On the cusp of London, Watford has a foot in the capital and one in the Hertfordshire countryside. This makes it prime territory for commuters and those looking for the best of both urban and rural lifestyles. See what we mean, as we reveal some of the best new homes in Watford – according to the people who live there.
Where is Watford?
Watford is one of the larger towns in Hertfordshire. A mere 15 miles northwest of London, it’s just off the M1 and inside the circuitous M25.
If you want to live within striking distance of London, but not actually in the capital, Watford is the ideal choice. Its outstanding road and rail links make it a natural base for enjoying London as well as nearby St Albans, Hemel Hampstead and the Chiltern Hills AONB. It’s also within Zone 7 for TfL services, so you can get into London Euston in under 20 minutes.
New homes in Watford: 5 best developments
If the thought of moving to Watford appeals, take a closer look at what’s on offer. The following list is composed entirely of the top-rated new homes in Watford listed on HomeViews and ranked solely on verified resident reviews. If you see anything you like, click on it for a dedicated listing, complete with all residents’ comments.
*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how recently reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. More recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.
Why live in Watford?
Watford has a great offering in all of the major factors that appeal to the majority of new home hunters. It combines a highly convenient location for UK travel and commuting with local assets including great schools, shopping, entertainment and green spaces. Voted 14th happiest place in the UK in 2019, according to ONS records, Watford has a lot to offer.
For families with school-aged children, Watford offers no fewer than 16 ‘outstanding’ rated schools and colleges. The majority of its remaining 37 schools are ranked ‘good’. Watford is also the second safest large town in Hertfordshire.
Watford also has plenty of parks, green spaces and local beauty spots for everyone to enjoy. One of the favourites is Cassiobury Park, voted one of the top 10 parks in the UK. Watford Market is another particular highlight. This is one of the many community events that blends Watford’s strengths in terms of heritage, convenience, culinary appeal and local spirit.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Watford lets you step directly into that world. Here you can take the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Explore the incredible sets, costumes, props and thousands of extra details that brought the award-winning film series to life.
And, let’s not forget that Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell was born here. If that doesn’t make you ‘wannabe’ in Watford, nothing will!
What are average property prices in Watford like?
Watford is outside London, but it doesn’t escape the high property prices associated with being so close to the capital. According to Zoopla, Watford average house prices for the past 12 months (Up to August 2023) came in at around £457,000 This covers a wide range of property types, though, and cheaper prospects can still be found.
Semi-detached new homes in Watford averaged around £568,500 for this period. While averages for detached houses hit nearer the £824,000 mark.
Back in August 2021, Watford recorded the UK’s third-highest average house price increase over the previous 10 years.
If this list has been enough to turn your head, now is the time to explore new homes in Watford. Bear in mind that Hertfordshire has plenty of other great commuter towns to offer. That’s without mentioning the outstanding countryside further out. Explore this sought-after county via our area guide below.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
