Flats to rent in Chingford & E4 and Houses to rent in Chingford & E4

Often completely overlooked, perhaps because of lingering fears of Norman Tebbit, Chingford is one of the most varied of northeastern suburbs and has a great semi-rural feel as well as a good range of properties.

A strong family area, Chingford sits beside the two great northern reservoirs William Girling and King George V, as well as being nearby to a large number of green spaces, most notably Epping Forest. It's no wonder that Chingford is seen as a country village in the centre of north London.

Given the family base of Chingford it's no wonder that most of the property is in the form of family houses. To the north, in the shadow of the forest, are large numbers of Edwardian and Victorian homes, whilst elsewhere smaller families and couples looking for a peaceful and secluded place to rest their heads can find good Victorian terraces and some postwar semis to choose from. Though Chingford is currently very affordable because of its relative isolation across from the reservoirs from Edmonton, it's also really close to two of the points of the Essex 'golden triangle' - Loughton and Buckhurst Hill - and this, as well as the spillover from other areas, is making the area more upwardly mobile than it's been in the past, and some of its finer properties are fetching robust prices now.

As Chingford becomes more popular the local restaurants and pubs are becoming very good. Chingfords bars and eateries are far hipper than many other areas. Access to town is good, and the connections to local areas, whilst sometimes a little cramped, are generally fine, so shopping in Wood Green and Ilford are easy options, and home improvements are simple with an IKEA nearby. Residents have easy access to elsewhere, yet Chingford is still splendidly isolated by its position. It therefore remains a very affordable choice for family living - but it's rapidly becoming more desirable and thus complacency in viewing isn't advisable.

Chingford is in the Borough of Waltham Forest which holds the responsibility for delivering services in your area.
For specific information on this borough, or to contact individual departments please click here to visit their website.

Borough of Waltham Forest website: Borough of Waltham Forest

In General:
The London boroughs are administrative centres responsible for collecting local taxes (Council Tax and Business Rates) and then spending the funds received on local services. They are run by Borough Councils who are elected by borough residents on a four year cycle. The totals that they spend will depend on the rates of tax that they levy plus funds allocated from central government and other sources.

While many of the services (schools, roads, planning, rubbish collection and social services) are standard, levels of provision will vary according to the overall political will as expressed by the voters.

Your tax liability (as a resident) will be based on the council tax band of your home. These bands are set by Valuation Officers and there is scope for appeal. The rate bands are then used to determine the amounts of tax levied. So, while the bands will remain largely constant the levels of tax can go up and, in theory, down.

You may claim discounts or exemptions based on your circumstances. For example, as the only adult in a property you can get a 25% reduction on your bill. Other reductions are available for qualifying second adults and Council Tax Benefit claimants.

There is more information available at the HM Customs & Excise website.

Borough of Waltham Forest Council Tax