Barking and Dagenham has been identified as the least desirable borough to reside in London for 2026. This East London area, which includes neighborhoods such as Chadwell Heath and the ongoing Barking Riverside development, offers the lowest overall value for prospective homeowners, according to property analysts at Garrington.
The average cost of a family home in Barking and Dagenham is £640,478. While this figure may seem relatively low compared to other areas in the city, it is accompanied by a scarcity of green spaces, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, as indicated by the data. The borough also received low marks for general wellbeing, contributing to its last-place ranking. For those interested in greener living options, you might want to explore rising demand for homes in green neighborhoods.
Comparative Rankings and Characteristics
Despite its shortcomings, Barking and Dagenham performed well in terms of educational institutions, job opportunities, and transportation links, placing it within the top 25 of the 1,450 towns and cities evaluated.
Following closely behind is Havering, which borders Essex to the north and south. This borough also scored favorably for education, employment, and connectivity, ranking 97th among all regions in England and Wales. However, it similarly lacks natural attractions and leisure activities. The average price for a home in Havering, which includes towns like Romford, Upminster, and Hornchurch, is £692,484.
Top Boroughs and Their Appeal
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Kensington and Chelsea stands out as the most expensive borough, with family homes averaging £1.75 million. In contrast, Marple, located in Stockport, has been recognized as the best place to live in the UK. Just nine miles from central Manchester, this charming town is noted for its community spirit, featuring a neighborhood cinema and numerous independent shops. The nearby Peak District offers stunning natural landscapes, enhancing its appeal. For insights into what makes other neighborhoods desirable, consider reading about what makes Eltham the fastest-selling neighborhood in London.
For a complete overview, here is the ranking of London boroughs from best to worst:
- Kensington & Chelsea
- City of Westminster
- Sutton
- Camden
- Haringey
- Hackney
- Richmond upon Thames
- City of London
- Merton
- Wandsworth
- Ealing
- Islington
- Waltham Forest
- Croydon
- Hammersmith & Fulham
- Bromley
- Lambeth
- Harrow
- Brent
- Lewisham
- Barnet
- Tower Hamlets
- Bexley
- Southwark
- Enfield
- Redbridge
- Greenwich
- Hounslow
- Kingston upon Thames
- Newham
- Hillingdon
- Havering
- Barking & Dagenham
Additionally, it’s worth considering the impact on perception of low-rated hotels in London when evaluating the overall living experience.
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