Area Guide: Exeter

Exeter stands as one of the most desirable locations in the South West for new build homes, combining rich heritage with modern development.

This historic cathedral city offers exceptional quality of life with its UNESCO City of Literature status, outstanding educational facilities and thriving cultural scene.

With a population of approximately 129,800 and strategic transport connections, Exeter presents outstanding opportunities for homebuyers seeking contemporary properties in a city that perfectly balances tradition with forward-thinking development.

Why buy a new build home in Exeter

Purchasing a new build property in Exeter provides numerous compelling advantages for modern homebuyers. The city's location in Devon offers an unbeatable combination of urban amenities and countryside living, with Dartmoor National Park and stunning coastal areas within easy reach.

Transport connections from Exeter are exceptional. Exeter St Davids station provides direct services to London Paddington in approximately two hours, Bristol in around one hour and Plymouth in about one hour. The city benefits from excellent road links via the M5 motorway and A30, while Exeter International Airport offers domestic and international flights just six miles from the city centre, making travel remarkably convenient.

New build homes in Exeter feature modern energy efficiency standards with A-rated properties becoming increasingly common. Developers are incorporating solar panels, high performance insulation and efficient heating systems that significantly reduce energy bills. Many new developments utilise timber frame construction with superior insulation performance, providing homeowners with long term savings and environmental benefits.

The city scores exceptionally well for career opportunities, with major employers including the Met Office, the University of Exeter and numerous professional services firms. Five organisations are part of the Arts Council National Portfolio, creating vibrant employment opportunities in the creative sector. The thriving business community and diverse economy ensure strong property values and rental demand.

First-time buyers benefit from government backed schemes available across many developments, while all new build properties come with comprehensive warranties providing peace of mind. The combination of no immediate maintenance requirements, contemporary designs and move-in-ready specifications makes new builds particularly attractive to busy professionals and growing families.

Regeneration projects and infrastructure developments

Exeter is experiencing transformative regeneration that will substantially benefit residents for decades to come. The city council has developed ambitious plans under the Liveable Exeter initiative, focusing on sustainable growth and brownfield site development.

Water Lane regeneration area

The Water Lane development represents one of the most significant regeneration projects in the South West. This flagship brownfield site between Exeter Canal and the main railway line will deliver over 1,000 new homes including apartments, co-living spaces and student accommodation. The mixed use scheme features shops, cafes, co-working facilities and buildings ranging from five to twelve storeys.

This low car neighbourhood emphasises sustainable transport with new pedestrian and cycle links connecting the waterside location to the city centre. The development includes waterside bike hire, boat storage and a new construction training centre for Exeter College. With an anticipated development value of approximately £120 million, the scheme demonstrates the city's commitment to high quality urban living.

South West Exeter development

The South West Exeter scheme is delivering 2,500 new homes with substantial supporting infrastructure. Known as Matford, this development includes significant employment land and has already seen the opening of Matford Brook Academy in September 2023, providing all through education from nursery to secondary level.

New highway infrastructure has been completed including a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A379, connecting communities with schools and facilities. This development demonstrates coordinated planning with homes, schools and transport infrastructure developing simultaneously.

Exeter Plan Vision 2040

The Exeter Plan provides the strategic framework for development until 2040, emphasising brownfield site regeneration, sustainable transport and zero carbon buildings. The council has received recommendations from Historic England supporting bold adjustments to the inner bypass to reconnect the historic city with the River Exe, creating enhanced public spaces and improved pedestrian access.

Exeter combines historic charm with forward-thinking regeneration, offering energy efficient new homes, outstanding transport links and an exceptional quality of life in the heart of Devon.

Schools and Colleges

Exeter provides outstanding educational facilities across all age ranges, making the city particularly attractive for families. The combination of excellent state schools, independent options and further education colleges ensures comprehensive provision.

Notable Secondary Schools

• Exeter College - Hele Road, Exeter EX4 4JS (rated Outstanding by Ofsted, offering vocational courses, A-levels and apprenticeships for ages 16-18)
• Isca Academy - Exeter EX2 (modern facilities near the city centre with strong academic results)
• St Peter's Church of England Aided School - Exeter EX1 (Church of England secondary with excellent community links)
• Exeter Mathematics School - Exeter EX4 (specialist sixth form for able mathematicians, jointly sponsored by University of Exeter and Exeter College)
• The Maynard School - Exeter EX2 (independent school for girls aged 4-18 with strong academic reputation)

Primary Schools

• St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy - South Lawn Terrace, Exeter EX1 2SN (rated Outstanding with strong community ethos)
• Alphington Primary School - Alphington, Exeter EX2 (serving the Alphington community with good facilities)
• Matford Brook Academy - Matford area, Exeter EX2 (all-through school opened September 2023 serving nursery to secondary)

Further Education

Exeter College dominates further education provision with multiple campuses across the city. The college has been consistently rated Outstanding by Ofsted and serves as the default choice for the majority of sixth form students across Devon. With its broad academic options, impressive facilities and strong reputation, the college attracts students from across the region.

The University of Exeter adds to the city's educational credentials, recognised internationally for its research facilities and high teaching standards. Five of the UK's most influential climate specialists studied at the university, demonstrating its academic excellence.

