Building Surveys & RICS Valuations in Havering

Property Market Trends in Havering

Havering, a borough in East London, offers a property market that is increasingly attractive for its blend of urban and suburban living, spacious homes, and relative affordability within the London area.

Suburban Appeal and Family-Friendly Areas

• Romford: As the administrative centre of Havering, Romford is popular for its shopping centre, market, and good transport links to Central London. The area offers a range of properties, from modern apartments to traditional terraced houses.
• Upminster and Hornchurch: Known for their suburban feel, these areas offer larger detached and semi-detached houses, ideal for families. They are sought after for their good schools, parks, and local amenities.

Growth and Development

• Rainham and Elm Park: These neighbourhoods are experiencing growth with new housing developments, attracting families and first-time buyers looking for more affordable options in London.
• Gidea Park and Harold Wood: These areas are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the upcoming Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) services enhancing commuting options.

Proximity to Green Spaces

• Havering-atte-Bower and Collier Row: Offering a more rural feel within the borough, these areas are known for their green spaces and larger plots of land, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Influencing Factors

• Transportation Links: With the forthcoming Crossrail, as well as existing rail and underground services, Havering’s connectivity to central London is a significant draw.
• Economic Development: Romford’s shopping centre and the borough’s various retail parks and business areas support local employment and housing demand.
• Lifestyle and Recreation: Havering’s numerous parks, golf courses, and leisure facilities, combined with its community feel, make it attractive to families and those seeking a suburban lifestyle.

Staying informed about Havering’s property market trends is crucial for those looking to invest in an area that offers the benefits of suburban living within easy reach of London’s core.

Sources

• Rightmove: Havering Property Market
• Romford Recorder: Property News

Structural Condition and Common Issues in Havering

Havering’s property market includes a range of housing styles, from traditional post-war homes to more recent suburban developments, reflecting its varied urban and semi-rural character.

Common Types of Properties

• Post-War Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses: Typically found in areas like Romford and Hornchurch, these properties often provide solid construction but might benefit from modernisation, particularly in terms of insulation and heating systems.
• 1930s to 1950s Suburban Homes: Common in suburbs, these houses often feature spacious plots and are well-built, but may require updates for modern living standards.
• Modern Housing Estates: Newer developments in the borough provide contemporary living options, though it’s important to assess the build quality and energy efficiency.

Structural Issues to Look Out For

• Damp and Insulation: Older properties, especially those with solid walls, can be prone to damp issues, necessitating improvements in damp-proofing and insulation.
• Roofing Condition: The condition of roofing on both period and mid-century properties should be a priority, as repairs or replacements can be significant expenses.
• Subsidence: Some areas in Havering, particularly those with clay soil foundations, may be more prone to subsidence, so a thorough structural survey is advisable.

Key Checks Before Purchase

• RICS Home Survey: Conducting a comprehensive survey is essential for identifying any structural concerns that could impact the property’s value and future repair costs.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): An EPC provides an overview of the property’s energy efficiency and potential areas for improvement.
• Local Planning and Development: Keeping abreast of local planning developments is important, as they can impact property values and the community environment.

Understanding the structural conditions and common issues in Havering’s properties will help buyers make informed decisions, ensuring that they are prepared for any maintenance or improvements required.

Sources

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – Home Surveys

London Borough of Havering – Planning and Building Control

Local Amenities in Havering

Havering, located in East London, offers a unique mix of urban and rural lifestyles. Known for its green spaces, historical sites, and community-oriented atmosphere, it provides a variety of amenities suitable for families, professionals, and retirees.

Food and Drink

• Diverse Dining Options: Havering features a range of eateries, including traditional British pubs, international restaurants, and cosy cafés.
• Local Markets and Farm Shops: Regular markets in areas like Romford and Upminster offer fresh local produce and a variety of food items.

Shopping

• Romford Market and Town Centre: One of the largest street markets in the South East, Romford Market, along with the town centre, offers a mix of shopping options, from high-street brands to independent retailers.
• Shopping Centres: Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford and other retail parks in the borough provide additional shopping facilities.

Health and Fitness

• Leisure Centres and Gyms: Facilities like Sapphire Ice & Leisure and Hornchurch Sports Centre offer swimming pools, gym equipment, and fitness classes.
• Parks and Open Spaces: Havering boasts several parks and nature reserves, including Havering Country Park and Hornchurch Country Park, for outdoor activities and leisure.

Cultural Venues

• Theatres and Arts Centres: The Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch and the Brookside Theatre offer a range of performances, plays, and cultural events.
• Historical Sites: Sites like the Upminster Windmill and Rainham Hall add to the borough’s cultural heritage.

