The design was amazing, and one of the main reasons I was attracted to the building. It’s good quality too; small things like light fixtures being glass not plastic etc. I didn’t have a pet but it’s dog friendly. It’s kept clean (for an apartment block..), with halls regularly swept and mopped. Unfortunately I never got access to the communal areas because of COVID, so can’t comment, but the overall atmosphere in the building is really nice.
THE LIFTS ARE SO FAST. I have been places where lift issues were a massive gripe so this was a positive for me coming and going. Even with the covid one person rule, I can remember waiting a while maybe once or twice the entire time I was there.
The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. They got me a different colour side table when I moved in because I preferred pink to yellow. Not a single bad experience with staff. There were customer service contacts available overnight while I was there so any issue would get a speedy response. Issues were generally dealt with quickly too once logged. There’s an app now I think but I didn’t use it. The ONLY (and I mean ONLY) reasons I gave a 4* to the property management element is because I had an issue with the fridge which wasn’t able to be fixed, and my rug was really dirty on arrival. But honestly everything else was fantastic, especially considering COVID circumstances.
Bills are separate so you do have to deal with the company yourself, but there’s only one you have to deal with and it’s super super easy. There’s a slick portal so it’s two clicks to pay and you’re done once it’s set up.
No unfair charges (no charges at all in my case) at the end of the tenancy. Really, really amazing. Just a small thing but there was a welcome pack when I moved in with things from local businesses, including a big pouch of coffee beans and a plant. Maybe that’s a small thing but I think it reflects the rest of the experience. Probably my best renting experience so far and if I’m ever back in Croydon I’ll be there again.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Public transport is amazing where train’s are concerned. East Croydon is right outside, less than a 5 minute walk yet train noise is minimal. You can hear the trains, but they’re sort of calming imo, definitely never disturbing. If you want to drive, the one way system can be a little problematic, and I believe you have to pay for a parking space if you need one. No experience with it myself but having friends with cars over was a little limiting due to park price elsewhere etc. Zero traffic noise (on floor 15 anyway).
Back to noise, there is building work going on right outside the front of the building, and though the noise is bearable, it may be worth considering if you do a lot of work from home. Obviously after 2021/2022 this may be over! but there’s another blank plot right beside the new development so something to keep in mind. Box Park is also a few yards down the road. During COVID this was fine, but once stuff opened up the football is LOUD from the room. Obviously this isn’t constant but something to note. My flat was on the front side of the building so I’m sure the other side’s better for that stuff too!
Again, I was there in COVID and not for long, so I didn’t get the full local experience. There’s a Nando’s within a couple of minute’s walk, which is great if you want to avoid Deliveroo fees! But if you do like deliveroo everything’s super close so that’s quick. And as for walk-ins/town centre, everything’s within a ten/fifteen minute walk which is nice and easy. The co-op is right at the bottom of the building. I really loved the location and I want to stress I LOVED living at No. 26 so none of these things were major complaints to me, just my honest opinion for those looking.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
I wish I’d known the service would be so good so before moving in I didn’t stress about getting issues sorted or getting the deposit back. Maybe the hassle with parking and driving would have been good to know but it’s not like it makes any difference so!
What is the best feature of your home:
1) floor to ceiling windows 2) staff 3) king bed 4) lift speed 5) view (though this might be obscured once the building next door goes up). Also, under-cabinet lighting in kitchen was very relaxing in the evening. Small space but well designed so it was compartmentalised and didn’t feel cramped.
