Greater Essex Property Market Review Signals a Bold New Era for UK Investment

A new report launched at UKREiiF unveils significant growth potential in strategically located regional economies.

Greater Essex has officially stepped onto the national investment stage with the launch of its inaugural Property Market Review, unveiled during a well-attended session at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May 2025.

Developed in partnership with real estate consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton, the Review provides an in-depth analysis of the region’s current real estate performance and future potential. It highlights Greater Essex’s unique position as one of the UK’s most strategically connected and economically dynamic regions, boasting two international airports, two freeports, direct rail links to London, and the UK’s largest Garden Communities program.

As the UK’s fourth-largest economy, and with plans to become a mayor-led devolved authority under the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, Greater Essex is now firmly positioned to attract and sustain large-scale investment.

The review presents a clear picture of momentum across multiple sectors, from residential and commercial development to infrastructure and innovation. A key highlight is the Chelmsford Garden Community, being delivered by Vistry Group, which will comprise 10,000 new homes, employment land, and extensive green infrastructure. The project is underpinned by the new Beaulieu Park railway station, opening later this year, the first on the Great Eastern Main Line in over a century.

Speaking at the UKREiiF launch event, Andrew Taylor, Group Planning Director at Vistry, said:

“The Chelmsford Garden Community is a prime example of infrastructure-led development. The station is the catalyst that transforms the vision into a deliverable and sustainable community.”

The launch event featured contributions from the Department for Business and Trade, Arcadis, Montagu Evans, Essex County Council, and Shared Intelligence and drew an audience of more than 100 delegates from across the public and private sectors.

Julia Gregory, Chair of the Greater Essex Business Board, emphasised the Review’s strategic importance:

“This publication goes beyond a market overview. It signals a new era for Greater Essex, one defined by ambition, partnership, and readiness for growth.”

With robust fundamentals, accelerating infrastructure, and growing investor confidence, Greater Essex is poised to become one of the UK’s leading destinations for real estate and infrastructure investment.