The fact that Barking is in London’s most affordable borough – Barking & Dagenham – is a huge part of its appeal to buyers, but far from the only reason why they want to live here.
There are also high-performing schools, open spaces and impressive transport links that make commuting a cinch. District, Hammersmith & City line, Overground services and c2c trains all stop at Barking station, and the M11 is a short drive away.
You can jump on the Elizabeth Line at Ilford, just down the road, and the Overground’s recently been extended to Barking Riverside, which also has a river bus pier.
The majority of housing dates from the 1930s, and there are Victorian, Edwardian, late 20th-century and modern properties.
‘Two thirds of our buyers are moving from inner London areas such as Tower Hamlets as the commute into the City is so quick and they get much more for their money here,’ says Jeff Vedgen of estate agency William H Brown. ‘We recently sold a one-bedroom flat for £175,000, two-bed houses start at £350,000 and three-bed houses are from £400,000.’
The most desirable area is the Leftley estate, where large 1930s houses nestle in substantial plots.
What’s new in the area
Some 50,000 new homes are planned across the borough over the next decade. More than 10,000 of these will be at Barking Riverside, one of Europe’s biggest house-building projects along a 2km stretch of the Thames, and eventually home to 30,000 people.
Schools, sports facilities, cycle routes and The Wilds – an ecology-focused community centre – are already open, and plans include a Wellbeing hub and waterside restaurant, with residents consulted on major decisions.
One, two and three-bed apartments are for sale at Bellway London’s Fielders Quarter, all with private outside space, a choice of interior finishes and use of a gym, concierge service and car club, from £264,995, bellway.co.uk.
And, last Saturday, Bellway launched Eastbrooke Village, with one, two and three-bed apartments starting from £266,995, bellway.co.uk.
Some 44 per cent of homes at Barking Riverside are currently affordable, including shared ownership housing from L&Q. Featuring a balcony or terrace and open-plan kitchen/living/dining rooms, two-bedroom apartments are from £85,000 for a 25 per cent share of £340,000, lqhomes.com.
More than 1,000 one to three-bedroom apartments are being delivered at Abbey Quay, a mixed-use scheme next to the River Roding.
All have open-plan layouts, modern kitchens and bathrooms and outside space, from £332,000, weston-homes.com. Teal Point is the latest phase in Fresh Wharf which overlooks the River Roding. Two-bedders start from £390,000, and five three-bed triplexes are about to launch, from £505,000, countrysidepartnerships.com.
Challingsworth House, a short walk from Barking Station, has one and two-bed shared ownership apartments delivered by B&D Reside, with London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. They start at £75,000 for a 25 per cent share of £300,000, via redloftproperty.co.uk.
Statistics about Barking
Average house price: £372,184
Average rent: £2,034pcm
Council tax (Band D): £1,784.83
Commuting time to Zone 1: 17 mins to Fenchurch Street
Annual Travelcard (Zone 4): £2,208
Amenities: Asda and Tesco superstores; plans to upgrade Vicarage Field shopping centre yet to be approved; 80 stalls at Barking Market, five days/week; music and drama at the Broadway Theatre; Abbey Leisure Centre; Barking Sporthouse & Gym; new festival Emerge East at Barking Riverside this Saturday
Open space: Barking Park, Barking Abbey Grounds Newlands Park, Mayesbrook Park, Greatfields Park
Schools: Ofsted ranks nearly all schools as outstanding or good; Thames View Infants, and Riverside Primary and secondary in Barking Riverside are outstanding
Crime: Slightly below average
Who lives there? First-time buyers and families
Famous faces: Bobby Moore and Jamie Borthwick were born here
What’s on the property ladder?
£245,000
This split-level flat ground and first floor flat consists of a living room, kitchen, two double bedrooms, a WC and separate bathroom. There’s no onward chain.
Check this property out on bairstoweves.co.uk
£550,000
A three-bedroom semi-detached house with a through sitting room, off-street parking and an attached garage that could be converted into extra living space.
Check this property out on williamhbrown.co.uk
£900,000
Located in the sought-after Leftley estate, this double-fronted house includes five bedrooms, two reception rooms, a dining room and a self-contained one-bedroom annex.
Check this property out on tomashwood.co.uk
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