The ‘pretty’ London commuter town first-time buyers are flocking to

Prompted by expensive rents, costly mortgages and a desire to flee to the countryside, London has experienced a mass exodus of wannabe homeowners over the last 10 years or so.

People are upping sticks and moving from the capital to cheaper satellite towns — and one spot in particular is proving a popular choice.

According to recent research, Harlow in Essex was found to be the UK’s fastest-growing hotspot for first-time buyers over the past 10 years.

Since 2015, FTB mortgage applications here have risen by 87%, the steepest increase of any local authority throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

This was followed by Knowsley, Merseyside at 82% growth, while Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire came in third with a figure of 74%. On the contrary, first-time buyer mortgages in London fell by 15% during this period.

Given that Harlow sits within easy reach of the capital, but the average home sells for almost half, it’s a natural choice for budget-conscious commuters.

But price isn’t the only reason first-time buyers are flocking there.

Things to do in Harlow

Harlow is home to one of the largest urban parks in the country, a Grade II listed site spanning over 160 acres of green space.

Alongside its five gardens, bandstand, children’s play areas, outdoor gym, paddling pool, skate park and café, Harlow Town Park features Pets’ Corner, a free-to-enter petting zoo with animals ranging from pigs and chickens to reindeer, llamas and snakes.

For a spot of history, there’s the Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens, which houses more than 40,000 artefacts dating back 1,000 years, or the sculpture trail where you can explore pieces by the likes of Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

And in terms of culture, Harlow Playhouse hosts regular events, with the likes of stand-up comedy, drag shows, music and theatre on the schedule.

If shopping’s more your thing, though, you’re spoiled for choice, with big brands and independent stores galore between the Harvey Centre, the Water Gardens and Broad Walk.

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Transport links to Harlow

Harlow is served by two different railway stations – Harlow Town and Harlow Mill – which go towards London Liverpool Street (via the Stansted Express) or Cambridge.

A single train fare from Harlow to London comes in at around £17.30 with the journey taking just over 30 minutes, while to Cambridge it costs from £18.80 each way and takes about the same time.

Alternatively, regular bus services can take you to Epping Underground Station – in zone 6 on the Central Line – in roughly half an hour.

House prices in Harlow

According to Rightmove, homes in Harlow sold for an average of £351,911 over the last year — a whole lot less than the London figure of £656,665.

Prices in the area have remained stable compared to the previous year, increasing by about 2%, but were slightly lower than the 2022 peak of £349,579.

Terraced properties were the most popular in 2024 (selling for £334,582 on average) while flats went for an average of £215,590 and semi-detached properties fetched £413,340.

What locals are saying about Harlow

‘Harlow is often given a bad rap as it’s such a big town – and there’s no denying it needs some TLC, but it’s also got so much going for it,’ says Metro deputy editor and long-time Harlow resident Claie Wilson.

‘Surrounded by beautiful countryside and cycle paths there are so many places to explore – from the towpath along the River Stort and our massive town park, to the local walled museum and the nearby Gibberd Gardens. 

‘Then there’s our town centre which is currently getting a much needed refurb, and has always welcomed people from neighbouring towns for a bit of retail therapy thanks to a good variety of shops and restaurants. We even have two Cineworlds in Harlow, get us!’

Claie adds: ‘I moved to Harlow from London 16 years ago, because we could get so much more for our money (we swapped a two-bed flat with a communal garden for a three-bed semi with a big garden). Whenever we think about moving, it always comes down to whether we would have all this on our doorstep somewhere else – as well as our wonderful friends and neighbours – and so far the answer has always been no.’

Some on Reddit were less positive, including @Leathershoe4
who described it as ‘dull and lifeless’ and @samwich-4 who called Harlow a ‘depressing place to be.’

However, there were also those who came to the town’s defence, with @Sufficient-Network83 praising its ‘good education facilities, great leisure centre, great transport links’ and adding: ‘It is a pretty town with its green spaces, and much of the ugly town centre is going to be redeveloped.’

‘Honestly Harlow’s pretty nice,’ said another user, while @iamturboman added: ‘It’s a really beautiful part of Essex.’

This article was first published on September 8, 2025.

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