I moved into this property in early March 2022. I think the low score for Apt Parkview can be explained by its unfortunate beginning with the previous owners, who, I understand, did not pay the management staff, leaving the place effectively un-managed for a good half a year at least.
As soon as the new building management was appointed, every problem area from malfunctioning lights in the carpark to unmanned concierge desk, began to be investigated and solutions put in place, some of which necessarily took a long time, such as the issue with the heating system took multiple visits and multiple contractors to fix, resulting in no heating for some residents (myself included) for several months in winter.
I have observed signs that the current management team is being proactive and very conscientious in turning Parkview into the kind of property that we would like to call home. They called in specialist to ensure all the building codes such as fire-resistant doors and alarms, and the air-con system is maintained before the warmer months approach. We now have regular residents meetings, organised by the management team, I understand, although I have not participated in one due to my travels.
On that note, I have to commend the building manager, Roberto, who has always exceeded expectations ever since he joined the team. Whether it is replying to an email or following-up on an enquiry that he may not be privy to the answer immediately, he has always been prompt and helpful, exemplary in every way. I can only hope that the management company realises what a gem he is to the wellbeing of the property and manages to keep him motivated and rewarded. His colleagues, such as Igor, and I wish I could remember all their names, are also helpful and conscientious in executing their duties, taking the cue from the leader no doubt.
In terms of facilities, I like the rooftop terrace with outdoor furniture the most. Others such as the sitting area on the floor, the cinema and gym I have yet to enjoy. But no doubt, these could be welcome facilities to some tenants.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
As far as location goes, it’s not for people who want to live in a village-y type neighbourhood, where cafes, news agents and charity shops are downstairs on the street. We are right under the M4 but the back of the building is adjacent to a beautiful park: Gunnersbury. The feeder bus, H91, to the tube station of the same name is also right outside the building. Now, H91 is also the most unreliable when it come to its schedule of operation, but you cannot blame this onto the development. When it runs, it goes on Chiswick High Road where you can find all kinds of interesting shops, chain stores, restaurants, cafes, and the pub where Chiswick Comedy is based. Gunnersbury Station offers both the District Line and Overground, the only problem with its location is if I don’t get the H91 to get there, I have to walk past the big Chiswick roundabout and takes a good 15 minutes. We have parking on site, so it’s a matter of your tenancy agreement if it’s included as part of your rental.
Not many places in Greater London offer this convenience. As for the once-a-week bin collection, it’s clearly not enough for a property with close to 300 families. Again that is the problem of the Council or whoever is in charge of rubbish disposal. I can’t speak for units facing the M4 with windows that won’t open, in order to shield the noise and dust, presumably, but the back units facing the park are often so quiet that all you hear are the birds and your neighbours on either side – the latter unavoidable wherever you live in urban areas. We all get carried away from time to time, I suppose.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
My views on this point maybe a bit too philosophical for most people, and I apologise in advance for not being helpful. There have certainly been things I moaned about ( my air-con was broken for over a week when it was 40 degrees in London last summer and my heating didn’t work from early January until March 2023) and while these are not the acts of god, you couldn’t have foreseen these shortcomings at any sort of viewing. All I can offer is a reminder that there is no perfect rental, London or wherever, and we must choose with our eyes and ears wide-open and go by what is the most important to us. Prioritise our wants and un-wants and choose accordingly.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
You can see my comments in my answer to the property review question above.
But to reiterate, and in summary, the building management and maintenance team under the leadership of Roberto, has been exemplary in their responsiveness and professionalism, since they came onboard. People may not like that problems do not get solved overnight and therefore put the onus on the current team, but realistically this property has not been managed for far too long for its deeply entrenched and much neglected problems to disappear immediately. It is not fair for us to ask for miracles, even when we pay rent every month.
