Greater Essex Property Market Review unveils major growth opportunities in UK’s key trade gateway
Greater Essex’s first-ever Property Market Review showcases the region’s real estate strengths through recent deals and development activity across a variety of sectors.
Set to become a mayor-led authority as part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, Greater Essex is the UK’s fourth largest economy. With direct links to London, two international airports, two Freeports, and the UK’s largest Garden Communities programme, the region is central to national trade and investment ambitions.
Launched at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) last month, the Property Market Review was developed with real estate consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton and other local experts.
The report outlines sector strengths, recent achievements, and new investment-ready opportunities. It offers valuable insights to developers, investors and agents into the scale and potential of what’s possible in the region.
The publication launched at a well-attended event held on Greater Essex Day at UKREiiF in May 2025. A panel debate chaired by Lisa McCance (Shared Intelligence) included speakers from the Department for Business and Trade, Vistry, Montagu Evans, Arcadis, and Essex County Council. Around 100 attendees joined the session.
Housebuilder Vistry is delivering the first 3,500 new homes at Chelmsford Garden Community, supported by the new Beaulieu Park railway station which opens at the end of 2025. The Garden Community will eventually comprise around 10,000 homes, employment land, and extensive public green spaces.
Speaking at the panel event, the developer’s Group Planning Director, Andrew Taylor, said: “The Chelmsford Garden Community was predicated on the new Beaulieu Park railway station, opening this year. It’s important that the right developer obligations are delivered by the right partners. It is important to highlight which projects have been funded by which development.”
The Review attracted attention as it highlights the momentum behind Greater Essex’s growth – from major infrastructure investments and freeport developments, to thriving innovation hubs. It also reflects the growing confidence of investors, developers, and businesses, who recognise Essex as a place primed for growth.
Julia Gregory, chair, Greater Essex Business Board, said: “The publication of the Greater Essex Property Market Review signals that Essex is opening a bold new chapter, enabling investment and growth across the region. More than a snapshot of market activity, it is a call to action for those with the vision to invest in one of the UK’s most exciting and fast-evolving economies.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, deputy leader and cabinet member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity at Essex County Council, said: “Greater Essex is a thriving, entrepreneurial, and creative region with an unparalleled economic offer. A hub of innovation, industry, and investment.
“Our businesses, infrastructure, and strategic location make us an investment-ready destination. With billions already being committed, we’re seeing real momentum, and with the right partnerships and backing, this is just the beginning.”
A strategic gateway for growth
Greater Essex boasts exceptional connectivity: two international airports (London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport), two Freeports (Thames Freeport and Freeport East) – building on the strengths of the Haven ports (Harwich and Felixstowe), London Gateway and Port of Tilbury, and proximity to London, Cambridge and the M11 corridor.
Major recent investments in the region include:
· The £9bn Lower Thames Crossing, which recently gained the go-ahead from the government
· London Stansted Airport’s £1.1bn expansion – set to double its economic impact to £2bn a year, create 5,000 jobs, and boost capacity to 43 million passengers annually
· DP World’s £1bn boost to London Gateway, could see it become Britain’s largest container port within five years, strengthening trade resilience and capacity
The region is also delivering the largest Garden Communities programme in the country, with 24,000 new homes going through planning permission this year – potentially delivering 1.6% of the national target in just four planning applications.
A beacon of opportunity
Public sector leadership is laying the foundation for private investment, with Greater Essex becoming a magnet for industries that will shape the UK’s economy. It is a key contributor to the UK’s AI growth ambitions, with Google among the global names looking to invest in the region. Essex is also advancing clean energy through projects like Longfield Solar Farm – the second-largest facility of its kind in the country.
Highlighted opportunities in the Review include:
· Build-to-suit plots at Southend Airport Business Park: industrial and warehouse units ranging from 16,000 sq ft to 55,000 sq ft, available now for delivery within 15 months
· Industrial and logistics employment land at Harwich Valley: 15 acres of land for commercial uses
· Chesterford Research Park: research and technology units (including laboratories) from 2,200 sq ft to 75,500 sq ft, available from October 2025.
· Green Energy Hub at Freeport East: port infrastructure for green energy projects and supporting uses on plots ranging from 5 to 79 acres, available from 2027.
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, said: “We’re proud to see Freeport East and our Green Energy Hub featured in the inaugural Greater Essex Property Market Review. Our new 130-hectare expansion at Bathside Bay is a key maritime gateway located on the Essex coast, offering excellent access to the North Sea and making it an ideal base for local wind energy projects, as well as a large-scale integration hub for projects throughout the UK, with plots available from 2025 onwards. Freeport East are excited to be growing the clean energy and maritime cluster here in Harwich.”