Detached houses also did well, rising 12 per cent over the three months, with March accounting for 7 per cent.Train stations at Ingatestone, Shenfield, West Horndon and Brentwood entice London commuters, especially those who work in the City. “The train from Shenfield is non-stop and takes only 20 minutes,” says Mr Ashley. “House prices in Shenfield and Hutton are at a premium for that reason There is a bit of stockbroker belt here. When it is bonus time, it noticeably impacts on this area.”The highly regarded schools do their part. “About half of our buyers are from Havering and other nearby London boroughs, and the other half are locals trading up. The schools are a major reason why we attract people from Havering.
Once they are here, they stay.”The rental market remains alive and well. For many buyers, soaring prices more than outweigh low interest rates. For example, prices for detached houses rose nearly £30,000 in the first three months of this year alone, says Hometrack. Brentwood hopefuls often end up in Billericay and Chelmsford, five and 11 miles deeper into Essex. Properties there are more affordable generally, and also appreciate in value well above the norm. The Low-DownTransport The Borough of Brentwood & Ongar is served by the Norwich, Southend Victoria and (from Fenchurch Street) Shoeburyness lines.
The Dartford Tunnel, Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and Tilbury Docks are nearby, and Harwich and Felixstowe are 90 minutes via the A12. Stansted Airport is 28 miles.Prices Entry level is about £75,000 for one of the area?trade;s few studio flats. Meacock & Jones are selling a number of four- and five-bedroom homes on half-acre plots in and around Brentwood for between £500,000 and £1m, and a four-bedroom, six-reception country house near Shenfield is selling for £850,000. A four-bedroom semi in Margaretting, between Brentwood and Chelmsford, is being sold by Hilbery Chaplin for £199,950. Properties Some 80 per cent of Brentwood?trade;s housing is owner-occupied, the majority built since 1945, says the council. A split-level flat in Thorndon Hall, a converted mansion in a parkland setting, is priced at £319,000.
A double-fronted, high-street, period shop in Ingatestone has consent for residential use and is priced at £395,000 Both at Ashley Peck. Lettings Two-bedroom flats generally command £650 per month, down to £425 for a modern studio. In Thorndon Hall, Ashley & Peck are letting a split-level two-bedroom flat for £1,600, which is higher than the rent for many three- and four-bedroom houses in the area. It also tops the £1,300 rent being sought for a three-bedroom flat also in Thorndon Hall.
Countryside Brentwood-based national developer Countryside is building 363 homes in Clements Park in the 110-acre parkland setting of the former Warley Hospital. The development includes flats (one- to three-bedrooms), penthouses, cottages and family houses, each fitted with a home cabling system; £175,000-£825,000 (01277 690660). In Romford, seven miles from Brentwood, Countryside?trade;s Copthorn division is building houses and flats at the Ind Coope brewery. More choice Bellway?trade;s Sawyers Grove, which will be completed next year, is a 76-unit development of flats and houses near the town centre.