A guide to living in West London

Southall's Green Quarter proudly advertises its bike scheme, concierge, gym, screening room, work space, etc. What the blurb doesn't tell you is that those with shared ownership properties are not allowed access to any of these amenities! I may have purchased my flat through shared ownership, but I still have a mortgage here and plan on making this my forever home. We are residents too and pay the same service charge, so why are we being treated like second-class citizens? This two-tier policy is unfair and discriminatory and needs to change ASAP.

The flats are super clean and nicely designed—really comfy. Only downside is the post getting mixed up a lot with other places on the street. Still a great spot to live, just wish the mail system was a bit less confusing. I don’t think I’ve ever had a parcel delivered on time or correctly since moving in.

Everything about the property is well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. The building has a modern layout with good natural light and excellent air ventilation throughout. Cleanliness is always maintained in communal areas, and the overall hygiene standards are high. The design of the building is both practical and attractive, making it a pleasant place to live. Building management is responsive and helpful, ensuring that any issues are quickly resolved. Property management also does a great job with regular maintenance, and common facilities are always in good condition.

Living in this development has been a great experience. The design is modern, stylish, and thoughtfully planned, with spacious layouts and plenty of natural light. The communal areas are always clean and well-maintained, giving a real sense of pride in the environment. Facilities such as the gym, lounge, and shared outdoor spaces are excellent, and really enhance the quality of life here. Building management is responsive and professional — any issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The property management team is approachable, friendly, and clearly care about the residents. Communication is consistent and clear, and they’re always working to improve the experience for everyone. Overall, it’s a high-quality, well-managed place to live that feels both safe and welcoming.

To begin, I have resided in this building since 2019. The building is owned by an asset manager and managed by Savills. One notable issue was a neighbour who experienced prolonged periods without hot water. I’ve experienced it as well. It took ages before they’ve fixed it! Additionally, a hole in West Block existed since January 4, 2024, and was only repaired after persistent resident complaints. The parcel locker, installed for convenience, was functional for only two months out of twelve and has since been repaired. However, the room is currently cluttered with parcels, making retrieval challenging. The security measures have also been subject to criticism. Savills has decided to eliminate the night security personnel and replace them with CCTV cameras. This decision appears to be a cost-cutting measure, particularly considering the recent rent increases. Furthermore, the building’s safety is compromised by the lack of adequate security. Residents have reported instances of individuals entering the building through unsecured doors and freely roaming the lifts. In such cases, a ticket is issued, and a security officer from another part of London is dispatched to investigate. The situation is exacerbated by the ineffectiveness of the bike storage room. The sign prominently displayed reads “leave here at your own risk,” allowing thieves to enter the room after 6 pm and easily remove locks, leaving residents vulnerable. Meanwhile, a security officer is likely to be occupied with other matters, such as attending a resident party, rather than addressing the issue promptly. It is disheartening to observe that the building’s management prioritises hosting resident parties over addressing the pressing maintenance and security concerns. The intercom system has been plagued by issues for over a year, and its resolution remains elusive. Despite acknowledging the problems with external intercoms and the malfunctioning cameras and main doors, the management has opted to implement a remote monitoring system. The rooftop BBQ facility has been inactive for several years, while the L4 BBQs are occasionally operational. Additionally, the Ubeeqo car, which provided valuable assistance, was discontinued two years ago, despite assurances that it would be replaced by a different company. This property has the potential to be a desirable living space, but unfortunately, it is plagued by significant issues that have been neglected due to a lack of interest in resolving problems and a prioritisation of financial gain. The building management has demonstrated a complete disregard for addressing these concerns. Furthermore, the property owners have implemented an unjustified rent increase, even during the tenant’s current contractual obligations. This decision has been made even after only six months of occupancy. The building’s structural integrity is compromised, yet the owners have chosen to allocate their resources solely towards increasing rent. The positive reviews received by the property are likely biased, as they are from residents who have not yet encountered the substantial challenges that the property presents. Therefore, it is imperative for potential tenants to conduct thorough research and be prepared to relocate within the first six months of occupancy, as the property’s shortcomings are likely to become apparent. Best of luck in your search for a suitable living environment.