New Build Homes Havering Where Development Is Happening in 2026

New build homes in Havering are being delivered across multiple regeneration sites in 2026, with the London Borough of Havering and Wates Residential joint venture leading a £1.5 billion 12 Sites programme to create over 3,500 new homes. Construction activity is concentrated in Romford, Harold Hill, Rainham, Hornchurch, and Upminster, with major projects including the Waterloo Estate regeneration, Chippenham Road development, and Angel Way town centre scheme.

What new build developments are active in Havering in 2026?

Havering has multiple active new build housing developments in 2026, including the Waterloo Estate regeneration in Romford, Chippenham Road scheme in Harold Hill, Angel Way town centre project, and Albert Road historic building conversion. These projects form part of the council’s 12 Sites regeneration programme and deliver homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family houses across East London.

The London Borough of Havering operates one of the most comprehensive council-led regeneration programmes in Outer London through its 12 Sites initiative. This £1.5 billion joint venture with Wates Residential targets existing housing estates requiring investment and modernisation while significantly increasing housing supply. The programme focuses on delivering new homes, designing out crime, and creating sustainable communities across the borough.

Waterloo Estate in Romford represents the largest single development within the 12 Sites programme. Planning approval for Blocks 9 and 10 was granted on 26 February 2026, marking a major milestone for the regeneration. This development will deliver 1,380 high-quality new homes including three and four-bedroom family-sized properties, commercial workspace, play space, a raingarden, and a community village green.

Chippenham Road development in Harold Hill constitutes Phase Two of the Harold Hill Town Centre vision. Planning for 138 new affordable homes on land off Chippenham Road and Kings Lynn Drive was submitted in March 2026. Construction commencement is scheduled for winter 2025, with first residents anticipated to move in by mid-2026. The development includes one to four-bedroom properties designed for smaller and growing families.

Angel Way car park site in Romford received planning approval in early 2026 for 106 new homes as part of town centre regeneration. This mixed-use development includes commercial space and public realm upgrades alongside residential units. The Strategic Planning Committee approved proposals for the Angel Way scheme in 2026, advancing the borough’s town centre renewal objectives.

Albert Road historic building conversion in Romford began construction in early February 2026. This development delivers nine family homes while retaining and refurbishing a locally listed building dating from the late 1800s. The scheme includes one two-bedroom house and eight three-bedroom houses, with four homes created within the historic structure and five new houses built to the rear.

Where in Havering are the most new homes being built?

Romford leads new home construction in Havering with the Waterloo Estate, Angel Way, and Albert Road developments, while Harold Hill, Rainham, and Hornchurch also feature significant housebuilding activity in 2026. These locations form the geographic core of Havering’s regeneration strategy and deliver diverse housing types across the borough.

Romford serves as the primary focus for new build homes in Havering due to its strategic location and transport connectivity. The Waterloo Estate regeneration alone will deliver 1,380 new homes, making it the single largest residential development project in the borough. Additional Romford schemes include the 106-home Angel Way development and the nine-home Albert Road historic building conversion.

Harold Hill represents the second major concentration of new housing delivery in 2026. The Harold Hill Town Centre vision encompasses multiple phases including Chippenham Road (138 homes), Farnham and Hilldene (478 homes), and Maygreen Crescent (295 homes). These developments collectively target town centre revitalisation with sustainable housing, enhanced retail facilities, and improved public spaces.

Rainham features completed and ongoing new build activity through the New Green mixed-use development. Wates Residential and Havering Council delivered 197 new homes at this location as part of the 12 Sites programme. The development demonstrates the joint venture’s capacity to deliver quality housing across different areas of the borough.

Hornchurch hosts specialist housing for older residents through the Park Rise development. This scheme delivered 175 new properties specifically designed for the over-55s demographic. The project addresses the borough’s need for age-appropriate housing while maintaining community cohesion for older residents.

How many new homes is Havering Council building through regeneration programmes?

Havering Council’s 12 Sites regeneration programme will deliver over 3,500 new homes across 12 existing housing estates through a £1.5 billion joint venture with Wates Residential. The programme doubles affordable homes on participating sites, increases council rented homes by 70 percent, and creates approximately 400 shared ownership properties.

The 12 Sites programme represents Havering Council’s most ambitious housing delivery initiative in decades. This partnership with Wates Residential targets estates requiring investment and modernisation while maximising housing output through strategic redevelopment. The programme’s £1.5 billion investment demonstrates the scale of commitment to addressing housing needs in the borough.

Affordable housing provision forms a central objective of the 12 Sites programme. The initiative will double the overall amount of affordable homes on participating sites compared to existing provision. Council rented homes will increase by 70 percent across the programme, directly addressing waiting list demand and supporting local families requiring social housing.

Shared ownership homes constitute another significant component of the housing mix. The programme creates just under 400 new shared ownership properties, providing pathways to homeownership for residents who cannot afford full market purchase. This tenure type supports first-time buyers and working households seeking long-term housing security.

