About Countryside

I had previously worked in property so didn’t have a high expectation but it was long, tedious with me needing to chase the developer consistently. I totally understand that there are a lot of different departments liaising together but there was no personal touch which let them down. I had to constantly be proactive, the first few times this is fine but after 5 months it got very frustrating. The handover was arranged and I had sorted everything with work and then it got changed so I couldn’t go and collect the keys. I wasn’t impressed with the process but they did make up for it with a few nice touches like putting a banner on the door for when we arrived.

I expected snagging issues with a new build property needing to settle but we have had issues with door handles being faulty, flooring and carpets – four years later we still have one thing which isn’t fixed as they have done a bodged job trying to mend it. Overall it hasn’t been too bad as you always get a response and after a bit of back and forth you get it fixed or know where you stand. I don’t know if the developer is still managing the site or if it has been passed on but they completed the site about 6 months ago and the Countryside office has now gone and since then it has felt that the management experience has dropped.

The layout of my house is fantastic, it is spread over 3 floors with 3 large double beds. We have two children and they are lucky enough to each have a large bedroom. As mentioned we have had a number of problems with fittings, the appliances are fine but they feel cheap. The décor was plain when we moved in but that is fine with us.

The site is huge now. I don’t know if more phases or buildings were agreed after I bought but I certainly hadn’t anticipated how many properties and people would be here for the size of plot. There is a big issue with lack of parking and there are cars parked everywhere.

The biggest issue is the general upkeep of the communal areas. There is often a lot of litter all over the place. For example we have two parks, one for small kids and one larger park. The larger one has no bins so there is rubbish everywhere and the weeds are taller than me and I am over 6ft, it is such a shame as it could be so nice. I speak with the other owners on my street as we pay a large amount in service charge and I just don’t know how it gets spent.

I have been put off buying a new build property – unless I had a vastly different budget but certainly not in this price bracket.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Kings Park is close to the station and crossrail is coming. I grew up not far from here and I do feel that the area has gone downhill. You will hear some not nice stories about crime and break ins and there was a very high profile murder reported nearby. There is no shopping centre you might expect people to group together, it just isn’t as nice an area as it was.

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

I hadn’t anticipated how many properties and people would be here for the size of plot and it would be something that I would look into before buying a new build again. I would also ask about the ongoing responsibility for managing and looking after amenities between the developer and the local council and the timescale for this. Other than rubbish collection the council doesn’t do anything on our site and I don’t know if that means the parks and areas are the responsibility of the developer or the local council and that is why they have fallen into disrepair.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

After a couple of years of living in the area I’d say overall it’s getting better. The selection of shops aren’t brilliant on the High Road but I can imagine now that the new builds are reaching their final phase, the interest for more quality shops will be on the rise. The local park is a little neglected, which is a shame as it makes up most of the green space in the area. Hoping the council can do something about that? Transport is brilliant. Lots of bus stops and the train takes you directly to Liverpool Street or Stansted airport in 20 mins. The area is very safe. Even walking at night, there’s no issues. No noise from the traffic either really and you can barely hear the train if at all, great soundproofing for the flats I must say.

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

I wish I had known how much the Help to Buy loan repayments would cost. You have to actually pay them admin fees of £200, get a solicitor involved and a surveyor before you can make a payment, which roughly amounts to £800-900. That’s all before making your actual repayment. Shocking actually.

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

Pretty much instantly and sent out people for repairs and fixes very quickly.

3

Facilities

4

Design

3

Location

4

Value

2

Management

However a few little problems such as the designs of a few front gardens in one area of the development had not been thought out and no clear boundary between neighbours property. My property’s front garden includes neighbours land but has been designed and sectioned to look like mine. This mirrors on the other side with part of my land as the neighbours garden.

We seem to be the only 3 properties affected and luckily we all get on well as neighbours and take care of the gardens as our own. But this could cause problems in the future so a really big design flaw!

When initially moving in we did have a few snags which were dealt with but overall our property was well built and little issues. The landscaping to the communal area is a nice feature and well designed.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The location is perfect to access the centre of Telford via the town park. Shops and bars within walking distance. However if you need to take a car you do have to drive all the way round. There are not any local primary schools within walking distance so we do have to drive to a school. There are plenty of walks and open areas to access all on your doorstep which makes the development feel like you are almost in the countryside. Traffic noise is minimal and you hear the birds more than cars.

Parking is great if everyone uses their drives however being close to the town park we go get people parking when events are on and the roads are quite narrow so sometimes difficult with wider vehicles accessing if bad parking. We don’t get any anti-social behaviour and all the neighbours are very friendly.

Train /bus station is walkable to 15-20 mins but no other local buses around. I still love loving here and feel very relaxed and safe when at home.

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

The gardens are very much clay soil so choose wisely on planting and be prepared to have soggy gardens in the winter, drainage is not great.

What is the best feature of your home:

Sky lights are a lovely feature that is prominent in countryside homes. I love how much light they let in and turns the kitchen space into something special.