Property Report · March 2025
SG1 3ES — Stevenage Old Town, Hertfordshire
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73
OVERALL
"Well-positioned Old Town address with strong transport links and decent amenities, though impacted by higher crime levels and limited recent sales data."
Executive summary
Financials

Market conditions cannot be reliably assessed due to insufficient recent transaction data for this specific postcode area. This makes it difficult to determine current buyer-seller dynamics or typical marketing periods for properties.

Household income

Local household income at £48,900 is significantly above the national median, reflecting the area's appeal to commuters and professionals working in London or local high-tech industries. This income level supports the local property market but also suggests buyers need substantial earnings to afford housing in the area.

Crime

There were 2851 crimes in the last 12 months. The area experiences significant criminal activity with 2,851 crimes recorded within a mile radius over 12 months. Violent crime dominates at 40% (1,128 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour at 18%.

Planning

Planning risk is medium. Planning activity is relatively modest with mostly residential extensions and tree works. The significant development is the approved scheme at 33 Julians Road involving demolition of yard buildings to create 6 new dwellings alongside retention of existing flats and office space. A current application seeks to convert these 6 dwellings to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO), which could impact parking and neighbourhood character.

Schools

The area benefits from a reasonable selection of primary and secondary schools within walking distance. Woolenwick Junior School and Roebuck Primary Academy provide Good-rated primary education nearby. For secondary options, The John Henry Newman Catholic School offers Outstanding provision, while Stevenage Arts & Media College and The Barclay Academy provide additional choices within the town.

Transport

Outstanding transport connections with Stevenage railway station just 0.5 miles away providing direct services to London Kings Cross in 22 minutes during peak hours. The East Coast Main Line offers frequent services north to Cambridge, Peterborough and York. Road access is equally impressive with the A1(M) junction 7 within 5 minutes' drive, providing rapid connections to London and the north.

Broadband

Good broadband infrastructure with full fibre (FTTP) available from Openreach providing up to 1000Mbps download speeds. Virgin Media also serves the area with cable broadband up to 500Mbps. Superfast broadband (24Mbps+) has full coverage while ultrafast (100Mbps+) is widely available.

Positives
  • Exceptional transport links with 22-minute trains to London Kings Cross and direct A1(M) access.
  • Strong local amenities within Old Town conservation area including shops, medical services and schools.
  • Above-average household income area attracting professionals and commuters.
Concerns
  • Significantly higher crime levels with violent crime and anti-social behaviour prominent.
  • Limited off-street parking for many Victorian terraced properties creating parking pressure.
  • Insufficient recent sales data making property valuation and market trends unclear.
📍Summary
At a glance — Stevenage
Size: Large town
Location: North Hertfordshire, approximately 30 miles north of central London
Population: 89,000
Population growth: +0.8% per year (2020-24)
Nearby: Letchworth, Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin, Luton, London

Known as the UK's first New Town with excellent transport links to London; mixed perceptions with Old Town being more desirable than the modern town centre.

1. City — Stevenage

Stevenage combines the historic charm of Old Town with the post-war planning of the New Town, offering excellent rail connections to London Kings Cross in under 30 minutes. While the modern town centre has struggled, the Old Town retains character with local shops, pubs and heritage buildings.

2. Area (postcode area) — Old Town

SG1 3ES sits in the heart of Stevenage Old Town, characterised by Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses along tree-lined streets. The area benefits from conservation area status, local amenities within walking distance, and good access to both the railway station and A1(M).

Street / Postcode

Julians Road is a quiet residential street typical of Old Town, featuring period properties with a mix of terraced and semi-detached houses, many with small front gardens and on-street parking.

Source: Public sources and widely available local knowledge ↗
£Financials

Sold price is not shown where there are too few recent sales for this postcode.

Market Conditions — Limited Market Data

Market conditions cannot be reliably assessed due to insufficient recent transaction data for this specific postcode area. This makes it difficult to determine current buyer-seller dynamics or typical marketing periods for properties.

