Area Guide: Swindon

Swindon represents one of the most compelling locations for new build homes in the South West, combining affordability with excellent connectivity. As Wiltshire's largest town with a population exceeding 230,000, Swindon offers exceptional employment opportunities alongside substantial new housing developments.

The town sits strategically between Bristol and Reading, with London just 71 miles away, providing outstanding transport links for commuters and businesses. With ambitious regeneration plans transforming the town centre and major developments like Wichelstowe and the New Eastern Villages creating thousands of modern homes, Swindon presents excellent opportunities for buyers seeking contemporary properties in a growing economic hub.

Why buy a new build home in Swindon

Purchasing a new build property in Swindon delivers numerous advantages for modern homebuyers. The town's strategic position in the M4 corridor provides unparalleled connectivity, with the motorway accessible at Junction 15 and 16 ensuring rapid access to Bristol, Reading and London by road.

Rail connections from Swindon are exceptional. Swindon railway station sits in the town centre and provides direct services operated by Great Western Railway to London Paddington in approximately one hour, with Cardiff, Bristol and Reading reachable within 30 minutes.

This connectivity makes Swindon particularly attractive for professionals working in multiple cities while seeking affordable housing.

New build homes in Swindon feature cutting edge energy efficiency with many properties rated A for energy performance. Developers are increasingly incorporating solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and high performance insulation as standard features.

The town benefits from a diverse economy with major employers including Intel, Nationwide Building Society, the Met Office and numerous professional services firms.

Swindon's strong business environment ensures stable employment prospects and robust property demand. House price to household income ratios remain among the most favourable in the South, making Swindon an excellent choice for those seeking value.

First-time buyers benefit from various government backed schemes available across developments, while comprehensive warranties provide peace of mind.

The combination of modern specifications, immediate move-in readiness and no renovation requirements makes new builds particularly appealing to busy professionals and growing families seeking hassle free homeownership.

Regeneration projects and infrastructure developments

Swindon is experiencing transformative regeneration that will substantially benefit residents for decades. The council has developed ambitious plans under the Heart of Swindon initiative, focusing on reinventing the town centre and creating sustainable growth.

Fleming Way Transformation

The Fleming Way regeneration represents the cornerstone project for Swindon's town centre revival. This £33 million investment has transformed the main gateway between the railway station and town centre into a modern bus interchange with enhanced public realm and a green corridor. The scheme opened in August 2025 following extensive construction work.

The new bus interchange features larger shelters with improved wheelchair access, wireless chargers and real time departure displays. Over 175 trees and 23,000 plants have been planted throughout Fleming Way, The Parade and surrounding public spaces, creating a welcoming pedestrian friendly environment.

Major landowners including FI Real Estate and Parade Swindon Limited have publicly supported the transformation, which has already catalysed further investment including an £8.5 million refurbishment of Grade A offices at the Tri Centre.

Knowledge Central Railway Station Development

Plans are progressing for one of the UK's largest brownfield regeneration projects focused on 100 acres of land around Swindon railway station. Known as Knowledge Central, this transformative scheme will create a new high quality commercial district delivering thousands of jobs and hundreds of new homes.

The council has secured £350,000 funding to design a new northern entrance to the station and undertake technical studies underpinning the development.

New Eastern Villages

The New Eastern Villages project will deliver 8,000 homes alongside employment, health, retail, education and leisure facilities. Located east of the A419, the scheme spans 724 hectares and includes Lotmead as the first village to be brought forward.

Construction began in 2024 with Vistry Group and Sovereign Network Group delivering an initial 2,500 homes, 30 per cent of which will be affordable housing. The development includes two primary schools, a sports hub, local centre and substantial green space, with approximately £60 million investment in supporting infrastructure.

Wichelstowe Development

Work continues on Wichelstowe, Swindon's landmark housing development delivering thousands of new homes over the next 15 years.

Set within 200 acres of open space, this well planned community offers a mix of apartments, townhouses and detached properties with a focus on sustainability and community living. The development benefits from excellent M4 access at Junction 16 just 3.2 miles away.

