The Intermediary – March 2026 - Flipbook - Page 96
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CHELMSFORD
Each month, The Intermediary takes a close-up
look at the housing market in a specific region and
speaks to the experts supporting the area to find out
what makes their territory unique
s the wider housing
and mortgage market
enters a period of
renewed uncertainty,
Chelmsford’s property
landscape is seling
into a more measured rhythm.
Regarded as one of Essex’s most
desirable city markets thanks to its
swi rail links to London, Chelmsford
continues to aract a broad mix of
buyers, from first timers to investors
seeking dependable rental yields.
This month, The Intermediary
examines how the area’s housing
and mortgage market is evolving –
exploring the trends shaping both
borrower a nd lender activity.
A
Average prices
Chelmsford’s housing market remains
firmly positioned in the upper tiers of
the Essex property landscape, with the
average home now priced at £457,000
and the median at £400,000. Over the
past 12 months, prices have soened
slightly, edging down by around
£3,300, or 1%.
As with many markets across
the South East, pricing varies
considerably by location, with CM7
94
The Intermediary | March 2026
3 emerging as the most affordable
pocket at an average of £257,000, while
CM15 8 commands the highest average
values at £794,000.
By property type, the familiar
hierarchy holds firm, with detached
homes averaging £672,000, semidetached properties £452,000, terraced
houses £364,000 and flats £233,000.
Increasing momentum
Residential activity in Chelmsford
reflects a market that remains
fundamentally resilient, even as
transaction volumes have soened
slightly. Around 9,000 property sales
were recorded over the past year,
representing a decline of 11.6%, or
roughly 1,300 fewer transactions.
Despite that easing in volumes,
local advisers suggest momentum
has picked up again. As Karl
Innes, mortgage and protection
adviser at Just Mortgages, explains:
“Activity levels have increased
noticeably compared to last year,
this is largely due to increased
confidence as mortgage rates have
reduced and lending criteria has
changed favourably, particularly for
first-time buyers.”
Demand, he adds, is especially
pronounced “for well-located family
homes, particularly those with good
transport links into London,” with
“a good level of buyer and vendor
engagement.”
Innes also points to improving
conditions behind the scenes,
observing that “there’s a real sense
of momentum building. Stock levels
are increasing compared to late 2025,
lenders are competing strongly, and
buyers who receive good advice oen
surprised by what is achievable in the
current climate.”
Chelmsford’s strong commuter
credentials continue to underpin this
demand. Daniel Morgan, director
