Area Guide: Preston

Preston offers compelling advantages for homebuyers considering new build properties in Lancashire.

The average house price in Preston sits at £197,609, substantially lower than the UK average of £370,759. This affordability extends to Manchester at £264,331, making Preston exceptional value. First time buyers find accessible entry points while families secure spacious homes for growing needs.

Modern new build homes deliver significant energy savings. Properties can save up to £1,410 annually on energy bills compared to older homes. Every new build includes energy efficient design, top quality fixtures and fittings and comprehensive 10 year warranty protection.

Transport connectivity positions Preston perfectly for commuters. Direct rail services reach Manchester and Liverpool in under one hour. London Euston connects in approximately two hours. The M6, M61 and M55 motorways converge around the city providing excellent road access. Preston Railway Station serves as a major hub for Northern England.

The city earned recognition as the best place to live and work in the North West in the 2021 Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index. Factors included job availability, positive work-life balance, population skills and role variety. The £434 million city deal centered on creating new employment opportunities continues driving economic growth.

Preston combines vibrant city living with countryside access. The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sits nearby. The Lancashire coast offers beaches at Lytham St Annes and Blackpool within easy reach. Avenham and Miller Parks provide green spaces for relaxation and family activities.



 


Investment and regeneration transforming Preston

Preston is experiencing unprecedented investment and regeneration that will reshape the city for generations to come.

Preston 35 Vision

The Preston Regeneration Board launched the Preston 35 plan focusing on transformational projects through 2035. This ambitious vision encompasses six key areas including Station Quarter redevelopment, Guild Hall restoration and the 25 hectare urban village at Stoneygate. The plan positions Preston at the heart of the innovation ecosystem linked to the National Cyber Force facility supply chain.

Animate Cinema and Leisure Complex

The £45.9 million Animate development opened in early 2025 bringing new life to Preston city centre. This flagship complex features an eight screen Arc Cinema, Hollywood Bowl and diverse restaurants including Loungers, Cosmo, Las Iguanas, Ask Italian and Taco Bell. Independent street food outlets and a cocktail bar complete the entertainment offering.

Harris Museum Reopening

The beloved Harris Museum and Art Gallery underwent a £19 million four year transformation. Reopening in 2025, this Grade I listed building now operates as the country's first blended museum, art gallery and library. The refurbishment attracted over 100,000 visits in its opening months. Actor Nick Park attended the grand reopening in September 2025.

Station Quarter Development

Plans have been formally submitted for five new office blocks on the Fishergate Shopping Centre car park. These facilities represent the first phase of the ambitious Station Quarter Regeneration Framework. The development will create up to 15 storeys of Grade A office space totaling 78,000 square metres.

This transformational initiative is designed to unlock Preston's potential with nearly £1 billion of investment. The project benefits from proximity to the National Cyber Force headquarters at Samlesbury. Later phases could see the 40 year old Fishergate Shopping Centre itself redeveloped.

Old Tram Bridge

Work continues on the replacement Old Tram Bridge connecting Avenham Park to Penwortham. The new bridge will be lifted into place in autumn 2026 following winter construction pauses. This pedestrian route reopens a vital cross river connection closed for seven years.

Youth Zone Opening

Preston finally welcomed its Youth Zone after more than a decade of planning. This facility provides dedicated space for young people with activities and support programs throughout the week.

Friargate South Improvements

The £3 million Friargate South project began in 2026. New paving, seating and planting will upgrade this pedestrianised route from Ringway to Flag Market. Preston City Council describes Friargate as the missing piece in public realm improvements across the city centre.

Active Preston Parks

Levelling Up funding supports revamps of Moor Park, Waverley Park and Grange Park. A new 700 metre segregated cycle lane along Queen Street and Avenham Lane will create east-west connectivity. The route connects the railway station with Cardinal Newman College and Queens Shopping Park.

Lancashire Growth Plan

The Lancashire Growth Plan sets out over £20 billion of development and infrastructure projects across the next decade. Priority sectors include UK security, clean growth and nuclear, artificial intelligence, advanced engineering and manufacturing. The plan requires support at both national and local levels to deliver its full potential.

Desirable places to live in and around Preston

Preston comprises diverse communities offering distinct character and lifestyle options.

Fulwood

Fulwood ranks among Preston's most prestigious suburbs. This affluent area features excellent schools including Archbishop Temple School and outstanding healthcare facilities around Royal Preston Hospital.

Well maintained gardens and spacious homes characterise the neighbourhood. Residents enjoy Moor Park, Harris Park and Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club. The suburb maintains peaceful living while remaining close to city centre amenities.

Penwortham

This picturesque suburb offers perfect balance between tranquility and convenience. Penwortham boasts excellent schools, a thriving high street with independent shops and cafes and beautiful green spaces like Penwortham Holme.

The area attracts families seeking quieter lifestyles within short distance of Preston city centre. River Ribble walks provide scenic recreation opportunities.

Ashton on Ribble

Located west of Preston city centre, Ashton on Ribble delivers charming community atmosphere. The neighbourhood provides mixed housing from Victorian terraces to modern developments suiting various budgets.

Excellent local amenities include shops, pubs and restaurants. Residents enjoy Ashton Park and easy access to Avenham and Miller Parks. The area benefits from proximity to the University of Central Lancashire.

