CompassRock

I would personally avoid living at Vantage Tower at all costs, and here's why. The biggest issue is they require a two-month penalty with no break clause, even if you have extremely valid reasons for moving. There is absolutely no room for negotiation, which feels incredibly unfair and rigid. Aside from that, while the view over Southampton city is lovely, the negatives far outweigh this: - Traffic is horrendous, leaving you gridlocked in the corner of the city. - The lifts have constant issues, making it inconvenient to move around the building. - The rubbish system is always overflowing, creating a disgusting mess and smell. - Parcels are just left open at reception, making them easy targets for theft. - The apartment has no windows or vents, so on extremely hot days, you're stuck in a box with just one door. Overall, the living experience is far from pleasant, and I cannot recommend Vantage Tower to anyone considering it.

Development is by Crest Nicholson - can find plenty of developer reviews elsewhere. Am just glad I didn’t buy! Design - some references to the building it replaced (Birds Eye HQ). The apartment blocks are named after Penguins which were kept here in the offices for staff back in the 60s - nice touch. However, one of the buildings signs is spelt incorrectly - shows the attention to detail! The development is being marketed as “luxury” - and certainly being charged as such (see local area for comparison). In my opinion this just means it is big and/or new, and experience confirms. The flat is all electric - and doesn’t seem to have been properly thought through: - electric / economy 7 meter installed - though no storage heaters / other infra as required to make economy tariff work - 152l water tank installed; far too big for 2 bed - no central heating - radiators are electric which cost a lot to run and independent from massive water tank - ventilation system installed (no air con) - system suggests 95% heat retention but noticeable drop in temp as air is filtered in and out. Only option to keep windowless bathrooms ventilated is to have this running and can’t be selective in where it runs - the apartments above the ground floor all have a floor to ceiling window in an acrylic panel. These panels are coloured outside and white inside and look cheap. They also have 0 insulation - windows are warmer to touch than the acrylic panels which are freezing in cold weather and so a massive heat drain. I plan to insulate internally which will look equally horrendous, though may save a few ££ on energy costs. Probably wouldn’t have noticed heating costs (aside from water tank) if the place was insulated properly. EPC suggests B but I’d like to see this verified, and would’ve expected A in a luxury new build. White goods etc - decent enough. Oddly the washing machine is “smart” and nothing else - arguably one of the only machines you actually need to physically operate! Would appreciate smart tech for heating and water especially given the issues encountered and need to now manage. Kitchen - nice units, though matte effect which dirties quickly and could do with more storage. Finish - overall good though a few cut corners, eg not fully painted behind radiators. Amenities - nice to have, though gym could be better furnished and other spaces are chargeable (!) Internet - can’t change provider and seems adequate, though not the fastest fibre available. Reasonably priced. Common spaces - seem well maintained with the exception of external courtyard windows which are filthy. I’ve seen some cleaning but guess this was for viewings (?). Will have to reach out and clean myself. Management - inconsistent in response times, if at all. Some instant; others remain unanswered. They do not seem knowledgable on the energy setup (insisted only one meter reading for a dual rate tariff) and have caused a few issues (such as contractors turning up with no notice)

The flat was beautiful design however did feel like property management did let it down as lifts were always out of order and done nothing to stop dogs/dog owners from letting the dogs use the common garden as their own toilet/play area. However since moving out i have seen the common garden has improved

We did love living at bow square, it was our perfect little flat. The only thing that annoyed us was the lifts were forever out of order! However reasonable walking distance to everything and bus stops always near by and train station is only 20 min walk away.

I had a great experience living here, any issues were dealt with pretty promptly, the facilities were all kept and maintained, property management was attentive, and it was all a great location. The private garden was a really nice a calming space, some more privacy from the side street parallel to it would have been nice.