New build homes are being snapped up at a rate of more than two properties per week at a Swindon housing development.

David Wilson Homes South West has seen high demand for properties in Orchards Rise on Quince Avenue during the last two months.

Of the 18 buyers reserved at the site, some are first time buyers have purchased apartments while families have used the housebuilders’ part exchange scheme to trade up to larger properties.

Of the 18 buyers reserved at the site, 46 per cent are from outside the Swindon area – one is moving from 170 miles away in St Helen’s near Liverpool, while others are heading over from Wales and Lechlade, with the other 54 per cent of homeowners coming from Swindon.

Barratt David Wilson Homes South West sales director Louise Ware said: “There’s a confidence amongst buyers and the pace of sales at Orchards Rise is testament to the development’s undeniable appeal, which also speaks volumes about the strength and resilience of the housing market in Swindon.”

The Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes, at Orchards View and Wichel Fields, and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, which will deliver 3,000 new homes over the next 20 years along with new schools and community facilities.

The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments, with 12km of nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space, and walks along the Wilts and Berks canal.

The homes are within a 15-minute walk of Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, PureGym and The Hall and Woodhouse restaurant as well as a range of schools for children of all ages.

Part Exchange is an option for those who have a home to sell so they can buy a larger property. Two independent valuations are obtained from trusted estate agents and a fair price is agreed upon for the property with the homeowner. The process can take less than six weeks compared to the 120 days it’s currently taking, on average, to sell on the open market in Swindon.

The new Rate Reducer mortgage scheme, run by Own New, allows buyers to take advantage of mortgage rates as low as 0.99 per cent.

Louise added: “This scheme will give buyers the financial boost they need to get them onto the property ladder. They’ll be able to compare all options available to them to make sure they get a mortgage product that is right for them and in their long-term financial interests.”