Demand for housing is high in the South West, and only last month Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils together revealed a projection of demand for 85,000 new homes over the next 20 years.
Even this could be an underestimate: according to the Western Daily Press, industry insiders warn that Bristol will need an additional 50,000 new homes on top of this figure – amounting to demand for 135,000 new homes. These estimates take into account factors such as job creation plans, people moving into the area, greater numbers of single people, and so forth.
With demand for homes set to rise in the near future, buyers who are in a position now to secure a property in the region could enjoy greater choice. Here are some of the new developments currently available in the South West:
Old Railway Quarter in Swindon, Wiltshire (Thomas Homes)
On the site of the former Great Western Railway works in Swindon lies Old Railway Quarter, which includes the already completed Heritage Plaza alongside Achilles House and Hermes House, The Courtyard, The Avenues and the stunning conversions in Chain Testing House - a spectacular redevelopment of the original historic GWR workshops.
The area is fast becoming one of Swindon’s most desirable locations, with an eclectic combination of office, retail, recreational and now residential space. Impressive neighbours include the National Trust HQ, English Heritage National Monuments Record Centre, STEAM Museum and the Designer Outlet Centre.
The area has a vibrant atmosphere, with beautifully renovated listed buildings sitting side-by-side with bold, modern architecture to a create 21st-century urban landscape. Open and inviting pedestrian areas lead to and from the nearby town centre, with a distinctly relaxed and welcoming ambience that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Although it has a calm and secluded feel, the Old Railway Quarter is ideally situated, with the town’s many facilities within easy walking distance and road or rail networks just minutes away.
Prices: From £139,950
Find out more at www.thomashomes.co.uk ; 01793 497974
Churston Court Farm in Churston Ferrers, Devon (Dart Developments)
This is a development of just nine new homes, converted from Grade II listed barns of ‘distinct architectural quality’. The developers have sympathetically preserved the original fabric and character of these impressive old buildings, re-fitting them with 21st-century quality fixtures and finishes.
Underfloor heating is a standard feature and quality oak joinery, from flooring to bespoke staircases, is abundant throughout. Individually designed contemporary kitchens provide a centrepiece to each home, along with state-of-the-art gas fires and the very best in quality bathroom fittings.
Outside, this landscaped development provides varying sized gardens for every property, along with private open-fronted garages, and ample parking for both residents and visitors.
The developers have sourced local materials wherever possible and have adopted a policy of minimising the amount and type of waste produced, as well as closely monitoring its disposal.
Occupying a narrow neck of land between the south shore of Torbay and the Dart estuary, Churston Ferrers and its twin village of Galmpton are mentioned in the Domesday Book and form one of the most sought-after residential areas in South Devon.
Prices: From £450,000
Find out more at www.dartdevelopments.co.uk
The Ridings in Beckington, Somerset (Redrow)
Over a third of the four- and five-bedroom properties at this exclusive development have already been sold, with just 18 now remaining. The Ridings combines a rural village life with easy access to both Bath and Bristol, and is an ideal location for raising children. The A36 is right on the development's doorstep, and there are regular trains from nearby Frome or Trowbridge, ensuring residents are well-connected.
Greg Allsop, area sales manager for Redrow South West, says: "It's a small but proud village with lots to offer, including a convenient location where people can enjoy life at a more relaxed pace, a strong sense of community and the quality of the homes speak for themselves. We would encourage any potential buyers to be quick or risk missing out on this fantastic development as the properties are being snapped up!"
Prices: From £510,995
Find out more at http://whathou.se/9vFcRJ ; 01373 380117
Priors Lea in Paulton, Somerset (Bovis Homes)
Set on the outskirts of the North Somerset village of Paulton, and within easy commuting distance of Bath, Bristol or Wells, this collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes has options for first time buyers and families.
It is the ideal location for those seeking a new home in a thriving rural community set in the picturesque Somerset countryside, yet within easy striking distance of business hubs such as Bristol. House styles include coach houses, terraced town houses, and semi-detached and detached properties.
Prices: From £213,995
Find out more at www.bovishomes.co.uk ; 01761 841014
Reservations are now being taken at Cavanna Homes' latest development, Origins, which is situated in the village of Dartington – just a short distance from Totnes. Once it is complete the development will comprise 63 sustainable two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in a range of designs, with the first homes expected to be ready for their new owners this summer. With the A385 corridor on its doorstep, this development is set in an ideal location for commuters to Plymouth, Exeter, Newton Abbot and Torbay.
Sales manager at Origins, Karen Heywood-Cann, says: “These new homes very cleverly combine cutting edge design with traditional materials such as natural slate roofs and stone with timber cladding, resulting in a development that complements the rural community and countryside surroundings.”
Prices: From £204,950
Find out more at http://whathou.se/zjAh9w ; 0333 210 0179
Park Farm in Thornbury, Gloucestershire (Barratt Homes)
Coming soon from Barratt Homes, Park Farm is a development of light and spacious two-, three- and four-bedroom homes surrounded by open countryside and yet less than a 10-minute walk from the centre of Thornbury. There are great schools nearby, and handy transport links for commuters -- with Bristol Parkway station less than 10 miles away, and Bristol city centre about 25 minutes' drive away -- making it attractive to families.
Prices: Yet to be released.
Find out more at www.barratthomes.co.uk ; 0844 811 1855.
Corelli in Sherborne, Dorset (Persimmon Homes)
In northwest Dorset, this housebuilder has created a choice of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes in a sought-after location next to Sherborne's historic town centre – close to heritage buildings, riverside walks, great schooling options and beautiful countryside.
The market town offers easy road links via the A303 and the A30, plus the railway station is only a short drive away from the Corelli. There is also a good choice of well-respected junior and senior schools in Sherborne, including the world-renowned Sherborne Girls and Boys schools, Leweston and The Gryphon School.
The town's attractive yet thriving centre provides a business and retail hub for the local area, with a busy market and plenty of shops and entertainment options - plus it is surrounded by beautiful, rolling countryside.
Prices: From £195,500
Find out more at www.persimmonhomes.com ; 01935 319496