A guide to living in Borough of Barnet

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

Way of Life seem to be struggling to fill out the properties in Draper & Duxford, that they are willing to make promises to get contracts across the line, and Tennants moving in but will ultimately revert back on the promises. I was one of the first Tennants to move in to Duxford Tower at the start of 2026, it was explained to me that they would accept 6 Months in advance, and then move to Monthly billing to pass affordability for a Private Business Owner. After 6 Months of being in the Tennancy, and the Tennancy clearly stating under Clause 15.9 "If the Landlord allows the Tenant to remain in the Property after the Tenancy Term has expired then the Tenancy shall continue as a contractual periodic tenancy on a monthly basis. To end the periodic tenancy, the Tenant shall give the Landlord at least two months' notice in writing. The notice must end on the day before the rent is due." however, WayofLife still insist on 6 Months in advance.

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

The Management Company overall are great at responding, with Linda and Valentina very on any Building Issues and Challenges, but some things take a lot of time to resolve like a Chest Drawer that was defective for more than 6 Months of the Tenancy, and they ended up switching it out with another Flat that is Vacant. Great they found a solution, just the timeline is too long. Everything else has been great in terms of resolution, from Faulty Balcony Planks that bend when you stand, to the Flat missing a "Fuse" that meant the Bathrooms and General Flat didn't have a Fan to clear out moisture, but both were resolved within 24/48 hours.

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

That after 6 Months, they would ask for a Further 6 Months Rent Advance. I wouldn't have moved in under these terms.

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

Very convenient, well designed living space and accommodations. Gym, cafe, workspace are incredibly useful to have nearby. They are very well maintained. The mail room system is also very nice and easy to use. It's close to the station, so travel is convenient. The gym feels slightly tight as there's some machines and equipment that could be better arranged but it isn't bad at all. The bin room is the only complaint, there's quite a large fly infestation. Otherwise, fantastic place to live.

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

I have raised some issues in the beginning of the tenancy but didn't receive follow ups probably due to the new systems in place. But in the following months, most concerns were reliably addressed.

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

Nothing much. Maybe giving the dimensions of some of the furniture (couch, table, bed, etc.) are could help future tenants figure out what surrounding or complementary living room accessories to buy in advance. Like a couch cover, carpet, etc.

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

Nice quiet, safe area with community feel. but lacking in local shops for a big food shop that isnt the Tesco Local

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

Slow responses to problems with the flat or issues in the development. Like lifts, bins, packages etc

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

There are not many of The local shops in the area that are good for food shopping

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

The metro station is ten mins walk, which could be unpleasant during sunny days but the distance is acceptable. It’s very close to supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury. There are also nice restaurants options nearby. The neighbourhood is quiet and you feel safer at nights. Waste collection and recycling is on the ground floor.

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

The property management team is friendly and helpful, and they help with many things during our first few weeks, though it could sometimes take time to get a response in email.

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

It’s important to have a responsive property management team for any issues you have with your flat. Also, there are sometimes small details worth noticing, like the wind direction and sun orientation in your house. There are also issues like insects and heatwaves during summer time which can be annoying.

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

Tube station 10 minute walk away. Local grocery stores and beauty and wellness amenities within 5 minutes walk.

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

They have addressed my concerns quickly and efficiently, To be honest I have not had many concerns

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

I love that I moved from Johannesburg to London into a fully furnished unit that made me feel at home immediately.