The story revolves around the intertwining lives of three families in early 20th century England: the wealthy and conservative Wilcoxes, the intellectual and idealistic Schlegels, and the lower-middle-class Basts. Margaret Schlegel befriends the ailing Ruth Wilcox, who lives at the family's beloved country home, Howards End. Ruth wishes to leave the house to Margaret but passes away before legally doing so. Her husband, Henry Wilcox, and their children are unaware of Ruth's final wish and ignore her request.

The lives of the Schlegels and Wilcoxes become further entangled when Helen Schlegel helps Leonard Bast, an impoverished clerk, hoping to improve his circumstances. As Margaret and Henry Wilcox develop a closer relationship, tensions rise between the families, complicated by secrets, class differences, and the consequences of seemingly minor decisions. The narrative explores themes of social change, injustice, and the collision between personal desires and societal expectations leading up to a pivotal resolution that redefines their futures.