As of January 2026, the Chelmsford property market is entering a new phase of growth – shaped by shifting buyer behaviour, a wave of local development, and the long-awaited opening of Beaulieu Park Station.
At Belvoir Chelmsford, we’re seeing renewed interest from both Essex-based movers and commuters relocating from London, attracted by improved travel links and more space for their money.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring the market, this guide covers everything you need to know – including house price forecasts, investment hotspots, and why now could be the smart time to act.
What’s happening in the Chelmsford property market in 2026?
The Chelmsford market has proved resilient through national uncertainty, and it’s starting 2026 with a noticeable lift in activity.
Here’s what the data shows:
Key trends in CM1 and CM2:
- Average house prices are up 4.2% year-on-year
- Detached family homes in CM1 are commanding premiums
- First-time buyer activity has increased, driven by new mortgage products
- New-build completions in Beaulieu are adding fresh supply at the upper end of the market
- Sellers are achieving 98.7% of asking price on average
If you’re a seller in Chelmsford, this is the strongest January market we’ve seen since 2022.
House prices Chelmsford: Current averages
| Property Type | CM1 Avg Price (Jan 2026) | CM2 Avg Price (Jan 2026) |
| 1-bed flat | £230,000 | £217,000 |
| 2-bed house | £325,000 | £310,000 |
| 3-bed semi | £410,000 | £395,000 |
| 4-bed detached | £635,000 | £615,000 |
Source: Belvoir Chelmsford local sales data, January 2026
Prices are particularly strong in:
- Old Moulsham, due to school catchments
- New London Road and Springfield Road, for commuters
- The Channels and Beaulieu, due to proximity to new infrastructure
Beaulieu Park Station: Why it’s a game changer
2026 marks the first full year of service for Beaulieu Park Station – Chelmsford’s new rail hub, directly linking the growing Beaulieu and Channels estates to London Liverpool Street.
Travel times from Beaulieu:
- 35–40 minutes to London Liverpool Street
- Direct links to Stratford, Shenfield, and Colchester
- Improved frequency to surrounding Essex towns
This has triggered a wave of buyer interest from:
- Hybrid London professionals looking for a better quality of life
- Young families moving from East London for schools and space
- Investors looking to buy before the next capital uplift
Beaulieu Park Station property growth
According to Belvoir’s latest figures:
- Properties within a 1-mile radius of Beaulieu Station saw a 6.5% uplift in the past 12 months
- New-build 2-bed flats in Beaulieu Square are achieving £1,400–£1,550 PCM on the rental market
- 4-bed homes in The Channels now regularly exceed £625,000+
This growth is expected to continue, particularly as local roads improve and commercial services grow around the new transport hub.
Chelmsford house price forecast: What’s next?
Based on current momentum, we expect:
- 3.5%–4.8% growth across CM1 and CM2 by December 2026
- Strongest uplift in Beaulieu, Old Moulsham and Great Baddow
- Increased buyer demand in spring/summer 2026, particularly in family homes
However, the most strategic moves are likely to happen in Q1, when motivated buyers are actively searching and competition among listings is still low.
Moving to Essex 2026: What are buyers looking for?
Chelmsford is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Essex, thanks to its:
- Top-performing secondary schools (King Edward VI, Great Baddow High)
- Excellent commuter access
- Growing mix of independent shops, parks and eateries
- Family-friendly neighbourhoods with walkability and green space
In 2026, buyers are prioritising:
- Energy efficiency (EPC rating C or better)
- Home office space or flexible floorplans
- Proximity to stations, schools and green space
- Garden or private outdoor areas
- Off-road parking or EV charging readiness
If your home meets some of these expectations – or could with a small refresh – you’re in a strong position to secure a premium sale.
Selling a home in Chelmsford: Why now?
With new infrastructure complete, interest rates stabilising, and buyers already returning to the market, January to March 2026 offers sellers a key advantage:
Early-year listings get:
- Higher portal visibility (Rightmove, Zoopla)
- Access to serious “New Year” buyers
- More flexibility before the spring rush
- Stronger negotiation power due to limited competition
If you’re unsure whether your home is “ready”, Belvoir Chelmsford can help with a no-obligation appraisal and presentation advice.
Tips for Chelmsford sellers in 2026
1. Use lifestyle photography
Highlight home office space, open-plan layouts, and outdoor entertaining areas.
2. Promote station proximity
Especially if you’re within walking distance of Beaulieu Park, Chelmsford mainline or a key bus link.
3. Update EPC if needed
Energy efficiency is now a key buyer filter on major portals. A C rating or better can increase viewing rates.
4. Stage for the buyer you want
If you’re in a family area, show off children’s rooms and local school maps. If your property suits professionals, stage a workspace and highlight broadband speeds.
5. Work with a local agent
National portals are crowded. You need local insight, proactive buyer targeting, and support navigating offers, timelines and negotiations.
Chelmsford buyers: Is now the right time to purchase?
Yes – especially for:
- First-time buyers looking before prices rise further
- London-based movers who now commute via Beaulieu
- Families hoping to move before the September school term
- Investors focused on growth-linked locations and stable rental yields
Why act now?
- Mortgage products have improved since Q4 2025
- Beaulieu growth means price uplifts could accelerate through 2026
- Early-year listings mean less competition from other buyers
- Rental yields in CM1/CM2 remain strong at 4.8%–5.2% gross (January 2026)
Average house price CM1 vs CM2: Where offers best value?
| Postcode | Lifestyle Profile | Pros | Avg Price (All Property Types) |
| CM1 | Central, commuter-heavy | Mainline access, period homes | £426,000 |
| CM2 | Leafier, more residential | Schools, parks, newer stock | £412,000 |
CM1 appeals to London movers and first-time buyers.
CM2 attracts families looking for longer-term homes near schools.
Belvoir Chelmsford: Local knowledge, national reach
Whether you’re buying or selling in 2026, our team can guide you through Chelmsford’s fast-moving market with real-time insight and straightforward advice.
We help you:
- Understand your home’s value based on local demand, EPC, and timing
- Navigate buyer expectations in today’s competitive landscape
- Stay compliant with legal updates, documentation and disclosure
- Maximise your position – whether upsizing, downsizing or investing
Final thoughts: Chelmsford is moving – are you?
The opening of Beaulieu Park Station is more than just a local news story. It’s the catalyst for long-term value growth, improved connectivity, and a fresh wave of buyer interest in Chelmsford.
If you’re planning to move in 2026 or want to capitalise on this new attention while competition is still low, now is the time to start.
Book your free valuationor buyer consultation with Belvoir Chelmsford
Let’s help you make your next move a smart one. Contact us