Education

• Schools: Havering has a variety of educational institutions, including primary, secondary, and grammar schools.
• Further Education: Havering College of Further and Higher Education offers a range of courses and adult education programs.

Transport Links

• Rail and Underground Services: The borough is served by several stations on the London Underground District line, as well as Overground and Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) services.
• Road Connectivity: Havering has good road connections via the A12 and M25, providing access to London and the surrounding areas.

Healthcare

• Hospitals and Clinics: Queen’s Hospital in Romford and other medical facilities provide healthcare services, supported by various GP practices and health clinics.

Havering’s combination of suburban comfort, accessibility to central London, and ample green spaces make it an attractive borough for a wide range of residents.

Sources

• London Borough of Havering: Libraries, parks and leisure
• Romford Recorder: Local News

Commute and Transportation Options in Havering

Havering, a borough in East London, offers a variety of transportation options, making it a well-connected area for residents and visitors:

Public Transport

• Underground and Overground Services: Havering is served by several London Underground stations on the District line, such as Upminster, Hornchurch, and Elm Park. The borough also has London Overground services at Romford and Upminster.
• Train Services: Romford Railway Station, among others, provides National Rail services to London Liverpool Street, Stratford, and East Anglia, operated by TfL Rail and Greater Anglia.
• Bus Services: The borough has an extensive network of bus routes, connecting Havering to other parts of London and nearby Essex. These services are managed by Transport for London (TfL).

Car and Motorway Access

• Major Roads: The A12 and A127 roads run through Havering, providing direct routes to Central London and connections to the M25 motorway, facilitating travel to the wider South East region.
• Parking: Havering offers various parking options, including on-street parking and council-operated car parks, particularly in town centres and near transport hubs.

Taxis and Ride-Shares

• Local Taxi Companies: Various taxi firms operate in Havering, offering services within the borough and to destinations such as airports and Central London.
• Uber: Uber and other ride-sharing services are available in Havering, providing convenient travel options.

Cycling and Walking

• Cycling: The borough promotes cycling with bike lanes and routes. Efforts are ongoing to improve cycling infrastructure as part of broader sustainable travel initiatives.
• Walking: Many parts of Havering, especially residential areas and parks, are pedestrian-friendly, with local amenities accessible on foot.

Future Developments

• Transport Infrastructure Improvements: Ongoing developments, including the Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) project, aim to enhance public transport connectivity in Havering, particularly with faster access to Central London and other regions.

Havering’s transport options, particularly its access to the London Underground, Overground, and rail services, make it an accessible borough for commuting and suburban living.

Sources

• Transport for London: Havering
• TfL Rail: Romford Station

Planning Permission and Land Covenants in Havering

For property development or modifications in Havering, it’s crucial to understand the local planning permissions and land covenants. These regulations and agreements guide permissible changes and ensure that developments align with both local urban planning strategies and legal requirements.

Types of Planning Permission

• Outline Planning Permission: This form of permission assesses the general principle of a proposed development. It establishes the groundwork for detailed plans that need to be submitted and approved for full consent.
• Full Planning Permission: Essential for specific construction works or significant alterations, this detailed permission must be obtained before any work commences.
• Permitted Development Rights: Some minor improvements and extensions may not require full planning permission. However, it’s advisable to check with Havering Council, especially in conservation areas or for properties with special designations.

Common Land Covenants in Havering

• Restrictive Covenants: These are legally binding conditions that can limit how a property is used or developed, such as preventing certain types of construction or specifying the use of the property.
• Positive Covenants: These require property owners to perform specific actions, like maintaining a shared boundary or contributing to communal infrastructure.

Factors to Consider

• Local Plans: Havering Council’s Local Plan sets out policies and guidelines for development, influencing decisions on housing, commercial spaces, and environmental protection.
• Conservation Areas: Additional planning controls may be in place within conservation areas to preserve historical or architectural significance.

Local Sources of Help

• Havering Council Planning Services: Offers support for planning applications, including advice on local planning regulations and policies.
• Land Registry: The official source for information on property ownership and details of any land covenants.

Tips for Navigating the System

• Pre-application Consultation: Engaging with planning officers before submitting a formal application can provide insights into potential planning constraints and the likelihood of approval.
• Legal Advice: Considering the complexities of land covenants, seeking legal advice can be beneficial to fully understand their impact on your property.

Understanding the planning permissions and land covenants in Havering is essential for ensuring that property developments and alterations comply with local regulations and contribute positively to the area’s urban development.

Sources

• Havering Council: Planning
• HM Land Registry