Kooky Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18

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

Well, living in Staines area is very convenient. The surrounding commercial amenities—train station, bus stop, banks, supermarkets, gyms, everything is available and in walking distance. And it is quite and safe as well.

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

Their staff members respond very quickly and are also very patient.

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

I brought my own mattress pad in advance because I wanted to sleep more comfortably. But I didn’t expect them give me a gift bag that included a new mattress pad and delicous chocolate, cleaning detergent and soap. it was a surprise!

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

Obviously, Staines doesn't have the high quality restaurants that London does, but it's still nice to have the little shopping center nearby. The street is good. I like having the Co-op nearby for quick shopping trips. The parking is excellent.

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

When the washing machine wasn't working on a Saturday, the maintenance guy didn't come until the Thursday. That was a long time to wait.

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

That 24/7 maintenance doesn't actually mean that they will come fix the issue right away. Also, the appliances don't include a microwave.

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

It is vey nice and neat place to live and the general manager is also very nice and supportive. It is very well preserved.

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

The general manager is very responsive and she help to solve any issue I have had with the flat.

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

There is nothing to say , it is such like what I was expected.

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

Overall it’s positive. Local shops and restaurants offer a solid mix of chain options and small independents, and nearby green spaces are well maintained and usually quiet on weekdays. Public transport is frequent, though rush hours get crowded and a few interchange points can slow you down. Waste collection is reliable, noise levels are low during the day and low at night. You might run into the occasional impatient driver, but the area feels safe and generally easy to live in.

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

Building management responds promptly and efficiently to all issues raised.

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

I wish I had known how busy the lifts can get during peak hours and that some parking spots fill up quickly, so planning ahead makes daily routines smoother.

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

Great central location for Train Station, Buses and shops. Visitor parking can be a problem in obtaining a visitor permit from Surrey CC - however there are options nearby.

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

Matters raised where noted and dealt with quickly. Any annual service or maintenance matters are notiifed in advance so a suitable mutual time can be agreed

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

When building the flat the door to the ensuite should have opened outward to the bedroom rather than inward to the loo and shower, as this creates a very squashed space when the door is opened.