In common with some other post-war new towns, Harlow has, perhaps unfairly, not always been seen as the most sought after of locations. However, in recent years its attractions as an investment and development location have become more apparent. Current plans could see Harlow become a much more significant regional centre, so in this article we will look at what is happening, and what is planned.

Like another regional new town, Stevenage, Harlow benefits from good transport links. It is right on the M11 motorway. Central London is within 30 miles and Stansted

Airport is within 14 miles. A new junction 7a on the M11 opened last summer. This has not only provided better road access into Harlow itself but has potentially made large areas of land to the north of the town much more attractive for development.

Harlow is also commutable into London by train. London Liverpool Street is around 30 minutes away. The local authority has proposed (although there is no formal plan) that the London Underground could be extended to Harlow. The regional hotspot of Cambridge can be reached in around 40 minutes.

The town’s economy is service-based and there is a significant science and technology presence with Raytheon UK, Arrow Electronics and Charles River Laboratories being located here. The Harlow Innovation Park is a key development within the Harlow Enterprise Zone. It provides space for science and technology companies
with the aim of bringing more high value jobs to Harlow.

As with other new towns, Harlow has attractive residential property prices for the region. It compares favourably with other regional locations where prices have become unaffordable and yields thin. The current average property price of £354,000 (HM Land Registry) compares with an average around £537,000 in London or £547,000 in Cambridge.