Data released by the Office for National Statistics and Land Registry looked at median (average) house prices for every middle layer super output area (MLSOA) in all England and Wales local authorities to the year ending March 2025.
The figures named Emerson Park in Hornchurch as the area in Havering with the most expensive median house price with an average of £857,500.
Property experts Lux Homes claim the origins of this neighbourhood can be traced back to the late 19th century when London’s upper class sought to escape the bustling city life for a more tranquil experience.
Originally it was envisioned as an “exclusive residential enclave” and was designed with tree-lined streets, spacious plots, and “architecturally significant homes”.
Lux Homes now describes Emerson Park as a “harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort”.
But what factors contribute to the neighbourhood’s hefty price tag?
The strong transport links may be one factor at play.
Emerson Park railway station is located in Butts Green Road and provides Overground services, connecting to Romford and Upminster.
Road accessibility is another plus, with the A127 and A12 nearby, making it easy to get around by car.
According to Google Maps, it is only a 10-minute drive away from Romford town centre providing easy access to the market and shopping centres.
Another possible point of attraction in Emerson Park is the number of parks and open spaces nearby.
Within a few miles of each other, you can find Haynes Park, Hylands Park, Fielders Field and Woodland and Langtons Gardens.
The latter mentioned proves a particularly popular spot with a 4.8 out of five star average Google rating from more than 470 reviews.
It was built around 1760 and was gifted to the parish of Hornchurch in 1929 by Elizabeth Parkes.
The building is Grade II listed and in recent years the house and park have undergone significant conservation and the nearby Fielder’s Field has been added to the estate.
Emerson Park also has no shortage of entertainment and activities, particularly in sports.
In Haynes Park there is Haynes Park Bowls Club, which began in 1950.
There is a range of local football teams for all ages including Emerson Park FC, Byron Red Star FC and Hornchurch FC whose first team currently sit in second place in the National League South – only two divisions below the professional leagues.
For equestrian fans, Lillyputt Stables is only a five-minute drive away and Chapmans Farm Equestrian Yard is also nearby.
Upminster Golf Club is also less than a 10-minute drive away.
Finally, with a median house price of £857,500, one of the contributors to Emerson Park’s price tag is set to be the size and aesthetic of its properties.
Lux Homes said: “From grand mansions to modern architectural marvels, the real estate in this enclave is a reflection of luxury and elegance.”
Lux Homes highlighted three main property types here: large multi-bedroom homes, spacious detached bungalows and modern architectural designs.
According to Rightmove, the last four properties to be sold in Emerson Park were a four-bed detached home which sold for £750,000, a five-bed semi detached home which went for £740,000, a four-bed detached home which went for £845,000 and a five-bed detached home which fetched £1,692,000.
These each had at least two bathrooms, spacious driveways and private front and back gardens.
