Relocating to Essex? Where to look for the best properties

Essex - an overview

Essex is a county of contrasts offering busy towns and urban developments along with areas of seclusion and beauty including several picturesque villages and smaller towns. To the south west, it borders London while to the north it shows its more rural side as it borders with Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

The county is very strong on transport links with several rail connections offering fast transfers to London - set to become even faster when Crossrail comes on stream - a tube service in certain areas, an international airport, and strong road links via routes including the M25, M11 and A12.

What do you need from Essex?

If you’re relocating to Essex, then the reason for doing so will naturally inform what part of the county and what sort of property you’ll be looking for.

Maybe you’ve changed jobs and are now working in the area? Maybe you simply need better transport links and wish to take advantage of many parts of the county being near London?

Maybe you’re moving to be nearer family already living in the county?

Whatever your reason, you’ll no doubt wish to get a good feel for the area and your motivation for relocating to Essex will signpost you towards certain areas.

Matching areas of Essex to your needs

For example, if you’re keen to make the most of strong rail links into the capital and easily accessible amenities, then areas such as Romford or Upminster might appeal. If you like the idea of a more rural feel yet still require good rail links, then maybe a nearby area such as Hornchurch with its large number of greener spaces might be a good bet.

The key to finding your way around the local property scene is to talk to a knowledgeable property professional covering the area such as these estate agents in Upminster.

Once you’ve ‘locked in’ on a part of Essex you’d like to move to, then knowing what properties it offers is next; this is where your estate agent can help.

For example, in Hornchurch there are large, detached executive homes in the Emerson Park area while the central parts offer smaller properties in general such as Victorian semis and some flats.

More rural Essex

Perhaps the ultimate rail links aren’t that vital and you’re keen on a more rural or ‘quieter’ environment? If so, then towns such as Chipping, Ongar more to the north east of the county outside the M25 could appeal?

There are plenty of open spaces, characterful properties including barn conversions, and town houses along with much of historical interest including - nearby - the world’s oldest wooden church.

Never truly remote

Whilst places such as Chipping, Ongar provide a more rustic alternative to Essex living, the more rural side of the county is never really that far from strong transport links and larger towns.

Along with its rural feel, Hornchurch is a mere few minutes from Romford and Upminster and mainline rail, while Chipping, Ongar is close to major road links such as the M25 and M11 with mainline rail links available nearby at Epping, Harlow and Brentwood.

Another good example is the village of Finchingfield; it’s as picture postcard appealing as just about any village in the UK yet is only a short drive from Stansted Airport.

Plenty of property

Parts of Essex grew rapidly during the interwar house building boom with the result parts of it have a high density of housing. Of course, properties come and go quickly at certain times and in various ‘hot spot’ areas, so the services of a local estate agent with a strong track record is important.

They can ensure you’re keep abreast of the properties that meet your needs becoming available in those areas of the county you’re interested in.