Hainault/Chigwell - Oaklands Hamlet?

[MuMuMuuuum]

Is anyone familiar with the new Oaklands Hamlet development. Its described as Chigwell but looking at the map I think its closer to Hainault.

Currently live in Bow and not familiar with the area. We're looking to buy our own place and need Help to Buy (although they haven't released prices yet so not sure if even in our budget). Looks like this development will have properties under the scheme and would be great to hear if anyone has any view or feedback who is familiar with the area. Its myself DD (9 months) and DH.

www.countryside-properties.com/new-homes/all-developments/new-home-developments/london/oaklands-hamlet/

[MollyHuaCha]

Not familiar. But I've clicked on yr link and it looks v nice.

[pithivier]

I live close by, moved here from Bow. It is close to Hainault Forest, next door actually. 25 minutes to Ilford and Romford. 15 minutes to Central Line. 10 minutes bus service close by. I would kill to live on that development.

[MuMuMuuuum]

Thank you! It does look lovely, think we'll have to take a drive out at the weekend.

[pithivier]

If you drive down New North Road, Hainault there are 2 other developments just going up.

[Picklette123]

Hello!

I am currently in the process of buying a house here - and I would say it is more Hainault than Chigwell!

[Essexmumof2]

Hi mumumuuuum! we are considering this development too! The detached houses look beautiful. Haven't been to see the area yet but it looks close to Chigwell grove which is nice - but I agree with you that it's closer to Hainault than Chigwell! Did you see the place in the end? What did you think? Any advice? Thanks!

[Essexmumof2]

Picklette123 - how's the process going? We have bought three new builds and depending on the developer the experience has varied. Are the houses built complete yet or will they be at any point this year? Thanks! And good luck!

[Picklette123]

Essexmumof2 - really sorry, I’ve only just seen this! Yep I bought one! Moved in at the end of July and I am really chuffed with the house. Lots moved in now and more for sale - check the website! The builders on site are brilliant. I had a few snagging bits and they’ve sorted them out well. The customer care team are not so good though. But I still love my house so all worth it!
Definitely more Hainault than Chigwell. They put on a little Gatwick flyer bus each morning and evening to and from Hainault Station which is a bonus!!

[Rimpa]

I am planning to buy a property here. I am sure if the area. It’s far from the tube and amenities. Has anyone researched the future potential of the area and whether theses houses are going to go up in price? Many thanks.

[Mosaic123]

If you need to be near the Tube station then you are not. There is some kind of bus but is that guaranteed to keep running? Parking near tube stations is difficult. Are the houses freehold or will you have to pay increasing service charges? Just a few things to think about. Sorry to be so negative.

[Rimpa]

The houses are freehold. I don’t use the tube to commute but being so far away from the tube does affect the house price when it comes to selling in few years if I need to. That’s what is worrying me.....

[Mosaic123]

I suppose you could look at how quickly the houses have sold? If they have sold very quickly on release that's a good indication for the future prices. If you don't need to live near a tube you have lots of choices in the area. I can tell you about South Woodford if that's of interest!

[Rimpa]

Are there any buses between Oakland’s and Hainault / Grange Hill? I understand the bus they provide only runs during peak time.

[Mosaic123]

I used the tfl journey planner website and it came out as a very indirect journey (Oaklands Hamlet to Grange Hill Tube station) of 50 minutes. There might be a better way though. Ask the developers.

[Rimpa]

Thanks so much Mosaic 123. I am seriously reconsidering my decision.

[Mosaic123]

How can I say this without offending anyone? In this area the Tube/transport is pretty important for the price of the house (I'm currently house hunting). When I see what appears to be a well priced house in the area, there is usually something wrong and it's usually location.

My general things to avoid are : very hilly areas, properties where the land slopes down towards the house, gardens which face East or North (unless very long), anything further than 1 mile from a tube station.

Things which I, and I would imagine others am currently looking for are: small supermarket or bigger within walking distance, London Borough postal address so free Oyster card if retired, a flat ish entry and exit to the property (I. E. a step or two is OK to the front door but no more), easy parking on the front drive plus easy parking in the road for visitors and so on.

My point is, don't get seduced by the inside and outside of a beautiful house. If it's not in the right place, and if it doesn't fit other commonly required criteria then it's won't be right for other people and will be difficult to sell.

In time, you can change all sorts of things inside the house that you hate but you can't change the location. Be happy with the things that you can't change before you buy.

One more idea OP, look at Highams Park area on the Woodford side of the station. 20ish mins to Liverpool Street and a huge Tesco with 3 hours free parking next door. It's coming up but still a bit cheaper than other local areas. Good luck.

[Rimpa]

I agree Mosaic123. I am trying to adhere to similar checkbox.

[Picklette123]

Hello! I like here. Yes they put on a bus service to Hainault station which is £2 each way and takes about 20 mins in rush hour. It runs every 30 mins

There’s also a 247 bus which runs from the end of the road every ten mins. It takes about 10-15 mins to get to Hainault station on this bus

You can also get the 247 bus in the other direction to romford station which takes about 20 mins

[AppleTree0915]

I’m glad I found this thread! We are actually looking at this development through shared ownership. Could anyone provide some info about what it’s like to live there?

[Fomey]

HI. I wonder if anyone can help me. I have been looking at properties on Oaklands Hamlet. Lovely houses but I am concerned about the parking facilities should I have guests over. How have you found the parking there if you are already living there?

[Bemax]

Have paid a deposit on a house there, already live in Hainault. Wanted house where there is no flow of people passing my house, surrounded by park/forest. Close to Hainault train station, bus or drive, station has a car park. Already live near shops and want to move away from them! All I get is passers by rubbish and their cars blocking my road/drive and parking dangerously. Only people outside my new house will be 3 neighbours on the close. When I want to go to a shop its normally a big Tesco/Sainsburys which I drive to. Hainault Country park 5 minutes away. Developers also building a park for residents in last phase. My garden in new house will overlook farmland.

[noisyhome]

I have also just reserved a 5 bedroom home and can’t wait to move in! Similarly, I currently live on a street close to great amenities- Tube station, Sainsbury’s, schools, shops etc, but am sick of the litter that passerby’s leave, the whiskey bottles that get left on my driveway (yes, really!), the sound of revving traffic up the A12 and the inconsiderate yelling of strangers as they make their way home from the all night central line! Back to the development - yes it does seem quite inaccessible unless you have a car, but the peak hour bus service to Hainault seems to be very useful. Should make three stops within Oakland Hamlet itself apparently. There was talk of a small convenience shop to be opened too but seems that has been scrapped. Shame. Re parking, it already seems to be nightmare as so many cars park along the path. We only have one car but I am so frustrated that people don’t use their own driveways - some even use the turning points to park! So selfish. I have no qualms making a complaint to the management company if this still bugs me when I move in and I suggest that those already living there do the same!!

[x2dazee]

Hi there
I also went there with my wife and 2 little ones and was very impressed with the 5 beds more so the findlay would you as be so kind to advise which 5 bed you went for

The hargreaves wasnt yet ready but I'm still slightly sceptical when you hear reviews in particular some for countryside

Have you moved in at all ?
Were you able to provide a snagging survey prior to moving ?
They advised the broadband is now fibre but I dont see any evidence of this
Were you able to haggle the finalise price with any stamp duty incentives ?
Have they confirmed the management charge for the upkeep ?

Apologies for all the questions but would appreciate your input

Thanks in advance