For many renters today, choosing where to live is about more than location or rent. Residents expect buildings that support how they actually live - working from home, ordering online, and relying on strong connectivity.
We spoke to Sean, a Build-to-Rent resident about moving into a modern rental building and how connectivity, amenities, and parcel management influenced their search and decisions when choosing a place to live, and how they shape their day-to-day experience.
_______________________________________________
Finding the right building
The search started online.
“My first search was actually for pet-friendly apartments. I don’t have one yet but I wanted the option to get a dog eventually. After that it was about location.”
This building stood out quickly.
“It was quieter than others I looked at, I want to be close to the city centre, but not right in the thick of it. When I was looking around, the facilities and social areas caught my attention.”
Internet connectivity was also mentioned in the listing.
“They highlighted that Internet was included as part of my rent and that you could upgrade.”
During the viewing, it came up again.
“They asked what I did for work and talked about the Internet options. It was reassuring to know it would just work when I moved in and that I wouldn’t have to arrange it before I moved it, or that I’d have to wait a few weeks for it to be installed."
The viewing experience
The building itself made a strong impression.
“It felt a bit like a hotel. They walk you through the amenities and it feels like you’re being shown a lifestyle.”
Even if every space wouldn’t be used regularly, it still mattered.
“It separates it from older apartment blocks. And having reception there all the time is reassuring.”
Ultimately, the apartment sealed the decision.
“The balcony and the layout of the apartment instantly made my decision for me. If I’m working from home all day, I want it to be somewhere nice.
Moving in
The move-in process was simple.
“The whole thing was disarmingly easy. From going from viewing, to signing a contract, to moving in, it took a couple of weeks. I was worried about whether I’d be able to find a place before my old contract was up, so this was an enormous weight off my shoulders.”
Everything was set up quickly through resident portals, and connectivity worked immediately.
“The Internet worked straight away. Usually you have to arrange that a few weeks in advance, but it was really good to be able to just turn up on move in day and it be ready. When you’ve got a lot going on with moving, it’s good not having to think about Internet.”
Living in the building
A typical weekday is quiet and work-focused.
“I’ll have a coffee on the balcony, then work at the kitchen table most of the day. In the evening I might go to the pub or the shops.”
Working from home makes the apartment itself more important.
“If I’m in the flat all day, I want it to be somewhere comfortable and quiet, and somewhere I can get things done.”
The building offers shared spaces that may be used more over time.
“I’ll probably start using the co-working space more in summer or if I want a more social environment.”
Connectivity that just works
Reliable Internet is essential.
“It’s extremely important. I work from home, I live alone, and I use it for gaming and Netflix as well.”
But the biggest benefit came during the move.
“Normally setting up Internet is a hassle. Having it already there removed one of the biggest stresses.”
Connecting to the Internet is just as simple for Sean’s guests too.
“When friends come over they just connect to the network and they can get online too. It’s really quick and easy, they just connect to the network and log in as a guest. We don’t have to mess around with codes or finding the router.”
Deliveries without the hassle
One amenity quickly became part of everyday life: Parcel SafePlace.
“When I moved in I had loads of parcels arriving, and knowing they were just there waiting made things easy.”
Previous delivery experiences were frustrating.
“In my last apartment drivers couldn’t find the building, parcels got lost, and if you weren’t home you missed deliveries.”
Now the process is simple.
“If I’m not in, the parcel still gets delivered. I don’t need to answer the door or speak to the driver. I get a notification, go down to the parcel room and my package is there.”
That reliability makes a difference.
“Not a single parcel has gone missing so far. I know exactly where it’s going to be. Parcel SafePlace is genuinely one of the best things about living here and is probably the service I've used the most.”
Living around modern life
Shared spaces also help avoid the isolation that large apartment buildings can sometimes create.
“Big apartment buildings can feel a bit soulless, so spaces where people can meet are important.”
Events and clubs within the building help build a sense of community.
Designed for how people live
For Sean, the biggest benefit is flexibility.
“Dating and work are stressful enough. Having a home that allows me to just get on with life makes a huge difference.”
Renting can sometimes be difficult, but not here.
“It was the easiest move I’ve ever done.”
And in the end, the building delivered exactly what they were looking for.
“It’s exactly what I wanted.”
_______________________________________________