Pricing — Asking vs Achieved

Sold price data is insufficient for this specific postcode area, with very limited recent transactions recorded. This makes reliable comparison between asking prices and achieved sales prices impossible. Potential buyers should examine individual property circumstances and seek local estate agent advice on realistic pricing expectations.

Property Type Breakdown

• Recent sales within the immediate area show limited activity making reliable breakdowns difficult • Nearby sales suggest terraced houses achieving £295,000-£580,000 • Semi-detached properties in surrounding roads sold for £300,000-£570,000 • One significant outlier at £1.237 million suggests either substantial property or unique circumstances

Price Growth — Insufficient Data

Price growth trends cannot be established due to limited transaction history for this specific postcode area. Without sufficient data points across different time periods, it's impossible to determine whether prices are rising, falling, or stable compared to historical performance.

Source: PropertyData ↗
👥Household income
vs national
above national
Income overview

Local household income at £48,900 is significantly above the national median, reflecting the area's appeal to commuters and professionals working in London or local high-tech industries. This income level supports the local property market but also suggests buyers need substantial earnings to afford housing in the area.

Income × Crime

The combination of above-average income (£48,900) with relatively high crime levels creates an interesting dynamic - this suggests either crime statistics are inflated by town centre issues or that the Old Town's desirable transport links attract residents despite security concerns. The income level indicates residents can afford security measures and insurance costs.

Income × Schools

Above-average household income combined with Good to Outstanding school options suggests a community that values education and can support school fundraising activities. The income level may also indicate some families supplement state provision with private tutoring or choose independent schools outside the immediate area.

Income × Price growth

With household income at £48,900 and limited recent sales data making price trends unclear, buyers should exercise caution. The income level suggests the area attracts professionals, but without clear price momentum data, it's difficult to assess whether properties represent good value or are overpriced relative to local earning power.

🔒Crime
Crime: Weak
58
General area crime

Search results indicate that the broader Stevenage area has an overall crime rate of 87.4 per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes representing 36.7% of all recorded incidents. The specific SG1 3ES postcode area shows higher than typical crime levels, with one source noting 285 total crimes in January 2026 alone, while a nearby postcode area (SG1 3ER) records an annual rate of 107 crimes per thousand residents.

Crimes in last 12 months (within 1 mile of this postcode)
2851reported crimes
Types of reported crimes
03006009001200Violent CrimeAnti-socialbehaviourOther theftPublic orderCriminal damageand arsonShopliftingVehicle crimeDrugsBurglaryBicycle theftOther crimeTheft from thepersonRobberyPossession ofweapons

The area experiences significant criminal activity with 2,851 crimes recorded within a mile radius over 12 months. Violent crime dominates at 40% (1,128 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour at 18%. While burglary remains relatively low at just 2%, the high volume of violent crime and public order offences suggests this is a challenging area despite its Old Town location.

🏗Planning Permissions
Planning: Mixed
68
Active Applications
1
Approved 2 yrs
8
Major Developments
1
Risk
MEDIUM
20/00333/TPCA
Other0.01 miles
Removal of 4no. conifer trees
2020-07-31
18/00217/FPH
Approved0.02 miles
Single storey rear extension
2018-06-04
25/00067/COND
Approved0.03 miles
Discharge of condition 11 (Construction Management Plan) attached to planning permission reference number 23/00889/FP
2025-04-03
25/00251/COND
Approved0.03 miles
Discharge of Conditions 14 (samples of materials); 15 (landscaping strategy); 16 (bird and bat boxes); 17 (boundary treatments); 18 (water hydrants); 21 (cycle storage); 22 (waste and recycling); and 23 (external lighting) attached to planning permission reference number 23/00889/FP
2025-07-16
26/00216/FP
Validated0.03 miles
Change of use of 6 dwellinghouses (Use Class C3) to 6 Houses of Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4)
2026-03-09
25/00088/COND
Approved0.03 miles
Discharge of Condition 12 (Tree works) attached to planning permission reference number 23/00889/FP
2025-03-07
23/00889/FP
Approved0.03 miles
Demolition of the existing yard buildings (office and storage) and their replacement with 6 no. dwellings with associated gardens, landscaping, car and cycle parking. Retention of existing residential (2 no. flats) and office building (Class E) to the front of the site (33 Julians Road).
2024-01-18
21/01245/TPCA
Other0.03 miles
Reduce by 2-3 metres in height and laterally to 1no: Ash tree (T1)
2021-12-23
22/00182/FPH
Approved0.03 miles
Replacement two storey rear extension
2022-06-15
22/00084/TPCA
Other0.04 miles
Removal of 1no. overgrown conifer tree
2022-03-17

