Waseem found the perfect place to balance his busy job with raising two young children

When Waseem moved to Apo Barking in 2023 with his wife Narmeen, he found the perfect place to balance his busy job with raising two young children.

“I moved to the UK from Lahore in June 2022 to work as a Chartered Accountant for one of the big four accountancy firms. In 2023, my wife and two children joined me in the UK and we were keen to find somewhere secure with good facilities for children.

This is exactly what we found at Apo Barking. I often work remotely, and having two young children in our two-bedroom flat would have made it very difficult for me to find a quiet space. The onsite communal workspaces are perfect, as I can work nearby while my wife and kids play at home without worrying about disturbing me.

Apo is also really welcoming to kids. It’s safe and everywhere is very child-friendly. There are some small play areas with swings and a couple of rides, and you often see mums with older kids roller skating by the river. Just outside Apo, there’s also a bigger park with a larger play area for the kids to enjoy.

At Apo, there’s a great sense of community and a wonderful feeling of inclusivity. Eight friends we knew from Pakistan also live here, so we can get together with our kids in the evenings and at weekends. The resident app is really useful as it enables you to connect with people based on your interests, from cricket and yoga to pet-friendly groups. There are also various cultural events throughout the year, many of which – like Ramadan and Holi – appeal to the diverse range of people living here.

When I arrived in the UK, I lived in a private flat which had lots of problems that never got fixed. At Apo, there is an onsite team who is approachable, helpful and always on hand to deal with any issues.

We went for an unfurnished flat and have bought furniture to really make it feel like home. The view over the river is excellent – I love sitting watching people boating on the water with a cup of coffee. 

When we were looking to move, a friend recommended Apo and I applied directly through the website. The process was very easy – they just checked a few details with us – and we moved in soon after. The rent is at the higher end of what I’d say is a good range, although it does include access to all the onsite facilities which is a real bonus.

Apo Barking is the ideal place for us to bring up our young family, and my wife and I have no intention of moving any time soon.”

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