New homes in Essex

Why choose a new home in Essex?

Essex is one of the largest counties in England, with a population of 1.5 million and is home to some of the best-connected commuter towns in the country.

If you’re searching for a new home here, you’ll find plenty to choose from. The towns closest to London come with excellent transport links and plenty of urban energy, while rural parts of Essex offer pretty villages, open space, and a slower pace of living. With a wide range of new build developments across the county, Crest Nicholson has a range of high-quality houses for sale in Essex that could be the perfect fit for your next move.

Living in Essex 

You might be surprised by just how scenic Essex is. The county is home to over 350 miles of stunning coastline, from sandy beaches and chalky cliffs to traditional seaside towns and quiet coves. Southend-on-Sea and Maldon and Walton are popular with families looking for a day at the coast, while historic ports like Harwich is a traditional historic town with an interesting history.

Head inland and you’ll find a completely different side to Essex. Towns like Brentwood are surrounded by green spaces but benefit from modern convenience and easy access to London, which is ideal for commuters.

What are the best things to do in Essex?

If you are looking for a new build home in Essex, you’ll find plenty to do across the county. Lakeside Shopping Centre ranks among Europe's largest retail destinations, and offers over 250 stores, restaurants, and entertainment spots under one roof. For something more traditional, explore the historic markets in towns like Saffron Walden and Maldon, or visit the independent boutiques in Chelmsford's high street.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Lee Valley White Water Centre offers Olympic-level rafting and water sports and there are places like Thorndon Country Park, which have a range of walking trails that are perfect for all abilities.

Throughout the year, Essex is also known for its lively events calendar, including the Chelmsford Summer Festival and the world-famous Maldon Mud Race, which bring locals together.

Schools in Essex  

Many schools in Essex perform well in national league tables. From highly rated primary schools, like Hare Street Community Primary School to top-performing secondary academies, families have plenty of choice.

For those thinking ahead to higher education, the University of Essex in Colchester is one of the UK’s top 30 universities for research excellence and continues to attract students from across the country and beyond.

How easy is it to commute from Essex?

Our new builds in Essex are a popular choice for commuters thanks to the towns excellent travel connections. Towns like Chelmsford, Colchester and Brentwood offer direct train services to London Liverpool Street, often in under an hour. Some areas, including those closer to East London, are also connected to the Underground network.

The road network is just as strong, with the A12, A13, M11 and M25 all providing fast links into the capital and beyond.

For international travel, London Stansted Airport is Essex's nearest major airport and offers regular flights across Europe. The port at Harwich also provides ferry services to destinations like Belgium and Holland, which is ideal for weekend breaks or longer holidays abroad.

New build developments in Essex

If you're thinking about making a move and want to find a new build property for sale in Essex, Crest Nicholson offers a range of new homes across the county.

Explore our latest developments above and start your next chapter in Essex today.