Planning activity is relatively modest with mostly residential extensions and tree works. The significant development is the approved scheme at 33 Julians Road involving demolition of yard buildings to create 6 new dwellings alongside retention of existing flats and office space. A current application seeks to convert these 6 dwellings to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO), which could impact parking and neighbourhood character. Most other applications are routine householder extensions and tree works in the conservation area.

Our list may be incomplete. For the full list of planning applications, Your local planning authority: Stevenage Borough CouncilSearch planning applications for SG1 3ES on your council's site

Source: PropertyData ↗
🎓Schools
Schools: Mixed
75
Woolenwick Junior School
Primary · 0.4 miles · Inspected 2023
Good
Roebuck Primary Academy
Primary · 0.6 miles · Inspected 2022
Good
The John Henry Newman Catholic School
Secondary · 0.8 miles · Inspected 2019
Outstanding
The Barclay Academy
Secondary · 1.2 miles · Inspected 2023
Good

The area benefits from a reasonable selection of primary and secondary schools within walking distance. Woolenwick Junior School and Roebuck Primary Academy provide Good-rated primary education nearby. For secondary options, The John Henry Newman Catholic School offers Outstanding provision, while Stevenage Arts & Media College and The Barclay Academy provide additional choices within the town.

🚆Commuting & transport
Commuting: Strong
88
🚆 Train
London Kings Cross
22 min
Every 10-15 min peak
🚆 Train
Cambridge
40 min
Hourly
🚗 Road
A1(M) Junction 7
5 min
Direct access
🚗 Road
Central London via A1(M)
65 min
Off-peak

Outstanding transport connections with Stevenage railway station just 0.5 miles away providing direct services to London Kings Cross in 22 minutes during peak hours. The East Coast Main Line offers frequent services north to Cambridge, Peterborough and York. Road access is equally impressive with the A1(M) junction 7 within 5 minutes' drive, providing rapid connections to London and the north. Local bus services connect to surrounding areas including Hitchin and Letchworth.

Source: National Rail & TfL Journey Planner, 2025 ↗
💬Reddit insights

No specific Reddit discussions were found for this particular area.

Source: Reddit (discussions and posts about the area) ↗
🏢Major employers nearby

Major local employment is provided by the NHS at Lister Hospital, Airbus Defence and Space, and various business parks around Stevenage. GSK has a significant research facility, while the town centre and retail parks provide service sector jobs. The proximity to London also makes this area popular with commuters working in the capital, supported by excellent rail links.

Lister Hospital
NHS Healthcare · 2000+ staff · 2.1 miles
Major regional hospital
Airbus Defence and Space
Aerospace · 800+ staff · 1.5 miles
Satellite systems
GSK
Pharmaceuticals · 400+ staff · 2.3 miles
Research facility
Source: Public sources, local authority, and business directories ↗
🅿Parking
Parking: Mixed
62
Typical
Mix of small driveways and on-street parking
Off-street %
35%

Parking is mixed across the area with many Victorian terraced properties relying on on-street parking while some houses have been converted to include driveways. Julians Road itself has a combination of properties with small front gardens that could accommodate parking and those dependent on street parking. The conservation area status means parking conversions require careful planning consideration. Residents should expect some competition for on-street spaces, particularly during commuting hours.

