Scholars View, DH5

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

Local convenience stores are within walking distance, take always , and a chemist. A shopping centre Dalton Park is a 10 minute drive away. There are problems locally with antisocial behaviour , on being made aware of the problems residents have suffered , the developers have endeavoured to improve security .

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

Have requested repairs on a couple of things these were sorted promptly.

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

Always raise the handle on the front door when leaving as this locks the door in a more secure way. Also make sure to turn the lock on the front door or put the chain on as a toddler is able to open the door just with the handle .

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

Scholars view is perfect. While there were some issues in 2022 with the neighbouring council estates, Placefirst has done an amazing job. Shops and other local amenities are all close by. If you drive you can be in Durham, Sunderland or Newcastle in no time. The availability of takeaways is amazing as well.

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

Amazingly. No time wasted and great work done. Perfect

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

I wish I had known how close Scholars view is to all these big cities. Gateshead, Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, Stockton and so many more cities can be reached in 30 minutes or less. It’s always easy to go anywhere. Leaving London I was worried about being cut off from big cities. However no concern anymore.

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

It is surrounded by Easington High Street but it is quite similar to most of the high streets which are pretty empty. It's not a major issues because there're a few supermarkets and shopping centre nearby within 15 mins drive, but it can problematic if you don't drive. It is quiet inside.

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

The management team is helpful to ressolve quite a lot of different issues. They are not responding really quickly, but at least it still solve most issue effectively and I typical receive responses within 1-2 days for minor issues.

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

I am surprised by how helpful our property manager is. This is my first time renting, and I would expect most landlord are really keen to help. I am new to UK (I moved from HK in 2019) but our property manager helps me by giving a lot of guidelines on how rent a house, applying for different utility. This is really helpful

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

There are a few corner shops and a garage nearby which are quite expensive but useful sometimes. Transport links to Newcastle are okay as there is a bus which runs from nearby. The traffic noise is quiet however I don't always feel secure as a neighbour's car got broken into recently right on the development.

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

Not great - e.g the seal around the oven broke and they suggested we just push it back on. I replied with a picture showing it was completely out of shape and their suggestion was not possible - I've not had a response. They had the utilities account for the house but said they didn't so it took a really long time to transfer to us and finally get a bill.

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

No allocated parking spaces for many of the houses - I asked about it multiple times via email before we signed and it was just never addressed. We were running out of time to move for work so had to just sign anyway.

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

Local shops are limited, 0 restaurants or bars close by. In general, most of the neighbours are nice and look out for one another. Parking availability needs to be improved. There has been a lot of anti-social behaviour and burglaries.

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

After making a complaint, it can take many days to recieve a response from the building management. Furthermore, it is likely your complaint will not be corrected or addressed.

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

When we first viewed the house, we were informed this area was a lovely place with no crime however this is evidently wrong as there has been many burglaries throughout living here.