I wrote a very long review a while back so I don’t want to duplicate that, all I would say is that as of May I’ll have lived here for 2 years and am still thrilled with the quality of the flat that we’ve got.
I’ve got no plans to move but I like to keep an eye on what other build to rents offer and I’m yet to see anything both in our price range, and above, that matches the space and layout that we have.
Indeed I looked around Greenford Quay during Open House London weekend and was struck that while its a very nice development with lots of shared residents facilities that Fizzy Hayes doesn’t have, the actual flats themselves weren’t as nice as ours.
To me that’s important. There are lots of things like in-house gyms, lounges, residents cinemas, communal kitchens, barbecue areas etc that would be nice to have, but the important thing for me is the private space I’m living in. I feel all those other things I’d be paying extra for in my rent, and I wonder how much I’d actually use them?
As an example, Fizzy Hayes has a really nice roof terrace, that was a big attraction for us when we moved in, but in reality, though I like that we have it, (it’s great for Sunrises and Sunsets), I don’t use it much to relax on. We’ve got two really well sized balconies that in the summer massively add to the space of the flat which I prefer to use, and again, looking at other developments I’ve never seen balconies as large as the two we have.
Also given that I flat share, rather than us being a couple, the flat works well for us, in that we have the right amount of private and shared space and the layout is thought through so in our living area I don’t feel like we are watching tele in our kitchen, but rather we have defined spaces for defined usage, and both bedrooms are proper double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes.
My flatmate sometimes has his sons over, I like to be able to give them space and privacy when he does, and that I have a good sized bedroom to retreat to makes that a lot easier.
There is a nice trade off I think too, given we equally share the rent, in that my flatmate has an ensuite bathroom and I have a private balcony. In other developments, one of us would have to do without something and maybe quibble about what proportion of the rent we pay.
I’ve now worked at home for a year during the pandemic, its been great for that, I have space to work indoors and outdoors depending on the weather, (there is also a new communal workspace being set up in the development), the flats seem well soundproofed which is more important now I’m home most of the time, (good both for me not being bothered by others, but actually, given we’re quite noisy ourselves, good that we’re not dealing with complaints from neighbours either).
I have repeatedly said to people that there were much worse times while I’ve lived in London when this pandemic could have happened, and a lot of that relates to where I am currently living and the fact that being at home all the time is not a hardship.
It’s worth noting that during Zoom meetings over the last year my flat has become a talking point, with me presenting from different aspects of the flat to show it off and my boss often referring to it as my “luxury bachelor pad!”
It’s certainly raised some questions and interest, and maybe a bit of envy!
We took out a three year tenancy on this, and went with the unfurnished option in that we both felt this was a development we could commit to in the long term. Neither of us feel any different almost two years later, and as long as it remains affordable for us I don’t see us being tempted to move anywhere else.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Hayes is an area in development, so currently a lot of building work happening that promises more facilities as time goes on, including a Cinema and arts Centre next to Fizzy Hayes and a climbing centre that’s already in operation.
That said Hayes is already well provisioned for shops, and facilities within walking distance including a pool and leisure centre, various takeaways, a KFC, Mcdonalds, an Asda, Tesco, and Lidl, and lots of independent food and grocery retailers, as well as pharmacists, opticians, dentists and medical centres.
As a place to shop its very affordable.
Also Hayes and Harlington Station is a five minute walk away with direct links to Paddington, Ealing broadway, Heathrow, Slough, Reading and quick access to Windsor.
Heathrow is also very close, (within a 10 minute drive), which is great if your getting off a long haul flight and just want to get home.
Its more urban than leafy, there are nearby parks, (one of which could do with better care), and though I’ve got no bother with the area and have lived in rougher places, some residents have issues with what they perceive to be anti social behaviour in the neighbourhood, (mostly just kids hanging about). I’ve never felt its unsafe, but it depends on what you’re used to.
Local pubs are a bit rough and ready, (perfectly fine but if you’re wanting something a little less basic then you’d be better getting a train to Ealing Broadway which is ten minutes away).
Hayes works fine for me, prior to living here I lived in Harrow, which as a neighbourhood was a lot more suburban and middle class, and well looked after, but actually was really lacking in facilities you daily need, where I feel Hayes has all that.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
Currently SKY Q isn’t available.
It’s not a deal breaker, but might have been if we’d known it before we moved in. As I understand it it’s going to be difficult to fix, but currently only Sky HD is available.
If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:
Seems churlish to suggest but the only thing I can think is missing from the flat is an outside electricity socket on the balconies. It’s not ruining our lives not having one, (it’s not like I cant run a cable from inside), its just the one thing I’ve thought would be nice.
Also maybe the capacity to mute some residents on the app like I can on social media. The residents app is a great idea and has its uses, but like all social media it has its abusers as well, and there are A VERY FEW repeat offenders whose passive aggressive quibbles I’d like to read less of!
