Tenancy review for 16 Union Road in Falkirk North, Falkirk rented via Taylor William

Agency rating: 7

They were accommodating when I looked into a gate to prevent access to the upper level, in the end costs (I was told that I would have to pay, in my view fairly) were the stumbling block for being fitted. Letting agency were supportive throughout.

Inspections were regular and friendly. They were also conducted by females which I liked as my wife was at home alone a fair amount. The rent was expensive given the area but it was also the only place we saw that we liked so maybe I'm just being tight fisted.

Property rating: 8

The property on Union Road just off of the main street in Camelon looked a little rough from the outside but it was actually brilliant. Two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and a large open plan living/kitchen/dining room was everything we were looking for. The upstairs was large too and we ended up using it for a gym/storage. There was minor mould in some rooms but nothing horrendous, or that couldn't be sorted with a little maintenance. The high ceilings also made it expensive to heat so getting a good energy deal is essential! At first I was concerned that the stairs leading to the front door also gave access to wannabe burglars for the glass dootlrs upstairs, however, living there over a year, we never had any trouble and the neighbourhood was very safe, stand fast the occasional drunken antics in the high street.

Area rating: 7

Good transport links (I don't drive but still managed to regularly travel to both Glasgow and Edinburgh easily, and beyond too when necessary).

ScotRail was limited on a couple of occasions in heavy snow but not much anyone can do about that. Local roads get interesting in winter with ice and heavy snow but it's Scotland, if you expect anything else you're kidding yourself.