Cottam

This relatively new development on Preston's outskirts offers modern housing and family friendly environment. Well designed homes feature plenty of green spaces and good local amenities.

Cottam suits buyers wanting new-build properties with countryside and city centre access. The neighborhood continues growing and developing as an exciting emerging community.

Broadgate

Broadgate provides urban living experience just south of city centre. The area mixes Victorian and Edwardian properties with modern apartments.

This diverse community enjoys proximity to Avenham Park, University of Central Lancashire and city centre shopping and entertainment. Young professionals and students find Broadgate particularly appealing.

Lea and Ribbleton

These up-and-coming areas promise exciting prospects for first-time buyers. Substantial new developments focus on sustainable living and community infrastructure. Investing here could prove smart for long-term growth as areas benefit from increased amenities and rising property values.

New build developments available now

Discover outstanding new build opportunities currently listed on newhomesforsale.co.uk:

The Green by Rowland Homes

The Green in Fulwood delivers 3 and 4 bedroom homes from £224,995 to £375,995. Located just off Tom Benson Way, the development benefits from extensive wooded areas providing peace and tranquility.

The well-established Ingol suburb offers strong local identity with its own shops, library and community centre. Close proximity to Royal Preston Hospital and Ashton & Lea Golf Club adds convenience. The scenic Fylde sits on the doorstep with countryside walks, cycling routes and coastal access to Lytham, Blackpool and Fleetwood.

Excellent transport connections via M55 and M6 motorways plus fast train services make commuting straightforward. Available offers include deposit contributions, Part Exchange and Stamp Duty paid. Show homes open Monday, Thursday through Sunday.

Calder Rise by David Wilson Homes

Located in Preston at Calder Rise, this luxury collection features 2 bedroom apartments and 3 and 4 bedroom houses priced from £100,500 to £465,000.

The development sits on the edge of Preston surrounded by acres of green space and scenic views. Just five minutes from excellent transport links, residents enjoy convenient travel. Wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby offer everyday convenience and lifestyle appeal.

Contemporary design combines with energy-efficient features and premium specifications. Properties include integrated appliances, flooring, turf and fencing as standard. Show homes welcome visitors Monday, Thursday through Sunday.

D'urton Grange by L&Q

This stunning development in Broughton offers 3 and 4 bedroom homes from £249,000 to £373,000. D'urton Grange sits in a sought-after suburb on Preston's fringe.

Every home features thoughtful design including stunning brick detailing, high-quality sandstone plinths, headers and cills. Contemporary living spaces provide open-plan areas with modern built-in kitchens and off-street parking.

Properties are available for outright sale and through Shared Ownership. The development brings premium finishing touches helping buyers create their dream family home in this desirable Lancashire location.

The Copse by Lancet Homes

The Copse presents a stunning collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom properties in Walton Park from £265,000 to £445,000.

Set in an attractive residential area, the development enjoys mature trees and greenery creating peaceful surroundings. Excellent travel connections make The Copse perfect for commuters and families alike.

Modern design meets practical living with spacious layouts and contemporary kitchens. The range of property sizes accommodates first-time buyers through to established families seeking their forever home. Quality specifications come as standard across all house types.

Cultural attractions and leisure

Preston provides rich cultural experiences and entertainment options for residents.

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery stands as Preston's cultural jewel. Following its £19 million redevelopment, this stunning venue combines museum collections, art exhibitions and library services under one roof. Regular events and educational programs engage visitors of all ages.

Preston Markets have operated for 150 years under the distinctive canopy. The Market Hall offers fresh produce, street food and unique goods. Independent shops in Miller Arcade provide boutique shopping experiences.

Avenham and Miller Parks create green havens in the city. These picturesque Victorian parks feature well-maintained gardens, walking paths and stunning views over River Ribble. Seasonal festivals and events bring the community together throughout the year.

The 21-mile Guild Wheel provides popular cycling, walking and running routes encircling Preston. This greenway connects parks, countryside and urban areas creating excellent recreational opportunities.

Employment and economic growth

Preston's economy continues strengthening with diverse employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

The healthcare sector employs thousands at Royal Preston Hospital and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Education provides substantial employment through UCLan, schools and colleges across the city.

Advanced manufacturing and engineering companies maintain significant presence. The aerospace industry operates major facilities nearby at BAE Systems Warton. The National Cyber Force headquarters at Samlesbury creates growing opportunities in the technology and security sectors.

Retail, hospitality and professional services expand alongside the city's regeneration. The £434 million city deal focuses on creating new job opportunities and boosting employment prospects for residents.

Making Preston your home

Preston combines affordability, connectivity and quality of life in a compelling package for new build homebuyers.

The city's ongoing transformation through major regeneration projects promises long-term growth and improved amenities. Investment in culture, infrastructure and public spaces enhances the living experience while property values remain accessible.

Modern new build homes deliver energy efficiency, low maintenance and comprehensive warranty protection. Diverse neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles from vibrant urban living to peaceful suburban family life.

Whether you're starting your property journey as a first time buyer, growing your family or relocating for work, Preston's combination of historic character and forward momentum creates the perfect foundation for your new chapter.