This area guide will give you all the information you need to know about living in Harold Wood – from transport options and accommodation to things to do and local schools. Whether you’re thinking of buying or renting a property in Harold Wood, this essential info will help make your decision easier!

Why move to Harold Wood?

Harold Wood is a Victorian township based in the postcode area of RM3. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking to live in the suburbs but still within a stone’s throw of London if you need to access all the capital has to offer. The area has excellent transport links, with regular trains running from Harold Wood station into London Liverpool Street, although there’s plenty to do in the local area too.

Things to do in Harold Wood

As a quiet residential area, people who live in Harold Wood tend to look towards Romford or Hornchurch for leisure and entertainment. In Romford, there are a number of cinemas, bowling alleys and restaurants to enjoy, as well as the historic market. Meanwhile, Hornchurch is home to Queens Theatre, which puts on regular shows and musicals. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are also plenty of green spaces in Harold Wood – perfect for a summer picnic!

Property

Harold Wood has enjoyed a busy housing market during the past twelve months, with 145 sales in the local area. Of these, the average sold price is £414,209. However, if we drill down into the different property types, you’ll see a range of pricing. Here are the average sold prices based on property types in RM3 during the past year.

  • Detached houses = £569,031
  • Semi-detached houses = £436,511
  • Terraced = £393,868
  • Flats = £240,000
British property awards 2019 - 2020
British property awards 2023
British property awards 2023

Council tax

Residents of Harold Wood are required to pay Havering Council Tax. You can check the band of a property before you move here to give you an idea of how much council tax you’ll need to pay. Current council tax rates are as follows:

Band A = £1262.20
Band B = £1,472.57
Band C = £1,682.93
Band D = £1,893.30
Band E = £2,314.03
Band F = £2,734.77
Band G = £3,155.50
Band H = £3,786.60

If you’re a single resident, the rates are slightly lower, as follows:

Band A = £946.65
Band B = £1,104.43
Band C = £1,262.20
Band D = £1,419.98
Band E = £1,735.52
Band F = £2,051.08
Band G = £2,366.03
Band H = £2,839.95

There’s also a local council tax support scheme available if you’re struggling to pay.

Transport

Whatever your transport needs, Harold Wood has you covered. Harold Wood offers regular train services into London Liverpool Street which takes around 35 minutes. Harold Wood will also have a station on the Elizabeth line providing fast services into East London and right across the capital reaching into London Heathrow. For drivers, Harold Wood is well positioned just off the A127 Southend Arterial Road which provides access to both the M25 and London.

Buses are another option with regular services into Romford town centre where you can connect to the Tube network. Harold Wood is also well connected to London Southend Airport with regular flights to destinations across Europe, along with London Stansted and London City airports nearby.

Schools and education

Harold Hill is a popular area with young families, and it’s easy to see why due to the excellent schools in the neighbourhood. At primary school level, parents have the choice of several respected schools, including Harold Court School and Harold Wood Primary School which are both regarded as ‘good’ schools by Ofsted. In nearby Hornchurch, Nelmes Primary School and Ardleigh Green Junior School are both categorised as ‘outstanding’.

For secondary school pupils, there are a number of well-regarded options, such as the Redden Court school and the Lime Academy Ravensbourne which are both Ofsted ‘good’ schools. There’s also Havering Sixth Form College for those considering further education.

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