Reality television personality Joey Essex has officially placed his lavish £3 million mansion in Chigwell on the market, marking a significant lifestyle change as he prepares to relocate permanently to Dubai. The 35-year-old star, best known for his role on The Only Way Is Essex, is turning his back on the UK reality TV scene and seeking a fresh start in the United Arab Emirates.
Luxury Property Details and Features
The stunning four-bedroom detached home, currently listed on Rightmove with guide prices between £2,750,000 and £3,000,000, boasts an array of extravagant amenities. Spanning approximately 0.32 acres on one of Chigwell's most sought-after roads, the property includes a lavish beach house and bar, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and even a basketball court.
Inside, the bachelor pad features an impressive kitchen diner with bi-folding doors that open directly to the garden pool area, three dressing rooms, and a specially designed 'Posh Room' that Joey reserved for family visits or romantic occasions. The home also offers farmland views to the front and is conveniently located within a short walk of the Central Line, excellent schools, and local amenities.
From Purchase to Profit
Joey originally purchased the Chigwell property in 2014 for £1.6 million, meaning he stands to make a substantial profit of nearly £1.4 million if the house sells at its current asking price. Prior to deciding to sell, he had been renting out the mansion for an impressive £13,000 per month.
The reality star previously showcased his home on television, giving viewers an exclusive tour during an appearance on This Morning ahead of his feature on the revived series of MTV Cribs. During the tour, he explained his vision for the property, stating: 'This all just came to my mind. When I bought this house, I knew what I was going to do to it. I knew I would have a posh room. I knew the pool would be there.'
Motivation Behind the Dubai Move
The decision to sell follows a traumatic break-in at the property in 2022 that left Joey reportedly 'horrified and shaken' and an 'emotional wreck.' Thieves ransacked the home while he was on a night out, stealing luxury items including a mustard Louis Vuitton weekend bag worth £2,500, a £1,900 grey Maison Goyard cross-body bag, and a black Fendi rucksack valued at approximately £4,500.
This security breach prompted Joey to seek a safer environment, with sources indicating he's specifically looking for a secure property, warm climate, and low crime rate – all qualities he believes Dubai offers. Having already spent considerable time socialising on the Arab Peninsula, the city represents an ideal destination for his new chapter.
Official Welcome to Dubai
In 2023, Joey met with Dubai government officials who formally welcomed him to the city. He shared photographs from the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel alongside a caption that read: 'At the world's most luxurious hotel Burj Al Arab I met up with the Dubai Government. They told me Dubai is now my home.'
He expressed gratitude to officials Mahmoud Al Burai and Shahab Ahmed Alsaadi, as well as the Dubai police, tourism board, and media for their warm reception. Joey added: 'Happiness is the way forward. Inshallah.' The post attracted supportive comments from both followers and celebrity friends wishing him well in his new country.
According to estate agent John Thoma's listing description, the property represents 'a stunning four bedroom detached home located on one of Chigwell’s most sought-after roads' with fantastic potential, having previously benefited from planning permission to extend into the loft space. The home is arranged over two floors with spacious, well-proportioned rooms throughout.
Interestingly, the mansion is just a five-minute walk from Joey's childhood home, adding sentimental value to the property he's now leaving behind. As he prepares to split his time between Essex and Dubai initially, this sale marks the end of an era for the reality star and the beginning of an exciting new international lifestyle.
