Rightmove index puts Barking and Dagenham last as residents cite crime, shop closures and neglect, while council points to regeneration and investment.
Barking and Dagenham, an East London borough long shaped by industrial decline and rapid population change, has been ranked the unhappiest place to live in the United Kingdom, according to a new nationwide survey by property website Rightmove.
The Borough finished last among 220 locations in Rightmove’s 2025 “Happy at Home Index,” which measures how residents feel about their local areas. The annual survey assesses 15 factors, including community spirit, safety, access to green spaces, and the availability of local services and shops.
While many parts of the UK are celebrated for strong local identity and quality of life, the findings suggest Barking and Dagenham continue to struggle to meet residents’ expectations. The Borough had already ranked near the bottom last year, placing third from last, but slipped further in the latest results.
Several long-term residents interviewed by local media described a steady decline. They pointed to the closure of major supermarkets and retail outlets, saying empty storefronts have left the town center with little to attract visitors or support daily life. Others cited concerns about petty crime, antisocial behavior, and a perceived lack of enforcement.
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Some residents said the loss of shops such as national grocery chains has forced people to travel farther for basic needs. They also described a weakening sense of community, saying everyday interactions feel less friendly than in the past.
Affordability remains one of the borough’s few advantages. With an average house price of about £335,500 ($452,637), Barking and Dagenham is London’s most affordable borough, according to Rightmove. That compares with Richmond upon Thames, where average prices exceed £760,000 ($1 million). Lower rents have drawn students and young professionals, though some say rising council taxes and poor street conditions undermine the appeal.
Not all residents share the bleak assessment. Some point to strong transport links, new housing developments, and regeneration along the River Thames as signs of progress. Others highlight improvements in schools, parks, and leisure facilities, arguing the borough is slowly changing.
The local council rejected the label of “unhappiest,” saying surveys do not capture the full picture. In a statement, Barking and Dagenham Council said it has attracted billions of pounds in investment, delivered thousands of affordable homes, and secured government funding to improve neighborhoods.
“We have challenges, but that’s not the whole story,” the council said, adding that many residents remain proud to call the borough home and believe its future is improving.
The survey underscores a wider debate in London over inequality, regeneration, and whether economic investment is translating into everyday improvements for residents.