Popular areas to live

Exeter comprises numerous distinctive neighbourhoods, each offering unique characteristics. Understanding these areas helps prospective buyers identify the ideal location for their lifestyle requirements.

Highly sought after locations

• St Leonards - The most prestigious area in Exeter, featuring impressive Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties. This neighbourhood offers a village feel with vibrant community spirit, within walking distance of the city centre. White stucco-fronted houses on roads like Lyndhurst Road are particularly desirable. Properties command premium prices reflecting the area's popularity with families and young professionals.
• Pennsylvania - Located on the northern outskirts near woodland areas, this tranquil neighbourhood offers excellent access to nature while remaining well-connected to the city. The area features a mix of property styles and provides a peaceful residential environment.
• Heavitree - Situated east of the city centre, Heavitree combines narrow streets of terraced period homes with larger bay-fronted family houses on roads like Roseland Avenue. The area has strong community spirit and benefits from proximity to local amenities and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
• Alphington - A former village south of the city centre offering mostly 20th century homes alongside some cottages and modern bungalows. The area provides good value while maintaining excellent transport links and local facilities.
• Topsham - This quaint riverside village on the River Exe estuary offers stunning properties including traditional cottages and townhouses, many with riverside views. Topsham has its own railway station and maintains a distinct village character with boutique shops and restaurants.
• The Quay - The riverside area features converted former industrial buildings now serving as modern apartments. This lively location offers numerous pubs and restaurants alongside waterside living close to the city centre.

Major sports teams

Exeter boasts professional sports teams across multiple disciplines, creating a vibrant sporting culture throughout the city.

• Exeter Chiefs - The premiership rugby union club represents Devon at the highest level of English rugby. Founded in 1871 and playing at Sandy Park since 2006, the Chiefs have become one of English rugby's leading clubs. They won the Premiership title in 2017 and 2020, and claimed the European Champions Cup in 2020, becoming the only club to win the top four tiers of English rugby. The 11,000-capacity stadium regularly hosts sell-out crowds and the club has produced numerous international players including Lions tourists Stuart Hogg, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jack Nowell.
• Exeter City FC - Known as "the Grecians", Exeter City plays in EFL League One at St James Park, a historic venue in the heart of the city. Founded in 1904 through the merger of Exeter United and St Sidwell's United, the club has a rich history including being the first team to play against the Brazil national team in 1914. The supporter-owned club creates strong community connections and the 8,219-capacity stadium offers an intimate matchday atmosphere. St James Park station sits adjacent to the ground, providing exceptional transport access.

The combination of premiership rugby and League One football ensures year-round sporting entertainment, with both clubs maintaining strong community engagement programmes.

Featured new build developments

Exeter offers exceptional new build developments from leading housebuilders. Here are four outstanding developments currently available:

1. Lunar Rise by Taylor Wimpey

Lunar Rise delivers energy efficient three to five bedroom homes with solar panels near Exeter. Properties feature large open plan kitchen and dining areas with family spaces, French doors to gardens and separate studies. Many homes include spacious lounges and en-suite bedrooms. Current promotions include stamp duty paid incentives and upgrade packages. The development benefits from excellent location near Exeter with show homes now open for viewing.

2. Haldon Reach by Bovis Homes

Located in the green suburb of Alphington on Trood Lane, Haldon Reach offers one to four bedroom new homes rated A for energy efficiency. Properties feature open plan living areas, stylish fitted kitchens, bi-fold doors, high ceilings and spacious master bedrooms with en-suites as standard. The development utilises timber frame construction with high performance insulation and includes solar panels and EV chargers. Residents enjoy direct access to Ridgetop Country Park with scenic trails alongside excellent proximity to Exeter city centre, Marsh Barton train station and the M5.

3. Matford Brook by Linden Homes

Conveniently located on Exeter's outskirts, Matford Brook presents two, three and four bedroom homes ideally suited for couples and families. The development sits just minutes from Exeter city centre with major routes including the M5 and A30 easily accessible. Nearby attractions include Haldon Forest Park for cycling and Dawlish Warren beach. The newly opened Matford Brook Academy provides all through education just a four minute drive away. Properties feature thoughtful designs accommodating modern family living with excellent energy efficiency and ten year warranties.

4. St Leonards Quarter by Acorn Property Group

St Leonards Quarter on Topsham Road offers contemporary three bedroom houses less than ten minutes from Exeter city centre. Properties feature open plan layouts, private gardens, allocated parking and private roof terraces on selected plots.

The development combines traditional and contemporary design elements with modern specifications. Current promotions include substantial move in incentives making these properties particularly attractive for those seeking city centre proximity with private outdoor space.

To explore these developments and discover more new build homes in Exeter, visit the comprehensive listings available online.

Conclusion

Exeter represents an outstanding opportunity for buyers seeking new build homes in a historic city with modern ambitions. The combination of UNESCO City of Literature status, exceptional transport connections including two hour services to London, outstanding schools and ambitious regeneration projects creates a compelling proposition.

With professional rugby and football clubs providing sporting entertainment, thriving arts and culture sectors and beautiful Devon countryside on the doorstep, Exeter offers an enviable quality of life. The diversity of new build developments from leading housebuilders ensures options for first time buyers, growing families and downsizers alike, all within a city committed to sustainable growth and community wellbeing.