As your local mortgage experts in Leigh-on-Sea, We Do Mortgages has helped countless individuals achieve their homeownership dreams across the area.
In this article, we're excited to showcase Leigh-on-Sea and the neighbouring areas, offering our local insight into the housing market and what makes this region so special.
If you’re looking for mortgage advice, contact our team today.
Welcome to Leigh-on-Sea
There is certainly a clear appeal to coastal living, and Leigh-on-Sea consistently shines as a fantastic place to call home. In fact, Rightmove recently ranked Leigh as the eighth happiest place to live in Britain and the number one happiest in Essex!
From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village, Leigh-on-Sea has blossomed into a highly desirable Essex seaside town. It beautifully blends its historic charm with modern living and offers excellent transport links to London, with the average direct train journey time taking one hour.
For those searching for a home, Leigh has a broad selection of housing stock, including a good mix of family homes and modern flats, to suit various budgets. When compared to London, property values are significantly cheaper, making it an ideal choice for commuters.
As of May 2025, the average cost of a property in Leigh-on-Sea was £449,232, according to Rightmove.
Not all homebuyers have the option to secure a property with a garden, which makes access to green space like the Two Tree Island Nature Reserve, spanning across 257 hectares, at the top of their wish list. This unique blend of coastal charm and open spaces adds to Leigh-on-Sea's charm.
For families considering a move or future planning, Leigh-on-Sea and its surrounding areas boast excellent-rated junior and secondary schools, providing a strong foundation for early education.
Overall, Leigh-on-Sea itself offers a vibrant lifestyle for all ages. From exploring its delightful selection of local restaurants, unique independent shops and stylish boutiques, to enjoying the coastal charm of Bell Wharf Beach, there is plenty to see and do. The town is also home to a thriving creative scene, with art galleries and studios dotted throughout, and the annual Leigh Art Trail is a fantastic community event showcasing the local talent and is not to be missed!
Beyond Leigh-on-Sea: Exploring the surrounding areas
Leigh-on-Sea is a great place to live, but have you explored its equally appealing neighbours? When house hunting, it's easy to fixate on one particular location; however, sometimes if you cast your net a little wider, you may find properties that offer better value for money or provide access to more appealing amenities or transport links.
To help you on your search, here are some highlights of the fantastic options within easy reach, all of which have their unique appeal for Essex living.
Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea's well-known neighbour, is conveniently located just three miles away, a quick seven-minute train ride or a 15-minute drive.
Famous for its iconic Southend Pier - the world's longest pleasure pier - and the thrills of Adventure Island amusement park, Southend-on-Sea is a charming British seaside town offering plenty of personality and things to do.
Southend has a lively atmosphere, extensive shopping, and boasts convenient access to Southend Airport. Beyond the airport links, there's a direct and regular train to London which takes just over one hour, and the C2C rail link connects residents to stations across the Essex coast.
According to Rightmove, the average cost of owning a home in Southend-on-Sea is £335,335 (May 2025), with values varying depending on property type.
If you’re looking to buy a home or investment property in Southend-on-Sea, contact We Do Mortgages to see how we can help you obtain the most suitable mortgage rate.
Charming coastal towns
One of the appeals of living on the Essex coastline is that it has something for everyone. From the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots to quaint, picturesque seaside towns, there really is a pocket of Essex that caters to all tastes.
Beyond Leigh-on-Sea, there are plenty of attractive options for house hunters to consider if you’ve not been able to find your dream property within your initial search area.
Just a short drive from Southend sits Westcliff-on-Sea, which is home to charming Victorian properties and offers a more relaxed pace of life whilst providing useful transport links and excellent-rated schools.
The average property price in Westcliff-on-Sea is £346,897 (May 2025, Rightmove), offering excellent value for money compared to nearby alternatives.
For those looking for a more tranquil yet coastal lifestyle, Thorpe Bay is home to lovely sandy beaches, sailing clubs, and a well-established community. However, average property prices are higher here (avg. £560,095, May 2025, Rightmove).
Nestled at the edge of the Thames Estuary lies Shoeburyness, which provides a unique mix of coastal charm and nature reserves, making it ideal for house hunters looking for a more secluded and outdoorsy lifestyle. According to Rightmove, average house prices in Shoeburyness are £367,403 as of May 2025.
If you head west of Leigh-on-Sea, you’ll hit Chalkwell, which offers a similar appealing character with its own distinct charm, including leafy, treelined streets, independent shops, and easy access to Chalkwell Park and its ornamental gardens and colourful bedding displays.
A coastal lifestyle isn’t for everyone, so just a short drive sits the historic town of Benfleet, which offers impressive views over the Benfleet Creek, and excellent transport links. Benfleet is ideal for those who want a more traditional town feel whilst having easy access to coastal and rural areas.
House hunters seeking a more rural feel should widen their search to Thundersley, which offers a mix of residential areas and green space, while still feeling well-connected to the surrounding areas.
Last but not least! For those looking for a broader range of housing options, Pitsea and Basildon should be on your radar. Offering excellent transport links via the A13 and fast train routes into London, Pitsea and Basildon are more affordable alternatives while still being within easy reach of the coast and Leigh-on-Sea's amenities.
Dreaming of owning a home in Leigh-on-Sea or the surrounding areas?
At We Do Mortgages, based right here in Leigh-on-Sea, we understand why so many people are drawn to this vibrant area. We've helped countless individuals and families across Leigh and its surroundings achieve their homeownership dreams by providing tailored mortgage advice and finding the most suitable rates and terms for their unique goals.
If you're looking to make your own move to this happy corner of Essex, or simply need expert mortgage advice, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team today for a free initial consultation.
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