Hainault HOTspot

In north eastern Greater London, nestled between two country parks, sits the suburban community of Hainault. With Liverpool Street and Stratford under 30 minutes away (via the Central Line), the development of new, affordable homes is making the area even more desirable to first time buyers

Under The Spotlight

Located in the London Borough of Redbridge, and bordering Essex, Hainault is located 12 miles north east of Charing Cross, and three miles east of Woodford. With a wealth of countryside on the doorstep, the area appeals to nature lovers and tness fanatics alike.

Records of the area date back to the 13th century, with Hainault mainly forest owned by the nuns of Barking Abbey, and forming part of the Forest of Essex; Hainault means "wood belonging to a religious community". The area’s timber was predominantly used for building ships and houses but a decline in demand for timber led to an Act of Parliament authorising the deforestation of much of Hainault Forest in 1851. Urban development had begun. The Great Eastern Railway opened a station at Hainault in 1903 on its newly built Ilford to Woodford branch line, but it wasn’t until the late 40s and early 50s that most of the housing in Hainault was built by the London County Council. Hainault station became part of the London underground system in 1948 and it is its location on the Central Line (Zone 4) which makes Hainault perfect for commuters today.

Hainault residents actually bene t from two Central Line stations, with both Hainault and Grange Hill stations under a mile away, offering connections to the city (Liverpool Street and Stratford) in under 30 minutes. Hainault is also

1 The Central Line

2 An abundance of green spaces

3 A strong community feel

4 Nearby West eld Stratford City directly served by London bus routes 150, 247, 362, 462 and N8.

5 Celeb spotting in Chigwell!

While there is an obvious appeal for those travelling into the city to work, Hainault Business Park, located to the south east of the residential zone, has bene ted hugely from local regeneration. More than 150 companies now operate here, meaning there are plenty of local employment opportunities too. The architecture of Hainault is also shifting, with the likes of Edge, an exciting new collection of apartments from Countryside, leading the way.

Out And About

Hainault has a decent parade of shops including a Tesco Express, bakery, butcher and post office, in addition to a small selection of eateries. While it should be perfectly sufficient for your day-to-day needs, the town of Chigwell – just a short drive or bus ride away – has a broader range of amenities. And, of course, the Central Line means everything the capital has to offer is also within easy access!

new housing in the area is offering even more professionals

As Londoners priced out of town actively seek out relatively affordable corners of their city, the demographic of Hainault is shifting. The vast majority of homes are now owner-occupied, and new housing in the area is offering even more young professionals and families the opportunity to make Hainault their home. For families, there are day nurseries, three primary schools and a secondary school, The Forest Academy (which opened in 2012), all in the immediate vicinity.

If you’re in need of a pamper, neighbouring Chigwell is home to a number of beauty salons and designer boutiques, perhaps unsurprising given its TOWIE links! There are also some fab independent stores, and you’re only about half an hour’s drive from Lakeside. If you aren't driving, no problem – living in Hainault you’re a short tube ride from the shoppers’ paradise of Westfield Stratford City; located just nine stops, or 20 minutes, away, with over 250 shops and 70 restaurants to enjoy.

Chigwell also has a decent selection of evening entertainment, with pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. However, be warned, if your taste is fine dining you may struggle to get a table at Sheesh; housed in the 16th century Ye Olde Kings Head, and owned by Sir Alan Sugar, this exclusive Turkish dining experience is very warned, if your taste is

Fact File

Average property price in Redbridge (October 2022) − £487,315

Property breakdown*

Detached – £1,068,704

Semi-detached – £689,311

Terraced – £529,055

Flat – £317,314

*According to the Land Registry House Price Index