Walton Court, KT12

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)

It's a good building with good facilities. The flats are good although the bathroom fittings are pretty basic. The prices are very high for what you're getting in terms of size. The kitchen is good as is the flooring. The balconies seem fine. The communal parts seem useful.