Taking a Balanced View, IG7 Market Activity — July 2026
Ever wondered why some homes in our corner of Essex attract immediate interest while others remain available for a longer period? You might assume that because Chigwell and Rowhedge are such desirable spots, every property attracts a buyer the moment it hits the internet. Actually, the truth is a bit more nuanced.
The current landscape of the IG7 market is defined by the volume of housing supply. If we look at the balance between the number of properties currently for sale and the rate at which they are being purchased, we can see a significant shift in the local market.
That’s the reality of our local market right now in July 2026. Whether you’re living near the green spaces of Gravel Lane or closer to the shops on the High Road, the "vibe" of the market has shifted. We are firmly in what is traditionally described as a "Buyer's Market."
To put that in plain English: imagine you’re at a school bake sale. Usually, the lemon drizzle cake is popular because there are fifty hungry parents and only two cakes. That’s a seller’s market. Right now in IG7, it’s like having fifty cakes and only ten parents. The parents have a massive amount of choice; they can take their time, compare the options, and select the very best one at a competitive price.
The Ratio of Choice: 16.7
The biggest clue to the current market dynamic is the ratio of available stock to monthly sales. In IG7, the current housing supply represents a ratio of 16.7 to 1.
Think of it like the selection at a local café. If there are 16.7 items available for every one customer who walks in, there is no pressure on the customer to make a snap decision. Because there is such a high volume of houses available relative to the number of buyers, those looking to purchase feel very relaxed. They know they have plenty of choice and aren't under pressure to outbid each other. Generally, if this ratio is under 6, competition for buyers is high and sellers are in a stronger position. Since our current stock levels are nearly triple that, the power has swung over to the people with the chequebooks.
What’s on the Shelves?
Right now, across the whole of the IG7 postcode—stretching from the grand houses on Manor Road to the quieter leafy lanes of Chigwell Row—there are 258 properties looking for a new owner.
Every month, about 16 of those homes find a buyer. This "turnover rate" is about 6%. It means that while market activity is definitely happening (we’ve seen some incredible big-ticket sales recently, like a beautiful spot on High Road going for £2,250,000!), there is currently a very high level of choice for buyers.
Choice vs. Competition
For you as a neighbour, here is what the data actually means for your daily life:
If you are thinking of selling: You need to consider the level of competition for sellers. With 258 properties to compete with, your house needs to be the shiniest, cleanest, and best-priced one on the street to be the preferred choice. You can't just stick a sign in the garden and hope for the best; you need a proper plan to stand out amongst the high stock levels.
If you are thinking of buying: This is your time to shine. You have more negotiating power than you’ve had in years. You can see ten different houses in IG7, go home, have a cup of tea, and really think about it without worrying about a lack of alternatives.
For everyone else: Your home is still a fantastic asset. Even though market activity has stabilised, the average price people are asking for in IG7 is around £722,562. People still desperately want to live here because of our great schools and those quick hops into London, even if they are taking advantage of the increased choice currently available to them.
It’s a summer of high choice here in IG7, but for those who are ready to move, there are some incredible opportunities to be found within the current housing supply.