With a population predicted to increase by over 35% by 2026, the need for new homes in Swindon to meet demand is particularly strong. The good news for house-hunters there is that a large number of significant schemes are well under way across the town.
Many of the best-known new homes brands – nationally recognised housebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey, Barratt and Persimmon – are working alongside large and small competitors to build a huge range of property across a range of sites. Some of the developments are re-purposing neglected brownfield sites, while others are more substantial schemes which will be providing whole new neighbourhoods to the Wiltshire town.
Swindon’s geographical location has long been its major selling point. It was the meeting point of two Roman roads and served as a major engineering town in the Victorian age as Isambard Kingdom Brunel constructed the Great Western Railway. Its current rail links and location just off the M4 make it strategically important and it is home to a number of major employers, such as Honda and Nokia.
There was an 18% increase in the housing stock in Swindon between 2001 and 2011, twice the average national increase and equating to around 1,200 new homes a year, of which around a quarter were ‘affordable homes’. Some 25,000 new homes have been designated for construction in the 20 years to 2026.
The major projects taking place right now are Tadpole Garden Village in the north of the town, and Wichelstowe to the south, with proposals for 1,700 and 4,500 new homes respectively. Each has a number of different housebuilders working on new homes, ensuring a variety of styles and house types to meet the demands of all sorts of homebuyers.
In both cases, the residential units are being complemented by brand new amenities, such as recreational spaces and shops, as well as employment opportunities for the local community.
New homes for sale in Swindon and the surrounding area:
There are two show homes from David Wilson Homes at Tadpole Garden Village, and a choice of three- and four-bedroom houses to choose from, in an array of styles to suit different tastes. Priced from £290,000, homes are available on Help to Buy and Part Exchange.
Crest Nicholson is selling on a number of phases at Tadpole Garden Village, which will be providing a mix of apartments and houses in a variety of styles. Tadpole Gate has just one plot currently, the £365,000 ‘Welwyn’ four-bedroom Arts & Crafts-style house. At Evolve, the second phase at the development, houses are built in a more contemporary style, with the range of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes currently priced £304,000 to £650,000.
At The Copse has three- and four-bedroom homes currently available from £260,000, though this part of the development will also incorporate two- and five-bedroom homes. The latest phase, The Mews has three- and four-bedroom houses currently for sale from £335,000, though there will be two-bedroom apartments available.
On a site nearby is Tadpole Cross from Bovis Homes. Prices start at £310,000 for semi-detached and detached homes from three bedrooms upwards.
Also in the Blunsdon area in Swindon’s northern outskirtsis Charles Church @ St Andrew’s Ridge. Two- to five-bedroom homes are available here from £214,995, with Help to Buy a popular option as it only requires a deposit of 5% and is equally open to first-time buyers and those selling an existing home.
With show homes yet to open, there’s a chance to purchase off-plan at Redrow at Abbey Farm in this part of the town, with ‘early bird’ offers to personalise your home. Prices start at £420,995 for four-bedroom homes from the company’s acclaimed Heritage Collection.
Barratt Homes, one of Britain’s best-known housebuilders, is also active in this part of Swindon. Blunsdon Mead is not far from Abbey Meads Village Centre and within easy reach of numerous amenities and transport links. From £294,995 is the current collection of four-bedroom homes, with Part Exchange and Help to Buy available.
Prices start at £159,000 for one-bedroom apartments and £187,500 for two-bedroom alternatives at Olympus House in The Courtyard, in the fourth phase of the Old Railway Quarter development from Thomas Homes. These homes have easy access to the town centre as well as an impressive collection of neighbouring shopping and cultural facilities, such as the Designer Outlet Centre and STEAM Museum. Help to Buy is available here.