If there is one question we are being asked regularly at the moment, it is whether people are still moving in 2026. The answer is yes.

At Willmott & Lake, we are continuing to see genuine activity across a wide range of property types and price points, from first-time buyer homes and investment properties through to bungalows, family homes and premium village properties.

For anyone considering a move, reviewing their property plans, or relocating into the area, Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding villages remain some of the most desirable places to live on the Hertfordshire and Essex border.

A Property Market Active Across All Price Ranges

There is often a misconception that only certain homes sell in changing markets. In reality, demand remains across a broad range of property types when homes are priced correctly and marketed well.

Recently, we have seen sales agreed on:

• Maisonettes for local upsizers
• One-bedroom flats for landlords entering & exiting the market
• Two-bedroom town centre homes
• Three-bedroom cottages and village homes
• Bungalows for buyers relocating closer to family
• Detached family homes in excess of £1 million

This is a strong reminder that people continue to move for life reasons such as upsizing, downsizing, schooling, commuting, family changes and lifestyle moves.

Why So Many People Choose Bishop’s Stortford

Bishop’s Stortford continues to be one of the most popular towns in the area because it offers a balance many buyers are looking for.

A Thriving Market Town

The town combines historic character with modern convenience, offering:

• A busy town centre with shops, cafés and restaurants
• Sports clubs and leisure facilities
• Parks, open spaces and riverside walks
• A strong community feel
• A wide range of homes from apartments to large family houses

Excellent Schooling Options

One of the biggest reasons families move to Bishop’s Stortford is the strong range of schooling options across the town, covering primary, secondary, independent and faith schools.

Schools in and around Bishop’s Stortford include:

Secondary Schools

• Herts & Essex High School (girls Years 7–11)
• The Bishop’s Stortford High School (boys Years 7–11)
• Birchwood High School
• Hockerill Anglo European College
• St Mary’s Catholic School
• Avanti Grange Secondary School

Primary Schools

• Northgate Primary School
• Hillmead Primary School
• Windhill21 Primary School
• Thorn Grove Primary School
• Richard Whittington Primary School
• Summercroft Primary School
• St Michael’s Church of England Primary School
• All Saints Church of England Primary School
• Thorley Hill Primary School
• Manor Fields Primary School
• Avanti Brook Primary School
• Avanti Meadows Primary School
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Independent Schooling

• Bishop’s Stortford College
• White Trees Independent School

This variety means different areas of the town appeal to different buyers depending on catchment priorities and schooling preferences.

Popular Family Areas

Thorley remains a particularly popular part of town for families thanks to:

• Green spaces
• Play areas near Thorley Community Centre
• Practical family housing
• Good local amenities
• Popular schooling options

The North West side of Bishop’s Stortford is also regularly sought after by buyers wanting access to schools such as Northgate Primary School, Hillmead Primary School, Windhill21, Bishop’s Stortford College, St Mary’s Catholic School and the Avanti schools.

Excellent Commuter Links Across the Area

One of the main reasons buyers continue to move to Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding villages is the convenience of London access.

Approximate rail journey times to London Liverpool Street include:

• 37 minutes from Bishop’s Stortford
• 42 minutes from Stansted Mountfitchet
• 46 minutes from Stansted Airport
• 54 minutes from Elsenham

For many buyers, this makes the area ideal for hybrid working while enjoying more space and lifestyle benefits outside London.

Popular Villages and Towns Near Bishop’s Stortford

Many buyers exploring Bishop’s Stortford also widen their search to nearby villages and market towns, whether for more space, a village setting, schooling preferences or lifestyle reasons.

Each location offers something different, which is why local guidance can be invaluable when deciding where to move.

Stansted Mountfitchet

One of the most consistently popular nearby villages, Stansted Mountfitchet blends character homes, modern convenience and strong commuter links.

Buyers are often attracted by:

• Approx. 42 minute rail service to London Liverpool Street
• Village atmosphere with independent amenities
• Popular schooling options
• Good mix of cottages, family homes and newer developments
• Easy access to Bishop’s Stortford and Stansted Airport

For many buyers, Stansted offers village living without sacrificing convenience.

Takeley

Takeley has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, particularly with buyers wanting accessibility and practicality.

Reasons buyers choose Takeley include:

• Convenient access to Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Airport and the M11
• Modern developments and established residential roads
• Popular with first-time buyers and young families
• Good commuting location by road and rail nearby
• Strong local amenities for day-to-day living

Elsenham

Elsenham continues to appeal to buyers wanting a quieter setting while still remaining connected.

Popular features include:

• Approx. 54 minute rail journey to London Liverpool Street
• Village community feel
• Countryside surroundings
• Family homes and modern developments
• Easy access to Stansted and Bishop’s Stortford

Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow remains a highly desirable market town for buyers wanting charm, space and community.

Buyers are often drawn to:

• Attractive historic centre
• Independent shops, cafés and restaurants
• Excellent access to A120, M11 and Stansted Airport
• Broad range of homes from character cottages to larger family homes
• Strong family appeal

Premium Village Locations

For buyers seeking larger plots, countryside views or a premium village setting, several locations remain especially sought after.

Much Hadham & Little Hadham

Well regarded for attractive homes, beautiful surroundings and village charm.

Farnham

Popular for its period homes, countryside setting and prestigious feel.

Hatfield Heath

Always in demand thanks to its village green, amenities and strong community feel.

Hatfield Broad Oak

A traditional Essex village with attractive homes and excellent access to surrounding towns.

These locations often appeal to buyers wanting a more rural lifestyle while remaining within convenient reach of Bishop’s Stortford and London connections.

Why Sellers Are Still Moving in 2026

We continue to see homeowners moving for the same reasons they always have:

• Upsizing for growing families
• Downsizing after many years in larger homes
• Relocating closer to family
• Landlords restructuring or selling investments
• Moving out of London for more space
• Lifestyle and retirement changes

The strongest results are generally achieved when homes are priced sensibly from the outset and presented properly to the market.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Bishop’s Stortford

Is Bishop’s Stortford a good place to live?

Bishop’s Stortford remains one of the most popular towns in the area thanks to its schooling options, commuter links, green spaces and strong range of amenities.

How long is the train from Bishop’s Stortford to London Liverpool Street?

Approximate journey times are around 37 minutes, making it popular with commuters and hybrid workers.

What are popular villages near Bishop’s Stortford?

Popular nearby locations include Stansted Mountfitchet, Takeley, Elsenham, Much Hadham, Little Hadham and Hatfield Heath.

Is 2026 a good time to sell in Bishop’s Stortford?

We are continuing to see activity across a range of property types and price points, with motivated buyers still moving for life reasons such as upsizing, downsizing and relocation.

Thinking of Selling in Bishop’s Stortford or Nearby?

If you are considering selling in Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Mountfitchet, Takeley, Elsenham, Great Dunmow or the surrounding villages, accurate local advice can make a significant difference.

Every road, development and buyer profile is different. What works in one location may not be the same in another.

At Willmott & Lake, we pride ourselves on honest advice, modern marketing and genuine local knowledge.

If you’re wondering what your Bishop’s Stortford home may be worth in today’s market, we’d be happy to provide honest local advice and a free valuation.