A guide to living in West Midlands

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

Ideal location to live in, great accessibility to train station, tram and buses. Lovely pubs around the area. 10 mins walk to Edgbaston Reservoir which is a great place for a evening jog. Major supermarkets are close by.

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

Almost instantly, very professional and prompt in sorting out issues.

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

None, everything is as good as I was explained before moving in. But the parking lot cleanliness is something which I never thought would be such a mess.

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

The location is great. Close to multiple parks and well connected with direct links to the railway station. The maintenance is meticulous and any issue is promptly and quickly taken care of by the management and staff. They are also working on multiple activities throughout the year. The only issue is with the security of the bike parking lot, which I believe is being looked into.

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

Yes. Regarding change in mattresses and any issue with the appliances or minor electric repairs

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

I was expecting a 6 month minimum contract break clause, which wasn't part of the agreement. Would be nice as it adds to the flexibility of unexpected move outs

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

The location of the octagon gives excellent access to transport links, bars, reatraunts and shops within less than a 5 minute walk. I am unaware of any antisocial behaviour within or around the octagon as all residents appear to be reapectful. Sometimes there is traffic noise from police sirens paticularly at night, however this is expected from a big city.

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

During my first few days of moving in, I struggled to set up the wifi and in addition have locked myself out of my apartment a few times and staff have immedietly helped me and continued to show kindness. Since moving in, everyone has made me feel welcome, asking if I need any help with anything and are always there to chat to. Anytime I have any questions, staff are there to talk it through with me and help as soon as possible.

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

Nothing! Everything has been very positive and I am thoroughly enjoying the events and social aspects the octagon offers! I hope to attend more in the future.

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

The location is peaceful and well designed. Green spaces and access to local shops is very convenient, plus a strategic location for travel with the M1/M6 nearby. No complaints yet.

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

I joined during a transition period among the management team. Because of this, my issues raised got caught up in the changes and were left unresolved for slightly longer than expected. However, Lynn was great and quickly raised the issues with maintenance and got everything sorted within a couple of weeks. Communication was good and she offered full transparency around the delay and reassurance of solutions/next steps. Considering how large this development is, I’m very pleased with her pace in getting everything sorted.

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

My only gripe is the phone signal/data on my road can be very poor.

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

Gilders Yard is in a convenient location with local busses on the doorstep, a Tesco across the street and a Go Local next door. The Church Pub is warm and friendly and it’s just a quick walk to the heart of the Jewellery Quarter with lovely restaurants. It would be ideal if there was a traffic light at the corner as it’s quite difficult to cross the street during rush hour and busy times of the day.

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

I have had a few minor issues with appliances. The staff has been exceptional in addressing them.

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

I needed to do my viewing virtually as I was moving from out of town. It was managed quite well I don’t think I would have any additional recommendations.