Southend-on-Sea is a large coastal town in South Essex, with excellent transport links to London with commuter trains to London Fenchurch Street or London Liverpool Street in under 45 minutes. 
It is popularly known for having the world’s largest Pleasure Pier, over 1.34 miles long into the Thames Estuary. London Southend Airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports in the UK, serving over one million passengers a year (up 37% last year) – with a target of five million by 2022. It’s been voted London’s best airport by Which? magazine for five consecutive years, and features large airlines such as easyJet, Flybe, Ryanair, Air France and Aer Lingus.
Southend property has experienced high capital growth over the years, with a 287% in house prices since 2000. In 2016 house prices rose 13% and 10% in 2017 according to pwc. Southend’s surrounding areas Basildon and Rochford ranked 5th and 6th in pwc’s ‘House price growth by commuter city’ league table, achieving 10.2% growth in 2016-2017. Southend has seen high levels of net migration from Londoners (2,380 people in 2017) looking for more affordable housing, fast train links, and the seaside factor. Leigh has been a favourite amongst commuters, being ranked 2nd ‘happiest place to live’ in the UK.
Trains to London in 40 minutes
C2C is an award winning train operator which runs trains to London Fenchurch Street, and calls at other popular London stations such as Barking, Upminster, West Ham, Stratford and Limehouse. Greater Anglia operates trains to London Liverpool Street, and sees high levels of passengers stopping at London Southend Airport Station. Approximately one in five workers commute to London each day.
Education
South Essex College hosts many higher education courses, as well as 20 university degrees. The Forum is a £27 million ultra modern library and learning zone. There are four grammar schools which are rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Thorpe Hall, a private school was shortlisted for the ‘Independent School of the Year award’ up against the likes of Eton.
Future Developments
There are a significant number of large scale development projects commencing over the next few years in Southend. These should underpin further property capital growth as the town’s popularity for individuals to relocate to becomes even more prominent.
Seafront Area Developments
Marine Plaza – A £100 million development with planning permission for 282 flats and various commercial units on the seafront. Developer: Inner London Group
Seaway Leisure – A £50 million mixed use development of a 2.3 hectare site featuring anchor tenants; Travelodge with an 80 bed hotel, Hollywood Bowl with 20 bowling lanes, a bar and amusement. Empire Cinemas with a 1,370 seat state-of-the-art 11 screen cinema including IMAX. Three restaurant units pre-let to The Restaurant Group, which operates the Coast to Coast, Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito restaurants. The development is expected to create 500 new jobs. Developer: Turnstone Estates
Clifftown Shore – A luxury mixed-use development along Southend’s seafront, featuring 49 apartments and 2 restaurants. Developer: Beyond the Box Developments
Town Centre Developments
Elmer Approach – A former commercial building awaiting planning approval for 14 studio, 70 one-bed and 35 two-bed flats across seven floors. The development is in the middle of the town, in the area of the Southend Central Train Station and South Essex College and University Campus. Developer: Redrock Development Group
Better Queensway – A £400 million regeneration development with plans including 1,300 new homes over 15 acres. This project will significantly uplift the appearance of the town centre area and improve transport links.
Airport
Airport Business Park – 20.88 hectares £150 million development, which will provide approx 1m sq ft of office, industrial warehousing and complimentary accommodation as well as a pioneering innovation centre giving start-up businesses space to grow. A 125,000 sq ft HQ warehouse facility sold to IPECO Holdings subject to planning. The development is expected to create almost 5000 new jobs. Developer: Henry Boot
Airport Terminal Expansion – The airport this year had its terminal expanded to be able to cope with the increasing number of passengers. Developer: Kier
Victoria Avenue
Victoria Avenue is a key location with Southend Victoria Train Station (a main station), in a prominent position at the top of the Town Centre. The road is undergoing massive commercial to residential development with large emtpy office blocks being turned into luxury apartments.
Beaumont Court & Richmond House – £30 million, 280 flats development featuring a restaurant, rooftop gardens, a concierge service and a gym onsite. Developer: Randall Watts
Baryta House – An 11 floor office block has been converted under permitted development rights to 113 modern apartment, all available to let. Investors: Shaviram Group
Weston Homes Portcullis House – A 217 apartment development on Victoria Avenue awaiting planning permission. Developer: Weston Homes.
Other Developments
Fossetts Farm – Populous, architects to Wembley Stadium, the London Olympic Stadium and the new home for Southend United Football Club. Plans include a 21,000 seater stadium, cinema, hotel, restaurants, two soccer domes and retail outlets.
Ecko Park – A contemporary development of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom new homes in walking distance to Prittlewell Station and a short distance to Southend Airport. Developer: Bellway Homes
