Auction House London’s Area Guide to Ilford
Auction House London has a number of interesting properties listed for auction throughout the City and surrounding areas. Our property auction experts are knowledgeable about the different areas of London, such as Ilford, and are sharing a series of London area guides to help investors make more informed decisions.
This latest addition to the Auction House London series focuses on Ilford, which is within the London Borough of Redbridge in East London. Ilford mostly comprises of a busy commercial and retail centre surrounded by extensive residential development, a combination which usually creates plenty of interesting opportunities for investors.
Where is Ilford?
Ilford is situated approximately nine miles northeast of Charing Cross. It is bordered by Barking to the south, Chadwell Heath and Romford to the east, Chigwell to the north, and Wanstead to the west. The town’s strategic location provides easy access to both central London and the Essex countryside.
Ilford boasts excellent transport links with the town served by the Ilford railway station in Zone 4. Train services are provided by Great Eastern Main Line, and the station is also on the Elizabeth Line to offer direct services into central London and beyond. There are numerous bus routes throughout Ilford, plus the A12 road runs straight across the middle of the town.
The history of Ilford
Ilford’s human history dates to at least the Iron Age, with its name believed to derive from ‘Ilefort’ meaning ‘ford over the Hyle’, the old name for the modern River Roding. The area remained largely rural until the 19th century when the arrival of the railway instigated significant urban development. Ilford then became a prominent suburb of London, eventually attracting a diverse population and evolving into an important commercial centre in East London.
Ilford continued expanding throughout the 20th century with the establishment of various industries and residential neighbourhoods. Today it is known for its cultural diversity and busy shopping areas, as well as being the site where the only complete skull of a mammoth discovered in the UK was found in the mid-19th century (and yes, it is the one on display at the Natural History Museum in London).
What does the architecture and property market look like in Ilford?
Ilford presents a diverse architectural landscape, reflecting its historical development and modern growth. You will find a mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses as well as 20th century terraces and contemporary apartment complexes.
This variety offers potential investors a range of property types to consider, such as this ground floor one-bedroom flat on Elgin Road that has the potential to be converted into a two-bedroom flat. There are also three-bedroom houses like this mid-terrace house on Kingston Road, or this mid-terrace house on Francis Avenue which requires a program of refurbishment.
What are the amenities like in Ilford?
A diverse population usually means a comprehensive range of amenities to cater to everybody, and that’s certainly the case with Ilford. The town centre is a bustling retail hub, featuring the Exchange Ilford shopping centre where you will find numerous high street brands and independent shops. The area also has a variety of supermarkets and minimarkets providing plenty of grocery shopping options.
Eating out in Ilford reflects its multicultural community, with lots of restaurants and cafes offering dishes from around the world including South Asian, Middle Eastern and European cuisine. The nightlife here is lively too, with several pubs and entertainment venues around town.
Open spaces in Ilford
Despite its urban setting, Ilford is home to several green spaces that offer residents and visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle. Valentines Park is the most notable example, where you can enjoy ornamental gardens, lakes and sports facilities. The park is also home to Valentines Mansion, a historic 17th century building open to the public.
Other green areas include Seven Kings Park, South Park and Loxford Park, with the northeastern end of Ilford dominated by the Fairlop Country Waters Park.
What are the schools like in Ilford?
Ilford boasts a range of educational institutions, making it an attractive location for families. Primary schools in the area include Christchurch Primary School and Uphall Primary School, both of which have received favourable Ofsted ratings.
There is a large all-through school in Loxford, while dedicated secondary education facilities include Ilford County High School, Valentines High School, and the Ursuline Academy Ilford which is a Catholic secondary school for girls.