By Ella Smith and Krisha Valia

The Filigree, a new build-to-rent (BTR) development by Get Living, is promoted as a flexible, community-focused housing solution for Lewisham.

It offers a mix of market-rate apartments, affordable units under the London Living Rent scheme, and co-living spaces aimed at young professionals. 

But amid promises of “creative spaces” and flexible renting options, Lewisham residents are questioning whether developments like The Filigree meet local needs – or contribute to the city’s worsening housing crisis.

Lewisham resident Manya Bhandari expressed her concerns to Eastlondonlines, stating: “The housing crisis here has only worsened since I moved to Lewisham. I hope Filigree can bring the affordable housing we desperately need, but I’m not too optimistic. Real change requires serious action from both the council and the government.”

For some prospective residents, the process of securing a unit at The Filigree has been fraught with challenges. Complaints about the application process and customer service have surfaced online, with some applicants describing repeated setbacks and mixed messages from Get Living’s team.

“Please, check Get Living’s reviews before considering them. I applied to this development over a month ago, and the process has been a nightmare,” said one prospective resident, Omar in a Google review. “My application was rejected, then I was told I could apply with a guarantor – only for them to ignore me and then say guarantors weren’t allowed. Each time I call during working hours, they claim no one’s available. After weeks of this, I’ve raised a formal complaint. It’s been unbelievably stressful and a huge waste of time.”

Get Living’s first co-living homes also form part of the new scheme, which comprise 119 self-contained studio-style flats with shared amenity space launching next year.

The project’s co-living concept, featuring minimalist studios with shared amenities, has drawn a mixed reaction online. Comments on local forums and social media suggest that for many residents, these “luxury studio flats” seem more like a “gentrification gimmick” that could distract from the real issue: the lack of affordable family housing.

Local student Derin Kiray is optimistic about the project, telling Eastlondonlines: “I think build-to-rent’s approach is beneficial for the community. This time, maybe we can embrace it positively – they’ve already taken steps to be inclusive by involving SHAPESLewisham in the design. That’s an important move, and I believe it’s worth staying optimistic.”

A spokesperson for Get Living told Eastlondonlines: “It (The Filigree) saw a vast array of multi-disciplinary talent come together to design a 1,432 sq ft penthouse at The Filigree, creating an inspiring showcase of the diverse and vibrant creative community in Lewisham reflecting not only Lewisham’s rich history but also its dynamic present and promising future.

“The penthouse also doubles as an immersive, interactive and shoppable gallery space in which people can purchase directly from artists; raising the visibility of their work, supporting local businesses and encouraging future collaborations.”

Despite the promises of flexible, high-quality housing options, including affordable homes, critics say they often cater to higher-income renters, driving up local property prices and pushing out long-standing residents who can no longer afford to live in regenerated areas. 

But Get Living’s CEO, Rick de Blaby, emphasised that the project is about more than just housing: “It’s about becoming part of the fabric of the wider place, celebrating and integrating with the local community.”

Another common criticism is that build-to-rent developments tend to focus on extras and “luxury” amenities, which can create a sense of exclusivity and reinforce social divides. While The Filigree includes co-working spaces, a cinema, and a gym, questions remain about whether these features are accessible to all or predominantly benefit wealthier tenants. 

Get Living says it hopes to address the housing crisis in Lewisham and beyond.

“The level of interest in this new neighbourhood has been very high from day one and we already have residents living in 154 homes, a testament to the quality and appeal of the scheme. It is clear that affordable homes, particularly across London and surrounding areas, are chronically under-supplied, and, as things stand, central and local governments are not able to deliver those homes to the level required,” said Get Living.

“It is therefore increasingly coming down to players like ourselves and the build-to-rent sector to help address this, which is why, at The Filigree in Lewisham, we are delivering 106 affordable homes, for which there has already been huge demand.”