Phase-specific delivery schedules outline the programme’s progression through 2026 and beyond. Chippenham Road development (138 homes) targets first completions in winter 2026. Farnham and Hilldene (478 homes) begins construction in winter 2025 with first homes in summer 2027. Oldchurch Gardens (306 homes) starts construction in spring 2027 with first completions in spring 2029.

What types of new homes are available in Havering developments?

Havering new build developments offer one to four-bedroom apartments and houses, including family homes, wheelchair-accessible properties, specialist housing for older people, and shared ownership units. Developments provide diverse tenure options including affordable rent, shared ownership, and market sale properties to meet varied housing needs.

Property size ranges from compact one-bedroom apartments suitable for singles and couples to spacious four-bedroom family homes. Chippenham Road development specifically includes one to four-bedroom properties designed to attract smaller and growing families requiring additional space. The mix ensures housing availability across different household sizes and life stages.

Waterloo Estate regeneration prioritises three and four-bedroom family-sized homes. This focus addresses the borough’s need for larger family properties that support long-term community stability and reduce displacement of local families. The development also includes commercial workspace and community facilities to create a complete neighbourhood.

Albert Road development delivers predominantly three-bedroom houses with one two-bedroom property. This configuration targets families seeking modern homes in established residential areas. The development’s emphasis on family housing supports Havering’s objective to retain and grow its family population.

Specialist housing provision includes wheelchair-accessible properties and homes designed for residents with disabilities. Chippenham Road development allocates a proportion of new homes specifically designed for wheelchair users or those with other disabilities. Twenty-two homes receive special designation for local young people preparing to move from care into independent living.

Park Rise in Hornchurch demonstrates age-specific housing provision. This development’s 175 properties cater exclusively to the over-55s demographic, providing appropriate accommodation for older residents seeking downsizing or age-appropriate housing. The scheme supports independent living while maintaining community connections for older households.

When will new Havering homes be completed and ready for residents?

New build homes in Havering follow phased completion schedules from 2026 through 2033, with Chippenham Road first homes in winter 2026, Waterloo Estate Blocks 9 and 10 targeting late 2028 completion, and larger regeneration schemes extending to 2033. Completion dates vary by development phase and scale, with initial phases delivering homes sooner than comprehensive estate-wide regenerations.

Chippenham Road development represents the earliest completion date among active 2026 projects. Construction begins in winter 2025, with first new homes ready for occupation in winter 2026. Overall completion for this 138-home scheme is scheduled for winter 2026, making it one of the fastest-delivering developments in the borough.

Waterloo Estate Blocks 9 and 10 target completion in late 2028. Planning approval granted on 26 February 2026 enables construction to proceed with updated designs and conditions. These two blocks deliver more than 107 homes alongside community space and landscaped public areas. The broader Waterloo Estate regeneration extends beyond 2028 as subsequent phases progress.

Farnham and Hilldene development in Harold Hill follows a longer timeline due to its 478-home scale. Construction begins in winter 2025, with first homes expected in summer 2027. Overall completion is scheduled for spring 2033, reflecting the multi-phase nature of larger regeneration schemes.

Maygreen Crescent development (295 homes) begins construction in spring 2028 with first homes in spring 2030. Overall completion targets summer 2031. Brunswick Court (54 homes), Delderfield House (22 homes), and Dell Court (80 homes) all target first homes in spring 2030 with overall completion in spring 2030 or summer 2031.

Oldchurch Gardens (306 homes) starts construction in spring 2027, with first homes ready in spring 2029. Overall completion is scheduled for summer 2029. This mid-range development demonstrates the typical timeline for medium-scale regeneration projects in Havering.

Why is Havering prioritising new build homes and regeneration projects?

Havering Council prioritises new build homes and regeneration to address housing shortage, reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation, improve existing estates, and create sustainable communities across the borough. The 12 Sites programme and Build to Rent partnership directly support these objectives while delivering long-term cost savings and improved housing outcomes for residents.

Housing shortage represents the primary driver for new build development in Havering. The borough requires significant additional housing to meet demand from local families, key workers, and residents on the Housing Register. The 12 Sites programme’s delivery of over 3,500 new homes directly addresses this structural deficit while improving housing quality across the borough.

Affordable housing provision forms a central policy objective. The 12 Sites programme doubles affordable homes on participating sites and increases council rented homes by 70 percent. This expansion of affordable tenure options supports lower-income households and reduces pressure on the private rental sector.

Build to Rent partnership approved in March 2026 delivers up to 600 new affordable Build to Rent homes across the borough. This scheme with Inspired Solutions provides modern homes let at affordable Local Housing Allowance rates. The initiative helps the Council reduce reliance on costly hotel and nightly-paid temporary accommodation for homeless households.

Cost avoidance through Build to Rent demonstrates significant financial benefits. Financial modelling shows the first tranche alone could deliver £56 million in cost avoidance over 40 years, with the wider programme having potential value of £580 million. This economic rationale supports continued investment in new build and regeneration programmes.

