Area Guide: Cheltenham

Cheltenham stands as one of England's most desirable locations for new build property investment. The town combines Regency elegance with modern living standards and offers exceptional value for homebuyers.

New build homes in Cheltenham deliver significant advantages over older properties. Energy efficiency is a major benefit, with homeowners saving almost £979 annually on energy bills compared to older homes. Modern developments feature EPC ratings of B or higher, integrated solar PV panels and air source heat pumps that reduce running costs substantially.

The town's location provides unmatched connectivity. Direct trains reach London Paddington in under two hours, whilst the M5 motorway offers swift access to Birmingham, Bristol and Worcester. This makes Cheltenham ideal for commuters and families alike.

Property values in Cheltenham have remained strong, with the average house price around £323,000. The town attracts diverse buyers from first-time purchasers to downsizers, all seeking quality homes in a prestigious location.

New developments also benefit from 10 year warranties, modern specifications and minimal maintenance requirements. Buyers can move into turnkey properties without the renovation costs associated with period homes.

Major regeneration projects transforming Cheltenham

Cheltenham is experiencing a wave of regeneration that will enhance the town for decades to come.

Arkle Court Development

The £50 million Arkle Court scheme represents one of the most significant town centre regeneration projects. Located on the former North Place car park, this development will deliver 147 new homes comprising 75 three bedroom townhouses and 72 apartments.

Construction began in 2025 and the first homeowners will move in from August 2026. The development has been designed by nationally acclaimed architects Glancy Nicholls to complement Cheltenham's Regency architecture whilst creating a sustainable new community.

The scheme offers First Homes properties exclusively for buyers with a local connection to Cheltenham. Maximum household income is capped at £80,000 and purchasers will own their homes outright with a mortgage.

Golden Valley Development

The landmark £1 billion Golden Valley cyber development adjacent to GCHQ represents a transformational project for Cheltenham. This innovation and technology hub will create thousands of high quality jobs and position the town as a global leader in cyber security.

HBD has submitted detailed plans for the first phase and contractors have been appointed. The development includes a dedicated Skills Hub launched at the House of Commons to ensure local residents benefit from employment opportunities.

Swindon Road Development

Construction has commenced on 24 sustainable homes at 320 Swindon Road in the St Paul's area. This project will deliver modern living standards with energy efficient properties designed to support local housing needs. Completion is expected in 2027.

Monkscroft School Site

Cheltenham Borough Council has ambitious plans to bring 70 affordable new homes to the former Monkscroft School site. This development will offer 100% affordable housing consisting of shared ownership and social rental properties ranging from one to five bedrooms.

The regeneration will transform an unused site and boost the local economy whilst providing quality homes with lower energy bills for residents.

Schools and Colleges in Cheltenham

Cheltenham maintains an exceptional educational reputation with outstanding schools across all sectors.

State Secondary Schools

• Balcarras School, East End Road, Charlton Kings, GL53 8QF. This outstanding comprehensive school was named Sunday Times State School of the Decade in 2020. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted across all categories.
• The High School Leckhampton, Leckhampton area, GL53. Opened in 2021 and already achieved an Outstanding rating. Sister school to Balcarras.
• Cheltenham Bournside School, South Cheltenham, GL51. Comprehensive school with a sixth form centre serving 450 pupils from across Cheltenham.

Independent Schools

• Cheltenham College, College Road, GL53 7JD. Founded in 1841, this prestigious co-educational boarding and day school serves pupils aged 13 to 18. Known for academic excellence and sporting traditions.
• Cheltenham Ladies' College, Town centre location. One of the UK's leading girls' schools for ages 11 to 18. Named Southwest Independent School of the Decade in 2020.
• Dean Close School, Central Cheltenham location offering comprehensive education with strong pastoral care.

Higher Education

• University of Gloucestershire - Park Campus, Cheltenham. Consistently ranked as one of the greenest universities in the country with creative and media faculties.
• Gloucestershire College - Offers GCSEs, A-levels, professional qualifications and degree foundation courses.

Popular Areas to Live in Cheltenham

Cheltenham offers diverse neighbourhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets.

Montpellier and The Suffolks

Montpellier has long been synonymous with elegant Regency architecture and fashionable living. The area features stunning terraces and villas that reflect Cheltenham's prominence as a historic spa town. Montpellier Gardens provides a focal point whilst independent boutiques, artisan shops and eclectic cafes line the streets.

The adjacent Suffolks neighbourhood offers a bohemian atmosphere with glamorous Georgian townhouses and converted apartments. This area is considered one of the safest in Cheltenham and is particularly popular with families.

Pittville

Pittville ranks among Cheltenham's most affluent areas. Formed around the Grade II listed Pittville Park with its stunning gardens, lakes and historic Pittville Pump Room, this peaceful neighbourhood attracts families seeking quality of life. The area combines period architecture with excellent local amenities.

Leckhampton

Located southwest of the town centre, Leckhampton blends Georgian elegance with contemporary design. Victorian and Edwardian homes sit alongside modern apartments whilst Bath Road serves as a vibrant hub for independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Proximity to the Cotswolds provides stunning walking trails making this area ideal for active families.

Charlton Kings

Charlton Kings featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2022 guide. This village-like suburb on the town's eastern edge offers excellent schools, strong community spirit and easy access to both Cheltenham and the countryside. The area particularly appeals to families.

