The Almere, MK9

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

Living in central MK is so convenient and the location of the Almere even more so. The train station is walking distance (15min), plenty of local shops and restaurants across the street less than 5min away. There are so many parks and walking trails around. While being pedestrian friendly, having a car is a necessity as bus routes to neighboring towns are non existent. It is really calm even though it is the centre of the city. The weekends can get a bit busy given the many bars and restaurants in the centre but nothing major in terms of nuisance or anti-social behaviour so far. As newcomers from Canada, the move to the Almere was the best option for us.

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

So far we've had one issue where the curtains needed to be fixed in the bedroom and it was dealt with on the same day.

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

It is a new build and very well maintained, the neighbourhood is calm and so are the residents in the building. The soundproofing is quite efficient, I can barely hear what goes on outside the apartment. I would say that a big part of what made us pick the Almere was the lovely tour that Christina made when we came for the viewing. She made such a nice impression and the interaction we had played a big factor in helping us choose.

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

Receptionists ,Management,Maintenance,Housekeeping and security staff are extremely helpful and friendly making sure you feel welcomed. Nice amenities here including the work from home space and a BBQ and private kitchen for family or party gatherings,a great top floor open lounge with balcony making living here very enjoyable and we have an Excellent community here .

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

Quick to reply and carry out maintenance. The building is very clean by staff

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

The Almere has a Highly relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.

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

I could see more of good things like easy transport communication, nearby Grocery store and good restaurants. So everything is nearby to the Almere.

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

Yes they did quite well. We have raised a request for heating issues during peak winters. They addressed very quickly and sort it for us.

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

I just feel the sunlight comes less in our house which is one thing missing.

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

The local area is one of the best aspects of living here. It is very well located, with easy walking access to the shopping centre, Sainsbury’s supermarket, the train station, as well as a wide range of restaurants and bars. This makes day-to-day errands and social activities very convenient without needing to travel far.

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

Maintenance professionals respond very quickly and fix any issue professionally

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

Overall, my experience living here has been positive and the building is generally well managed. However, one thing I wish I had known before moving in is that some of the amenities presented during the move-in process may not actually materialise or may later be removed. For example, residents were told that a gym was being developed, but this has not been delivered despite a significant amount of time passing. Similarly, amenities such as the communal coffee machine — which were part of the appeal when choosing this building — are now being removed. In hindsight, I would have liked clearer communication about which facilities were guaranteed and which were only prospective. Setting realistic expectations would help residents make more informed decisions when choosing to move in.

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

The Almere is good in terms of location. However, I moved in because of the coffee machine and a promise to set up Gym and Pool board. It's more than 3 years now no gym and no pool board and the coffee machine which is always empty is now being taken away

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

Yes, mentainance in my apartment. It was a quick response though

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

They should watch out for the coffee machine and notice if its still there or not