Property experts have said they remain cautiously optimistic over for the West Essex housing market – despite the continued political uncertainty caused by Brexit.

Savills Loughton office, on Smart’s Lane, recently held a research event at the Lokkum bar and grill in South Woodfood, outlining the current property trends across the region.

While they said they are looking ahead to the rest of 2019 and beyond, ongoing political and economic uncertainty had affected consumer confidence.

Despite rising interest rates and increased taxation was slowing the market, West Essex had remained largely resilient, with families moving from London wanting better value for money..

Areas to the east and west of Theydon Bois, Grange Hill near Chigwell and those close to Chipping Ongar have proven to be particularly popular.

James Lamb, team leader at Savills Loughton branch and head of office, said: “Rapid price growth in London has left people struggling to get on the property ladder.

“Incomes have failed to increase at the same rate, so buyers are now looking further afield to get more house for their money.

“We are fortunate to live in a highly sought-after area that offers superb value when compared to the capital, with great connectivity, superb schools, lots of great restaurants and leisure facilities and some truly wonderful countryside.

“More and more buyers are attaching increased importance to lifestyle and quality of life. There has been great demand since the beginning of the year for town and village living with amenities and good transport links which has underpinned the market.”

Savills residential research analyst, Gaby Foord, also outlined recent house price growth and looked ahead at future trends.

Referencing data from the Land Registry, she said Epping Forest prices have increased by 52 per cent over the longer period and 1.5 per cent in the last year.

Over in Redbridge, there has been growth of 50 per cent since 2007/8 but a decline of 0.4 per cent more recently.

House prices in Waltham Forest had increased by 84 per cent since the market peak of 2007/8, with a 0.7 per cent increase in the last 12 months.

In Essex as a whole, house prices have increased by 41 per since 2007/8 and 2.1 per cent in the last 12 months..

Average house prices meanwhile sit at £538,000 for Epping Forest, £471,000 for Redbridge and £466,000 for Waltham Forest.

The average house prices for Essex is £349,000, compared to London at £618,000.

Homebuyers can expect to pay an average of £1,200 per sq ft for prime properties in London, but in Loughton and surrounding areas that figure sits at £530 per sq ft.

“While we expect house prices to remain sensitive in the short term, with buyer sentiment likely to ebb and flow with the news agenda, the long-term picture looks healthier as greater clarity over Brexit will bring a degree of confidence back to the market,” Ms Foord explained.

“In the next five years house prices within the region’s mainstream market are expected to rise by 9.3% - more than double that of London.”