Where will Guildford build new homes?

For anybody that has traveled in and out of Guildford mainline station, or has the pleasure of walking, running or cycling along the River Wey towpath from the town centre to Ladymead, will be aware of the changing skyline as the dull, featureless industrial units have been demolished and more stylish housing developments have taken their place.

Apartments in construction along Walnut Tree Close

It seems that times are changing. No longer do we require industrial units for manufacture and warehousing but more homes for those wanting to step up onto the first rung of the property ladder. Both central and local government have recognised this growing need and therefore provided the required planning permission to enable developers to build the apartment blocks suited to the requirements of young home buyers, while also regenerating the local economy.

It was well known that Guildford was unable to meet its responsibility to have a 5 year supply of housing land so realised it had to build more new homes – 12,426 properties are required between 2015 and 2034 so where will these be built?

One significant location has been Walnut Tree Close. It was the ideal location as brownfield sites became available through the demolition of the former industrial units reducing the need to build on green fields or green belt land.

The area has seen a number of new residential developments being built and completed over recent years, to create a new and attractive residential neighbourhood close to the town centre and mainline railway station. Some developments overlook the River Wey providing an idyllic home away from the town centre.

Changing skyline in Walnut Tree Close

The building of apartment blocks has opened up the possibility to rent stylish new apartments all with modern facilities and managed services; and in some cases enable purchasers to qualify for financial assistance through Help to Buy or Shared Ownership schemes, making it easier for them to afford their own home, in a town where affordability was limited yet employment opportunities plentiful.

If you should like to have a chat about any matters discussed in this article or about the Guildford property market in general then please do contact me.