A Swindon developer is giving people £5,000 to cover costs when buying one of their homes.

New research from the firm Redrow Thames Valley showed the most common problems which prevent homeowners from buying a new property - so are offering an incentive to make the process easier.

According to the survey results, moving house is considered to be the most stressful life milestone (41 per cent of respondents picked this option) - even more than having children changing jobs, or getting married.

The costs involved - such as stamp duty and estate agency fees - tend to be the biggest hurdle, with the stress of the entire process - dealing with legal admin and surveyors, or buyers pulling out of the sale - coming a close second.

Actually packing up all the belongings and the emotional moment of leaving a house full of memories are the third and fourth-most difficult things about moving home, Redrow's research suggests.

Moving house tends to make people feel more anxious than excited overall, so Redrow's Thames Valley team is hosting an event at a development in Swindon to help potential buyers.

The free Help to Sell event will be held at Badbury Park on Homington Avenue from 10.30am to 5.30pm this Saturday and Sunday.

House buyers who visit and begin the process of buying a new home there will receive up to £5,000 to cover estate agency fees.

The cheapest homes at the site are being sold at £385,000.

Sales director Sarah Boyce said: “Whether you’re taking a step up or downsizing later in life, moving house is an incredibly exciting opportunity to start a new chapter in your family’s life.

“However, it is not without its own stresses and challenges and at Redrow Thames Valley we recognise the logistical and financial implications of moving home.

“We’d encourage people in Swindon and further afield to visit Badbury Park this weekend, to take a tour of our show homes, and receive the help and support they need to take the next step on their journey to their new home.”

The development has three and four-bedroom homes on the edge of Coate Water Country Park.

Redrow's survey also included what people would spend £5,000 on their new home. A kitchen topped the list, followed by outdoor improvements, a new bathroom, new furniture, and tech gadgets.

To book a place at the free event or for more information about Badbury Park, visit redrow.co.uk/badbury-park