The Gessner, N17

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

The area is really the downside of this development. There’s not really anything nearby (I.e. a good restaurant; bars etc). There’s a retail centre with some stores, which is great, and the canal where you can walk and run (better during the summer). But if you want to do anything or go anywhere you always need transportation. The area is well connected, you have the station in front of the building.

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

They always responded on time and are very good. I never had any issue.

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

It seems a practice for these developments to have some promotions when you join and then, when you want to renew, you get a very high increase in your rent. But it’s not particular to this company.

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

The building itself is awesome – there’s a great gym, a cosy coffee shop, a rooftop with brilliant views, and they even play an amazing playlist throughout the day. Everyone here is super friendly and the atmosphere feels welcoming and community-driven. Transport links are really convenient, making it very easy to get into London. The only tricky aspect is parking, which can be limited at busy times, but overall the quality of the local amenities and the vibe of the area more than make up for it.

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

Usually fairly quickly, everyone is great and reply in a timly manner

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

The windows get quite dusty - but easy to clean, and the lack of parking.

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

The area is excellent — very close to both the tube and train, plus great supermarkets nearby. It’s super easy to get into Central London. Overall convenient and safe, though late at night the street can feel a bit quiet.

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

The management team has been very helpful and responsive. They follow up on any issues promptly. I’ve always received support from Kitti, Imran, and a lovely female staff member on the night shift.

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

I wish I had known more about the day-to-day routines and the best ways to communicate with the team. Tips from neighbours, such as which staff are most responsive at certain times, would have been really useful.

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

The area is commute convenient, but there’s not much yet to do in terms of restaurants - that being said, the coffee shop and Friday food truck pop up is great!

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

Promptly I would say - no complaints. Was generally happy.

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

Paying for the communal area bookings upstairs and the cost of them - though this was implemented after move in

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

The area is very convenient for transport, with both the train and tube stations less than a five-minute walk away. I also love that the Walthamstow Wetlands are only about a ten-minute walk from here, which provides a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy nature. The selection of shops, restaurants, and bars is still developing, but improving steadily. Although the building is next to a busy road, the flats are well insulated, and I never notice the noise once inside.

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

The building management has been fantastic. Imran and his team have always resolved issues immediately. The team creates an open, inviting and pleasant atmosphere.

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

I wish I had known that the BBQs and private dining room are expensive to book from Thursday to Sunday. During my viewing, I had imagined using these spaces to host friends, but the weekend costs are unfortunately too high to make that possible, and it’s difficult to organize gatherings during the week. It’s also a shame that Way of Life’s high rent increases lead to such a high tenant turnover, which affects the sense of community in the building. Most residents genuinely love living here, so it’s unfortunate that many feel pushed out for financial reasons alone.