L&Q at Elephant Park Shared Ownership, SE17

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

The area is central and well connected through transport. However, the masterplan lacks generous open spaces and Elephant Park is small for the number of flats in the area.

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

I wish we had been told the exponential and unreasonable growth of the service charge, which has almost triplicated since we moved in. This is forcing many residents to sell their flats and move out.

What is the best feature of your home:

The location is central and well connected, and the overall design of the building and the flats is good.

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

Great location. Decent amenities and shops around the place. However, people keep trespassing in the building.

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

Very slowly. Dodges responsibility. Good once they sort stuff.

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

Lendlease will shaft you on the service charge. Impossible to understand charges.

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

Great location and amenities. Lots of phone thefts, gangs in Elephant Park consuming weed and recreational drugs and all sorts of antisocial behaviours including loud music and tailgating which the management company overlooks. Insecurity.

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

Slow or not responded at all. Had to go through formal complaint several times.

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

Extortion at service charges that keep rising with no governance/limits or control.

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

It’s really central and has great transport links for the rest of London. The local area is also getting more exciting with great local bars and restaurants as well as fitness options

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

Pretty well. Most issues resolved in 48 hours but sometimes they need a bit of a nudge.

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

Make sure you register with lendlease for building updates

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

The surrounding area offers residents a delightful selection of quality shops, restaurants, and bars, providing an enjoyable and convenient living experience.

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

Receiving a response, if fortunate, may take a minimum of one month.

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

The service charge can be increased quite flexibly without seeking residents' opinions, allowing for adjustments as needed.