Commuter appeal of Chelmsford reflected in new homes for sale 

Even before receiving city status as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Chelmsford was a town that many valued as commuters, given its reasonable property prices and quick journey time into London.

Despite prices rising as supply of new homes has struggled to keep up with demand, even at the end of 2016, international property experts at CBRE rated Chelmsford the sixth most undervalued location out of 67 in its annual London’s commuter homes report, based on a diverse range of factors from journey times and schools to broadband speeds, local shops and proximity of an international airport.

A journey time of 37-40 minutes on the frequent fast trains (non-stop on some of the long-distance intercity trains serving East Anglian destinations) makes access to The City very quick, with stopping trains giving wide access to Tube, Overground, DLR and High Speed services at Stratford. When Crossrail reaches Essex in 2019, a quick interchange will bring other parts of the city, as well as the Thames Valley and Heathrow Airport, within even quicker reach. A season ticket on National rail id £3,832, and around £1,000 more with all Zones Tube travel included.

At secondary level, Chelmsford has two of the top four state schools in Essex, with King Edward VI Grammar School and Chelmsford County High School for Girls getting 99% of their pupils to pass five or more GCSE’s at grades A to C, increasing its appeal among family buyers.

Recent research from Essex estate agents Beresfords said proximity to the station, schools and amenities “all top the wish list for property buyers in Essex”.  according to a new survey by leading estate agents, Beresfords. Terry Holmes, director of the agency, says: “I'm not surprised by these findings we know our customer base very well and this list of wants is not unusual.”

Another Essex agent, Balgores, found Chelmsford second only to Basildon in the county for affordable rent prices, at £955 per month.

The latest Local Plan for planning new homes and other redevelopment around Chelmsford has caused some controversy, by apparently proposing around 4,000 more homes over the next 20 years compared to government guidelines (22,162 compared to 18,515). Among the overall number are 3,600 planned for the north of the city in a new community called Beaulieu, which will also add another school and a brand new station to the town. Under the control of developers L&Q and Countryside, it has already proved very popular with homebuyers.

Here are some great new build homes for sale in Chelmsford right now:

St John’s (Inland Homes) – Among the current array of four-bedroom house types for sale, priced from £579,950 to £684,950, at this development is the show home, which at £592,000 comes decorated and complete with all its finished flooring and a landscaped garden. It’s also available with Help to Buy. These new homes are on a former hospital site just to the south of the centre, within easy reach of all amenities. Find out more at inlandhomes.co.uk ; 01245 259657
Chelmer Lodge (Churchill Retirement Living) – From £315,950 are a choice of homes especially designed for older buyers, who can enjoy a great property of their own as well as sharing amenities with like-minded neighbours. These one- and two-bedroom apartments are within easy reach of the city centre, Central Park and the railway station, great for retirees who still enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital on a regular basis. Find out more about Chelmer Lodge from Churchill Retirement Living
Beaulieu Square (Countryside) – The latest phase of this huge development project wsa only launched on 8 April 2017 and offers a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes, many with a terrace or balcony and some with both! These homes are part of the community square, with a range of amenities on the doorstep. Prices on application, with Help to Buy available on selected plots. Find out more at www.beaulieu.uk.com ; 01245 200146	​
The Lanes (Croudace Homes) – Just two miles from Beaulieu, to the north of the city, The Lanes will provide a diverse range of new homes, with from two to five bedrooms and in a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Early buyers can personalise and upgrade their home is many areas from a wide portfolio. The current three- and four-bedroom homes start at £415,000, and the marketing suite on Channels Drive is open seven days a week, from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Find out more www.croudacehomes.co.uk ; 0333 321 8915	​
Danbury Palace (Chase New Homes) – Just a few miles to the east of Chelmsford, this development is set on an 8.5-acre estate and combines a converted Grade II listed building with new builds of a complementary design, bringing apartments and family homes to a gated community with landscaped grounds and a fascinating history. Prices on application for the remaining homes. Find out more at www.danbury-palace.co.uk ; 01992 703698
City Park West (Genesis) – The second phase of this development on the former site of Anglia Ruskin University launches later this year, combining open market homes with some Shared Ownership properties for those on a limited budget. In all, this development with bring over 600 new build homes to central Chelmsford, within easy reach of all amenities including the station. Find out more at www.genesishahomes.org.uk ; 020 3797 1781	​

Take a look at even more new homes in Essex.

Rail fares correct, per www.nationalrail.co.uk (12 April 2017)