Lester & Lachs
“I am a first time buyer and Daniel was wonderful to work with. Very knowledgable of the property I ended up purchasing and seamless communication throughout. As a first time buyer it can be. Bit daunting with some agents but Daniel was patient and genuinely lovely to talk to…”
Founders
James and Daniel met by chance in 1997 when they both started out in their first jobs in estate agency. They quickly formed a friendship that would last a lifetime, forging successful careers built on honesty, transparency and service.
Local residents to Chigwell, they founded Lester & Lachs to raise the bar for sellers and landlords across Essex — combining old-school relationships with modern marketing.
James Lester
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Daniel Lachs
Co-Founder & Sales Director
Exclusive Properties
A curated selection of exceptional homes across Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton and beyond.
Our People
Lester & Lachs
Our Services
Expert guidance and bespoke support at every stage of your property journey.
The latest from Lester & Lachs — market updates, area insights, and life behind the scenes.
Chigwell's average sold price is £645,951 — up 6% year-on-year but still 9% below the 2022 peak. Our July 2026 update breaks down prices by property type, how long homes are taking to sell, and what it means for buyers, sellers and landlords across West Essex.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026 — the biggest shake-up to renting in a generation. Here is what changed for landlords, and the safety, deposit and energy rules that still apply.
The asking price is only the start. From stamp duty to conveyancing, surveys and removals, here is what it really costs to buy a home in Chigwell and West Essex in 2026 — with a worked example.
Average rents across the Epping Forest district hit £1,842 a month in 2026, up 6.2% on the year. Here is what landlords can earn in Chigwell and West Essex, how to think about yield, and the costs to factor in.
Buying your first home is a big step — and the groundwork you do before you start viewing makes all the difference. Here are the five things every first-time buyer in Chigwell and West Essex should sort out first.
Follow Us
Follow us on social media for the latest listings, market news, and a peek behind the scenes from across Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton and beyond.
What Our Clients Say
“I am a first time buyer and Daniel was wonderful to work with. Very knowledgable of the property I ended up purchasing and seamless communication throughout. As a first time buyer it can be. Bit daunting with some agents but Daniel was patient and genuinely lovely to talk to…
Corina Virk
“I wanted to share what a fantastic experience I had renting from Lester and Lachs. Andrew is very professional, passionate and has a ‘can do’ attitude. This is the first time I have come across an agent who truly goes above and beyond for his clients. Thank you so much for such…
Rahil
“Daniel is hands down the best estate agent I've ever encountered! After two failed purchases and dozens of viewings, we found our new home listed with Lester & Lachs. Daniel had clear communication, was the perfect intermediary between us, the sellers, and the solicitors, and…
Caitlin Warren
“I can’t speak highly enough of the team at Lester & Lachs, especially Andrew. He was an absolute pleasure to work with. Responsive, helpful and quick to organise viewings. He made us feel genuinely welcome and clearly had our best interests as a couple at heart. He showed us two…
harry devonshire
“James and his team handled every part of our house sale with professionalism and common sense. We knew everything that was happening and we were never left 'in the dark' unlike other agents we have used in the past. I would recommend the Lester and Lachs team for anyone…
Aaron Blitz
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line below or visit us in Chigwell.
Why not visit us at:
22 Brook Parade, Chigwell, IG7 6PF
