What I Rent: Talent adviser Ray, £2,000 a month for his Birmingham apartment

This two-bedroom, industrial-style apartment in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is home to Ray Ali, 31, a senior talent adviser in the financial services sector.

We’re chatting to Ray as part of What I Rent – our weekly property series, which explores everything to know about renting in the UK and beyond.

Ray’s lifelong dream was to live in a New York loft apartment but, he says, this comes a close second.

Here’s what he has to say about renting…

What exactly are you renting?

Last December, I moved into a first-floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat with open-plan kitchen and living space in Gilders Yard, a recently completed development by Grainger in the Jewellery Quarter, just outside Birmingham city centre.

Have you always lived in Birmingham?

I was born and raised in West Bromwich, about six miles from the city. I moved away to Manchester for university, went back to West Bromwich for a while, and then in 2016 moved back to Manchester, where I rented two flats.

I recently decided to return to Birmingham to be closer to family and my large circle of friends here. I was also looking for a city lifestyle, so this move made sense.

How did you find the flat?

On Rightmove. I looked at quite a lot of apartments but as soon as I walked into this one, I knew it was the place.

What made you fall for it?

I have always loved the look of Manhattan loft apartments and industrial features. This is one of two new buildings at Gilders Yard: an original Grade II-listed factory building once used to make buttons and buckles. It has been restored and still has its original floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brickwork and ornamental features.

I was really drawn to the architecture and history – it was just the aesthetic I was looking for.

How much do you pay in rent and bills?

I pay about £2,000 a month, which covers rent, all my utilities, council tax and internet.

How have you furnished the flat?

The flat came fully furnished and it was pretty tasteful – in simple, modern style. I have added my own dining, side and coffee tables, mirrors, pictures and soft furnishings.

What do you love about the area?

The Jewellery Quarter is just what it says on the tin. A bit quieter than the main city centre, which is only a mile away, it’s still a really vibrant, interesting area with lots of historic jewellers and a great range of independent cafés and stores.

There is a real sense of invigoration and regeneration in and around Birmingham, which is attracting lots of new businesses and people.

My go-to places are the Urban café in the Jewellery Quarter, Saint Kitchen, in Saint Paul’s Square, and Yorks coffee shop in the city centre.

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What amenities are on offer at the development?

There’s a high-spec gym and a great co-working space, which I use a couple of times a week. You can also hire out the boardroom for meetings, events and dinner parties.

We’ve held a few social activities within our building and are looking to set up a Gilders Yard Come Dine With Me, where we take turns going to each other’s apartments. I love to cook.

Are there any issues with the home that you would want to change?

Luckily, there are dedicated residents’ and maintenance teams. There were a few teething issues when I first moved in, but they were immediately sorted. A pool would be a nice addition, as would a free parking space.

How long do you plan to stay here for?

Definitely for the foreseeable future. Coming from a one-bedroom apartment, I feel I now have an abundance of space.

Do you have a dream home in mind?

I love city living and this would pretty much qualify as a dream home, though wouldn’t mind living on a higher floor with more stunning views. There is such a push in the UK to own your own place, but my friends in Europe all enjoy more of a rental culture.

I love the flexibility of renting – there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the perfect home.

Shall we take a look around?

How to get involved in What I Rent:

What I Rent is Metro.co.uk’s weekly series that takes you inside the places people are renting, to give us all a better sense of what’s normal and how much we should be paying.

If you fancy taking part, please email [email protected]. You’ll need to take plenty of pictures of your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom – not just the ‘perfect’ bits – we love to see how you’ve made your rental work, and that often includes the bits you woulnd’t usually show off. Plus, a few photos of you in your bedroom or living area.

Make sure you get permission from your housemates! You’ll also need to be okay with sharing how much you’re paying for rent, as that’s pretty important.

We’re not just after the prettiest places out there, by the way. We want the reality of renting, so if you’re currently renting a place you hate, we’d love to see that too (and sympathise greatly!).

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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