Berkeley

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

I have enjoyed getting to know the local area since moving in. It is very convenient with excellent transport links that make getting around easy. One of things I particularly appreciate is the lovely green space. The landscaped gardens make the development feel peaceful and welcoming. Although I'm still discovering the area, my experience so far has been very positive.

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

The move-in process was well organised, but it would have been helpful to receive more information in advance about booking slots for the removal company and the logistics for moving into the building. This would make planning even easier for new residents.

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature of my home is the amount of natural light it receives, combined with the modern finish and practical layout, it creates a bright and welcoming living space

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:

Royal Arsenal is in Woolwich, one of London’s poorer boroughs. The Royal Arsenal Development is one of the initiatives to improve the borough and Berkeley Homes are, on the whole doing a very good job. On the development there is the Punch Drunk theatre, Woolwich Works, a WFH hub and entertainment complex and three excellent pubs. In addition, there are excellent transport links - notably the Elizabeth Line which provides access to Canary Wharf, the West End and Heathrow. Woolwich town centre has a mix of shops which mainly serve the old, established Woolwich community, rather than the residents of Royal Arsenal. Having said this the Crntre is vibrant and there are few, if any , are empty.

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

Our flat has a mezzanine floor - we should’ve realized there are gaps between the floors through which doundsctravel.

What is the best feature of your home:

Convenience and security. We used our flat as a lock up and leave apartment whilst living abroad.

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

Absoute shambles the conceige fail to listen kids playing ball damaging peoples cars yet nothing is done about it absolutely shocking they cant even put a sign saying no ball games they excuse it as kids because its not there cars constantly being damaged this place is a joke never buy or rent here its a illusion and they market it as prestige its not.They tell you call police what every five mins after hard days work anybody have time for this how about deal with the matter ..its not a park its a residential street also kids of small ages roaming the roads without supervision putting drivers at risk and management fob it off.

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

Very poor horrible place all a show when you visit customers are lied too people should come at a varity of hours different days to see the truth

What is the best feature of your home:

Nothing your life will be misrable and your stuck in false pretence management here are a joke off course it dont effect them .

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

The building is non smoking which I really appreciate. The concierge, while not 24-7, is there 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and the team are fantastic. The location is fab, away from the chaos of city centre but an easy 10 walk to the station. The intercom system is great and the building seems secure as you need a fob to access the doors and lifts. The flats however get really hot in the summer and they retain heat even if you open your balcony doors. The windows also don't open wide which makes it even more difficult to get fresh air.

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

I wish I'd known about the noise from the garden maintenance plus the flight paths/helicopters.

What is the best feature of your home:

The concierge team, fob system, intercoms, Tesco onsite, and the fact that the river is right next to the building.