Prestbury

This historic village on Cheltenham's northern reaches retains exceptional heritage and character. Quaint streets lined with period cottages, rustic churches and traditional pubs offer quintessential English village living. Properties range from thatched cottages to 16th-century townhouses. Prestbury is well-connected to Cheltenham Racecourse.

Lansdown

Lansdown is a certified conservation area thanks to the grandeur and historical significance of its residences. Lansdown Crescent stands as the jewel in the crown, representing one of the largest Georgian town planning achievements in the area. The neighbourhood combines elegant period homes with proximity to top schools.

Battledown

Situated on hills next to the Cotswolds, Battledown is known for Victorian and Edwardian properties. The area has numerous schools and nurseries making it very popular with young families. Properties range from two-bedroom flats to multi-million pound houses.

Sports teams in Cheltenham

Cheltenham boasts a rich sporting heritage with professional and amateur teams across multiple disciplines.

Cheltenham Town Football Club

Cheltenham Town FC, nicknamed The Robins, represents the town's professional football presence. Founded in 1887, the club plays at Whaddon Road and has competed in the Football League since 1999. The team achieved promotion to Division Two via playoffs in 2002 and has enjoyed notable FA Cup runs including memorable ties against Premier League opposition.

Cheltenham Rugby Club

Also known as Cheltenham Tigers, this rugby club was named Community Rugby Club of the Year in 2024. Situated on a 19-acre site, the venue hosts both men's and women's rugby teams alongside a comprehensive youth programme from Tiger Cubs through to Colts. The club competes in Regional 2 Tribute Ale Severn and provides competitive rugby for all abilities.

Cheltenham Racecourse

Whilst not a team sport, Cheltenham Racecourse stands as one of Britain's premier sporting venues. The racecourse hosts the world-famous Cheltenham Festival each March, attracting over 260,000 visitors annually. The venue also serves as a conference centre and events space throughout the year.

Other Rugby Clubs

Cheltenham supports several additional rugby clubs including Cheltenham Saracens RFC, Cheltenham Civil Service RFC and Cheltenham North RFC. These clubs compete across various Gloucestershire leagues and provide opportunities for community participation in rugby union.

Featured new build developments in Cheltenham

Several exceptional new build developments are currently available on newhomesforsale.co.uk.

Regents Village, Swindon Village

Regents Village by Persimmon Homes offers sustainable zero carbon homes on the northern outskirts of Cheltenham. The development features 2 bedroom apartments and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses.

Located on the edge of Swindon Village, residents enjoy walking distance to Gallagher Retail Park with Sainsbury's, Lidl, Boots and Next. Cheltenham town centre sits just 2.5 miles away whilst Junction 10 of the M5 is only 2 miles distant.

The development includes energy efficient features, underfloor heating and integrated appliances. Wildlife protection measures include hedgehog fencing, bat boxes and bird boxes with approximately 228 new trees planted throughout. Incentives include Deposit Unlock allowing first time buyers to purchase with just 5% deposit.

Greenway Chase, Leckhampton

Greenway Chase by Miller Homes presents 2 to 5 bedroom homes in the popular village of Leckhampton. Located off Shurdington Road, the development offers easy access to Cheltenham positioned under 2 miles away.

All homes include EV chargers as standard with EPC ratings of B or higher. Latest insulation standards and A rated appliances deliver significant energy bill savings. Properties range from £425,000 to £699,950*.

The location provides proximity to excellent schools, the Cotswolds countryside and central Cheltenham amenities. Miller Homes' specification includes contemporary fitted kitchens, integrated appliances and quality finishes throughout.

Cleeve Gardens, Bishops Cleeve

Cleeve Gardens offers 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes through Shared Ownership in Bishops Cleeve. Positioned at the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty, the development sits on the edge of the Cotswolds just outside Cheltenham.

Platform is delivering a new standard of contemporary living with sustainable and energy efficient homes featuring modern design. The Shared Ownership scheme allows buyers to purchase a share between of their home, requiring a smaller mortgage and deposit.

Ideal for first time buyers and families, Cleeve Gardens combines modern amenities with access to the most desirable countryside vistas in the UK.

Crickley Fields, Brockworth

Crickley Fields by Kendrick Homes offers new homes in Brockworth on Shurdington Road. The development provides a blend of modern living with the scenic beauty of the Cotswolds.

Residents benefit from proximity to both Gloucester and Cheltenham with easy access to the M5 motorway and nearby train stations. The area boasts excellent schools, diverse recreational facilities and a variety of local eateries ensuring a vibrant lifestyle.

Properties are built to high specifications with energy efficient features and contemporary designs that complement the surrounding Cotswold landscape.

Conclusion

Cheltenham represents an outstanding choice for new build homebuyers. The combination of major regeneration projects, excellent schools, diverse neighbourhoods and strong transport links creates a compelling investment opportunity.

With developments ranging from affordable Shared Ownership schemes to premium family homes, Cheltenham caters to all buyer types. The town's cultural heritage, sporting traditions and gateway location to the Cotswolds ensure enduring appeal.

For those seeking a new build home in one of England's finest Regency towns, Cheltenham delivers exceptional quality of life alongside solid property investment potential.