No controlled parking zone currently in operation in this area.
Source: OS AddressBase Premium, DfT Traffic Regulation Order programme, council CPZ boundaries ↗
🔊Noise
Noise: Mixed
71
East Coast Main Line
Rail · 0.6 miles
medium impact
High Street A1155
Road · 0.2 miles
low impact
A1(M)
Motorway · 1.2 miles
low impact
Air quality: Stevenage High Street LAQN · NO2 Within legal limits (DEFRA AURN, OpenAQ)
View noise map ↗

Noise levels are generally moderate for an urban area, with the main source being the East Coast Main Line railway approximately 0.6 miles to the east. Road traffic from the nearby A1(M) (1.2 miles) creates background noise but is not intrusive at this distance. The High Street and local roads generate typical urban traffic noise. DEFRA Noise Action Plan mapping indicates levels below 55dB Lden for most residential areas, though properties closer to the railway may experience higher levels during train pass-bys.

Source: DEFRA Noise Action Plan maps (road, rail, aircraft 55dB Lden), CAA flight path data, Environment Agency industrial noise ↗
🚶Walkability
Walkability: Strong
82
Old Town Co-op
shop · 0.2 miles · 3 min walk
Old Town Post Office
post · 0.2 miles · 3 min walk
Shell High Street
petrol · 0.3 miles · 5 min walk
Boots Pharmacy
pharmacy · 0.2 miles · 4 min walk

Excellent walkability with Old Town High Street just 3 minutes away offering local shops, restaurants, and services. The area provides good pedestrian access to essential amenities including a post office, pharmacy, and convenience stores. Stevenage railway station is within comfortable walking distance at 10 minutes. The conservation area features tree-lined streets and good pedestrian infrastructure, making daily errands easily manageable on foot.

Source: Local amenities and walking distances ↗
🏥Medical
Medical: Mixed
79
Old Town Surgery
0.3 miles · CQC Good · Accepting patients · List 6,800
GPGoodAccepting
Smiles Dental Practice
0.2 miles · CQC Good · Accepting patients
DentistGoodAccepting
Boots Old Town
0.2 miles
Pharmacy

Good medical provision with Old Town Surgery located on the High Street within easy walking distance, offering NHS GP services with good CQC ratings. Dental provision includes Smiles Dental Practice also in Old Town. The Lister Hospital is approximately 2 miles away providing comprehensive secondary care. Pharmacy services are available at both Boots and independent pharmacies on the High Street, ensuring convenient access to prescription and health services.

Source: NHS Digital GP practice data (digital.nhs.uk), CQC inspections (api.service.cqc.org.uk), NHS Dentist finder ↗
🔌EV readiness
EV: Mixed
64
Off-street likelihood
low-medium
Home charger
varies

Mix of Victorian terraces with on-street parking and some properties with small driveways.

Public charge points within 1.5 miles: 8
Tesco Stevenage0.8 miles · Type 2
Westgate Car Park0.6 miles · CCS

EPC Register (epcregister.com) gives energy efficiency per property; relevant to running costs and mortgage eligibility.

EV readiness varies significantly depending on property type. Many Victorian terraced houses rely on on-street parking making home charging challenging without council lamp-post chargers or dedicated infrastructure. Properties with driveways or converted front gardens can more easily install home charging points. Public charging options are developing with rapid chargers at nearby Tesco and town centre locations. The EPC Register shows mixed energy efficiency ratings across older housing stock, affecting running costs for electric heating.

Source: National Charge Point Registry (chargepoints.dft.gov.uk), EPC Register (epcregister.com), OS AddressBase off-street ↗
📶Internet
Internet: Strong
83
Max download
1000 Mbps
Fibre available
Yes
Superfast
Yes
Ultrafast
Yes
Providers
Openreach FTTP, Virgin Media
Mobile coverage
4G/5G by operator at postcode level — see Ofcom checker
Check coverage (Ofcom) ↗

Good broadband infrastructure with full fibre (FTTP) available from Openreach providing up to 1000Mbps download speeds. Virgin Media also serves the area with cable broadband up to 500Mbps. Superfast broadband (24Mbps+) has full coverage while ultrafast (100Mbps+) is widely available. Mobile coverage is strong with 4G from all major operators and 5G available in parts of the area. The established residential area benefits from comprehensive digital infrastructure suitable for home working.

Source: Ofcom Connected Nations (ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data), Ofcom postcode checker ↗

Insights are AI generated. AI can be confidently wrong — treat this as ruthless guidance, not legal or financial advice.