Buying in Leigh on Sea / Chalkwell / Westcliff (new to the area)

Stozss

Hi All,

I’m looking at buying a property in Leigh on Sea this coming Summer and was hoping for some help! Areas/roads to avoid, sort after areas/roads?? Are there any places that are up and coming as in - could grab myself a bargain (I doubt it but worth a try haha)!?!

I’m looking at 1 bed / 2 bed flats.

I’ll be commuting into London so will need to be in walking distance of a station (20/25min walk max).

I’m totally new to the area so would be very grateful for any tips information that could help me in my search.

Thanks for taking time to look

bt1

Hi,

I live in the Southend area, personally I would stay away from Westcliff! Leigh and Chalkwell both have their nice parts (nearer the seafront) - both would be ideal for the stations.

Stozss

Hi bt1,

Thanks for the response... So there are no parts of Westcliff that are ok? Is that because of the people or the look of the area (or both)?

Thanks again

MARTYM8`

Stozss wrote: »

Hi bt1,

Thanks for the response... So there are no parts of Westcliff that are ok? Is that because of the people or the look of the area (or both)?

Thanks again

Essentially the nearer you get to Southend the worse it gets and the nearer to Leigh the better it is - west of Chalkwell Avenue is usually best but of course prices are more expensive too. But parking is a real problem in Leigh - so ideally you want a garage or an allocated space.

Westcliff is quite hit and miss - lots of buy to let and HMOs and of course noisier at weekends as its nearer the Southend nightlife.

If it looks cheap and its in Westcliff theres probably a reason.

Stozss

Many thanks for the info @Martym8 its greatly appreciated! Looks like I need to focus my search on the Leigh/Chalkwell areas. Think I would rather location over space.

AndyBSG

Worth taking a look at this thread here as someone else recently asked the same questions and got plenty of good advice, especially regarding alternative locations, which roads to avoid, etc

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5386372

Stozss

Thank you @AndyBSG I will take a look

hazyjo

Ahah, just found this. I am a bit obsessed with Leigh on Sea at the mo (actually, have been for years) and hope to move there within a few years.


Read all the descriptions of properties. You'll see various estates and schools mentioned which make the properties more desirable.


South of London Road is generally considered more desirable (although I will prob end up slightly north of it to get what I want, plus the parking can be easier that side).


Some of the roads are busier than others, or you get a lot of late night revellers walking from bars, etc who seem to think it's fine to shout, argue, laugh or cry (everything at the top of their voices) - and I've read of doorbells being rung if you're particularly near the pavement. I will try to avoid the run of straight roads between The Broadway and London Road, but, again, it may be a compromise, or I'll try to get one that's not too long/straight. Some of the roads may be busier than they look. One has buses down it (Elmsleigh Dr, and maybe others), so make sure you do your homework.


Take a good look at the map - if a road is straight and long and cuts between roads, it's likely to be busier. If it has a bend, a dead end or joins another road going the other way, it's prob not going to be as busy. Lots of one-way streets so make sure that suits you. Hard to get below the Broadway/Leigh Rd as they command a premium.


As above, parking is hell and unbearable in summer. I will def be buying with a driveway or garage.


The trains have slightly different timetables now - Leigh trains are better/more frequent. Doesn't make a massive difference, but I think I'd favour Leigh, but imagine I'll be nearer Chalkwell as a bit more reasonable/more choice.


Only big supermarket there is Waitrose. You can travel out to others though, and there are small ones (Tesco Express, Co-op and the like).


Good luck. Keep me informed - especially if you end up there! I need all the honest opinions I can get! Plus I will also be commuting to London so need to know what that's like!


Jx