Estate regeneration addresses physical and social challenges in older housing areas. The 12 Sites programme focuses on designing out crime while delivering investment and new homes on sites requiring improvement. This comprehensive approach improves living conditions and community safety across the borough’s housing stock.

How does Havering’s new build housing strategy support local residents?

Havering’s new build housing strategy supports local residents through priority nomination rights, shared ownership pathways, specialist housing provision, and reduced temporary accommodation costs. The 12 Sites programme and Build to Rent partnership ensure local families, key workers, and vulnerable households access affordable, quality housing across the borough.

Priority nomination rights secure local access to new affordable homes. The Build to Rent partnership establishes a 40-year nominations agreement giving the Council 100 percent nomination rights for all homes delivered. This arrangement ensures priority access for families at risk of homelessness, residents on the Housing Register, and key workers requiring stable accommodation near workplaces.

Shared ownership provision creates homeownership pathways for working households. The 12 Sites programme creates approximately 400 new shared ownership homes, enabling residents to purchase partial equity while paying reduced rent on the remaining share. This tenure type supports first-time buyers and households seeking long-term housing security without full market purchase requirements.

Specialist housing provision addresses specific demographic needs. Developments include wheelchair-accessible properties and homes designed for residents with disabilities. Twenty-two homes at Chippenham Road receive special designation for local young people moving from care into independent living. Park Rise in Hornchurch provides age-appropriate housing for the over-55s demographic.

Family housing focus supports community stability. Waterloo Estate prioritises three and four-bedroom family homes, while Albert Road delivers predominantly three-bedroom houses. This emphasis on family-sized properties helps retain local families and supports intergenerational community cohesion across Havering.

Reduced temporary accommodation costs benefit the wider community. Build to Rent homes let at Local Housing Allowance rates reduce Council expenditure on emergency accommodation. Financial savings from this approach support other local services while providing stable housing for vulnerable households.

What infrastructure and community facilities accompany Havering new build developments?

Havering new build developments include commercial workspace, retail facilities, community spaces, landscaped public areas, green infrastructure, and play spaces to create complete neighbourhoods. These amenities support sustainable communities and enhance quality of life for new and existing residents.

Waterloo Estate regeneration incorporates comprehensive community infrastructure. The development includes commercial workspace, play space, a raingarden, and a community village green alongside residential properties. These facilities create a complete neighbourhood environment supporting diverse activities and community interaction.

Harold Hill Town Centre vision integrates retail and service improvements with housing delivery. Chippenham Road development forms part of plans to revitalise the area with high-quality new shops and services, sustainable housing, and enhanced public and green spaces. This mixed-use approach supports local economic activity and creates vibrant town centre environments.

Angel Way development includes commercial space and public realm upgrades. The scheme’s town centre regeneration objectives encompass retail facilities and improved public spaces alongside residential units. This integrated approach enhances the overall town centre environment while delivering new housing.

Green infrastructure and biodiversity improvements feature prominently in Havering developments. The Harold Hill programme includes planting more than 180 new trees, adding green roofs to buildings, and creating new grassland. These measures bring benefits to local wildlife and biodiversity while improving environmental quality for residents.

Community spaces support social cohesion and resident engagement. Waterloo Estate Blocks 9 and 10 include a new community space for residents and landscaped public areas to improve the wider neighbourhood. These facilities enable community activities and foster neighbourly interaction within new developments.

How can residents find out about new build homes and regeneration updates in Havering?

Residents can access new build homes information through Havering Council’s official website, public consultation events, planning committee meetings, and direct contact with development partners like Wates Residential. The Council maintains transparent communication channels to keep local communities informed about regeneration progress and housing opportunities.

Havering Council’s official website provides comprehensive information about regeneration programmes. The 12 Sites programme page details development timelines, home numbers, and progress updates for each participating estate. The Council’s housing section offers guidance on registration, eligibility, and application processes for new affordable homes.

Public consultation events enable direct resident engagement with development proposals. Harold Hill Town Centre consultation concluded its initial phase in July 2024, with a second round scheduled for autumn 2024. These events provide opportunities for residents to review plans, provide feedback, and understand development impacts on local areas.

Strategic Planning Committee meetings offer formal decision-making forums. The Committee’s approval of Angel Way scheme and other major developments demonstrates transparent governance processes. Meeting agendas and decisions are publicly accessible, enabling residents to track planning applications and outcomes.

Wates Residential partnership maintains dedicated communication channels. The joint venture operator provides project updates, news releases, and contact information for prospective residents seeking information about specific developments. This direct engagement supports transparency and responsiveness to community inquiries.

Build to Rent partnership with Inspired Solutions establishes additional information pathways. The 40-year nominations agreement includes clear communication protocols for Council nomination of eligible households. This arrangement ensures coordinated information sharing between the Council and development partner.

Mercury Land Holdings manages specific developments like Roe Wood Park in Harold Hill. This wholly owned Council company provides focused property management and lettings for council-led developments. Residents can access information about available properties and application processes through MLH channels.