other. It hasn't been hit by gentrification like other areas I've visited and lived.

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

Local area is mostly great - there are plenty of independent shops, pubs and restaurants nearby both in Hornsey and in nearby Crouch End and Muswell Hill. Transport links are pretty decent with national rail service from Hornsey and Piccadilly line from Turnpike Lane around 10 minutes walk. The development has underground parking for residents though visitor parking is limited nearby. Nearby Alexandra park is great to walk/run in and enjoy the outside. The main issues are a recent increase in anti-social behaviour both from residents of Smithfield Square and adjacent properties. The Sainsbury's car park in particular is a source of noise day and night - irresponsible parents leave their children in cars setting off the car alarms during the day, and at night teenagers gather and make noise. During the day there is noise from screaming children both inside the courtyard and outside from neighbouring buildings. Some residents of Smithfield Square frequently smoke cannabis on balconies and sometimes host all-night parties and the building management refuses to take any action against repeat offenders. I have to say the vast majority of residents here are polite and considerate but it only takes a relatively small number to make it unpleasant for everyone.

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

Do not under any circumstances choose a property overlooking the Sainsbury's car park as that is the source of much of the anti-social behaviour problems. Flats on the opposite side of the building facing east are likely to be much better.

What is the best feature of your home:

In winter it is great as you barely need to put the heating on and there is less noise in general.

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

The property is right next to Seven Sisters Tube station, which makes getting around incredibly convenient. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and other amenities nearby, so everything you need is within easy reach. The area can be a little noisy at times because of the busy streets and traffic, but the flats are very well insulated, and once the windows are closed, you hardly notice any noise.

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

Yes, they have always responded promptly and attended to my queries.

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

You feel very safe within the facilities, which is important as the area is not the safest in London.

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

I’ve really enjoyed living in the local area, more than I initially expected. I haven’t had any major issues in the past two years. The commute is great, and it’s convenient being close to the retail park for essential shops. I also really enjoy the walks and views around the Wetlands/Reservoirs, as well as having places like the Ferry Boat Inn pub nearby. The only real downside is that Tottenham Hale station can get very busy during events at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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

Yes, building management has responded to issues I’ve raised, but the response time can vary. Sometimes things are dealt with within a couple of hours, while other times it can take a few days before anything is actioned. Overall, they do respond, but more consistent follow-up and clearer timelines would make the experience better.

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

I wish I had known that most of the communal areas close at 11pm, apart from the gym. As residents, we all have fobs, so it would be great to have access to these spaces later, especially considering the rent and the fact that they are part of what makes the development appealing. This is particularly relevant during the summer months, when it stays light until late and it would be nice to enjoy the communal areas for longer in the evenings.

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

Living un this development is comfortable and safe, well connected and plenty of amenities. Communal areas are well maintained and enjoyable

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

We had issues with the laundry machine, this was sorted within 2 weeks, but another equipment was accessible in the mean time.

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

Lea valley park is a great green area to walk around or exercice.