First, the good. The flat is in a charming older building in a nice, upscale neighborhood with restaurants nearby. The tube is close enough for convenience but not too close. The shared back garden is quite large and the lawn is well maintained.
It has the potential for being a really nice place, but currently it’s not. I expected the fit and finish in the flat to be on par with the neighborhood but was disappointed to find sub par finish work and worn, budget furnishings. The floors are laminate, which in itself isn't a problem if done well but they squeak and creak with nearly every step, it’s annoying at best. The paintwork is amateur and messy. Water damage on some areas result in peeling paint etc as well. The furniture cushions have stains(small but noticeable) and the walls have scuff marks from what appears to be years of rentals. It needs a truly deep cleaning. Also worth mentioning: The cabinets and counter tops are due to be replaced and the fans in the bathrooms don't adequately remove steam from shower etc.
There are 4 flats in neighboring buildings but six in this one, the result is a cramped space. The second bedroom is located directly under the main entry hallway of the building so you can tell what time your neighbors come home.
The windows on the front of the building( the bedrooms) don't seal tightly. There is a gap between the top and bottom windows of nearly a centimeter. In addition to being drafty it doesn't do well to keep out noise, like when one of the neighbors empties his recyclables into the trash can that’s DIRECTLY outside the bedroom window at 5:30 am and then three nights later at 4:30 am. That in itself is bad enough, but to make matters worse, odors from the trash waft in through the gap. Communication was okay except I was given the wrong contact number of the person who was to meet us with the key so I had to contact Alex (the owner) directly. Luckily he was available and arranged to his assistant Monika to meet us.
The place would be wonderful if it was refurbished properly.