About LAR Housing Trust

LAR Housing Trust is an independent housing charity aiming to provide quality homes at affordable rents across Scotland. LAR works with house builders, developers and partners in affordable housing provision to create new homes across Scotland.

Number of Developments

1

Ratings

4.18 Rating

Rating (based on 26 reviews)

Excellent

34.62%

Very Good

61.54%

Average

3.85%

Disappointing

0.00%

Very Poor

0.00%

Developments

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LAR Housing Trust reviews

Reviews

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Showing 26 reviews

Good, but requires better upkeep.

The development is generally nice to live in, with everything you actually need and then some. The communal areas are finished to a high standard as would be expected. Each property has a designated space and while some aren’t keen on using them, there are ample visitor spaces available.

However, it is evident that the look of the development took priority over the practicality of the layout in several cases. The best example of this is the car park, where most residents have a significant walk from their communal door to their designated space. Not desirable at the best of times but less so if you’re carrying heavy shopping or if it’s raining. The lack of visitor spaces near the barrier has been a real problem, and as a result disabled spaces see frequent use from fully abled residents. Cars are often “parked” out-with designated spaces. This is at best a nuisance, and at worst a restriction to emergency service vehicles gaining access. There have been hints and half promises of this being resolved by the Property Management Company (PMC), but nothing has been done to date.

The communal bins are located in locked outbuildings, which initially seems like a great idea and adds to the general look of the development. The problem arises where a small minority make/leave a mess, and the rest of us are left wondering who the culprit is. The out-building closest to the development entrance is nothing short of disgusting, and has been that way for over 12 months. I have yet to work out why the property management company haven’t arranged for this to be thoroughly cleaned. Indoor communal areas are vacuum cleaned somewhat regularly, but the walls and handrails do not seem to be cleaned by the contractor.

PMC are generally good to deal with, and I have received a quick response on both occasions when I have contacted them. There are some lingering issues as I’ve outlined, but overall these are fairly minor and do not ruin the overall experience as a resident, even if the factor payment is poor value.

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

The area is nice for the most part, with plenty of shops, transport links and leisure in close proximity, and in most cases walking distance. Some of the nearby properties are a bit rundown, but that is likely true for any development in a central location. The proximity to the beach is probably what I like most about the area.

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

I would have wanted to know the state of communal areas over a prolonged period, which was not possible at the time of viewing.

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

I have not raised any of my concerns specifically, as the newsletters sent to the residents imply these are under review or being acted on. The PMC are easy to contact when required however.

3
Facilities
3
Design
4
Location
4
Value
3
Management
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Ocean Apartments

The development has around 170 apartments which are mostly different styles of apartments/layouts. Each block has it’s own courtyard, which is great in nice weather to sit outside – something that is missed in a lot of city centre flats.

The carpark has a barrier so is secure and each apartments has an allocated parking space which I would say is a design flaw as some people need to walk ages to get to their parking space. Each block has allocated disabled parking spaces outside and there are visitor spaces at the back of the car park.

Most of the apartments have lifts so each for people to access their property. Lots of friendly people who all have access to joint facebook page which is up to date with news and happenings. Pet friendly and family friendly.

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

Great location with lots of amenities. Lots of local shops, close the beach retail park and close to the city centre. Great for transport links with King Street just up the road, Union street a 10 minute walk away and a bus stop right outside.

Great being so close to the beach for walks, the cafes and restaurants.

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

One thing I wish I took more time to think about is how close our windows are to the door that people access the building to. Most of the time this doesn’t bother us but sometimes I wish we were further away as it would be quieter.

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature for me is the size of the apartment, guests are shocked when they come in and see how large it is and how open plan and bright.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
5
Value
3
Management
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Overall, a lovely development to live in.

I like the development as unlike many rental properties in the city of Aberdeen, it offers spacious outdoor grass area where you can lounge in the summer months, it also offers a car park with visitor spaces which is gated. The building design is clean and modern looking which attracted me the property. I dislike that the door within my rented property don’t seem to fit in the frame properly as the hinges used don’t aren’t strong enough to hold the doors in place. I also think that for the price of rent (£650 per month for one bedroom) is pretty expensive considering the flat is particularly small and could do with more storage space. I also wish the car parks were gritted during the Icey months as it is a safety hazard to the hundreds who live here. The interior design is attractive and clean and can be decorated in many ways to reflect the habitants own decorative wishes. The bin and bike shed facilities are of a high standard, secured. The biggest issue I have is the size of the flat, area for price is high.

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

I like the development as unlike many rental properties in the city of Aberdeen, it offers spacious outdoor grass area where you can lounge in the summer months, it also offers a car park with visitor spaces which is gated. The building design is clean and modern looking which attracted me the property. The location is great as it walking distance from the beach and city centre. It is also quiet enough to avoid the noisy city night life. There are multiple grocery shops and restaurants near by along with sport facilities. There is also a bus stop right outside the development. I dislike that a lot of the other properties in the area aren’t kept to the same standard as this property making parts of the area seem unkept and neglected.

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

I wish I had know if the difficulties you encounter when trying to order a parcel to your property, delivery drivers can never get in and have nowhere to leave a note of where to collect. I now get things delivered to alternative pick up collection to avoid confusion and lost orders. This could be an issue for someone with motility issues who can’t travel as well someone in good health.

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

The carpark gate was broken for a short while that took weeks to get fixed. Other tenants have problems with dampness which I believe they have struggled to get help with

5
Facilities
3
Design
5
Location
3
Value
4
Management
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Great location and property

great design , i have been here 3 years and still love the property, the location is perfect with the beach right on my doorstep. Its walking distance to the shops and city centre.
Typically quiet location . Great views of the city

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

superb location with beach on doorstep and walking distance to city centre

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

not enough parking

What is the best feature of your home:

i have a balcony which has amazing views of the city

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
4
Management
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