Schools and colleges

Swindon provides comprehensive educational facilities across all age ranges, with Swindon Borough Council operating 73 primary schools and 21 secondary schools throughout the borough.

Notable secondary schools

• Denbigh School - Stratton St Margaret, Swindon SN2 7SH (consistently high performing comprehensive with excellent facilities)
• Ridgeway School - Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9DJ (well regarded comprehensive serving Wroughton and surrounding areas)
• Highworth Warneford School - Shrivenham Road, Highworth SN6 7BZ (serving the Highworth community with strong academic results)
• Lydiard Park Academy - Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6HN (modern academy with strong community links)
• Kingsdown School - Stratton St Margaret, Swindon SN2 7NQ (large comprehensive with diverse curriculum)

Primary schools

• Rodbourne Cheney Primary School - Broadway, Swindon SN25 3BN (rated Outstanding by Ofsted)
• Lainesmead Primary School - Walcot West, Swindon (serving the Walcot community)
• Badbury Park Primary School - Badbury Park, Swindon (modern school serving new development)

Further education

New College Swindon on Queen's Drive provides comprehensive further education with A-levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships. The college serves thousands of students across multiple campuses and maintains strong links with local employers. Swindon also benefits from the presence of university facilities and higher education providers offering degree courses locally.

Swindon is a popular choice for new home buyers thanks to its affordable property prices, strong transport links and ongoing regeneration.

Popular areas to live

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

Highly sought-after locations

Old Town

The most prestigious and characterful area in Swindon, perched on a hill overlooking the newer parts of town. Old Town features beautiful Victorian terraces, period semis and Georgian buildings alongside a vibrant high street lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

The area maintains a village atmosphere while offering easy access to Swindon town centre and excellent schools. Properties command premium prices reflecting the desirability and heritage of the location.

Wroughton

A large village approximately 3.2 miles south of Swindon town centre on the edge of the Marlborough Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wroughton has retained its village identity with a population of approximately 8,000 residents despite proximity to Swindon.

The area offers excellent schools, abundant green spaces and public footpaths alongside easy access to the M4 motorway. Popular with families seeking more space and a countryside feel while maintaining convenient town access.

Highworth

A historic market town 6 miles northeast of Swindon at 436 feet above sea level, making it Wiltshire's highest town. The town features notable Queen Anne and Georgian buildings with a 13th century church creating an attractive historic centre.

Highworth maintains a strong community feel with independent cafes, shops, restaurants and traditional pubs. Regular bus services connect to Swindon railway station while the town offers a perfect balance between small town living and urban convenience.

West Swindon

Comprising several neighbourhoods including Shaw, Nine Elms and Peatmoor, West Swindon offers excellent shopping and leisure facilities creating high convenience and community feel. The area features numerous parks and open spaces making it particularly attractive for families.

Wichelstowe

Swindon's newest development offering modern living with over 4,000 homes mixing apartments, townhouses and detached properties. The well planned area focuses on community and sustainability, making it ideal for first time buyers and professionals seeking contemporary living.

Covingham

Located in eastern Swindon, Covingham is one of the safest residential areas making it ideal for families. The neighbourhood sits just 10 minutes from Swindon town centre providing easy access to shops and amenities.

Swindon Town FC

Known as the Robins, Swindon Town competes in EFL League Two at the historic County Ground stadium. Founded in 1879 and turned professional in 1894, the club has a rich history including winning the League Cup in 1969 after defeating Arsenal 3-1 in the final.

The club also competed in the Premier League during the 1993-94 season. The County Ground, which has been home since 1896, features a current capacity of 15,728 all seated and sits near the town centre on County Road (SN1 2ED). The stadium combines traditional football ground character with modern facilities, creating an authentic matchday atmosphere. Local rivalries include Oxford United and Bristol City, ensuring passionate encounters throughout the season.

The presence of professional football alongside excellent leisure facilities including the refurbished Oasis Leisure Centre ensures year round sporting and recreational opportunities for residents.

Featured new build developments

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

1. Wichel Fields at Wichelstowe by Barratt Homes

Wichel Fields delivers brand new energy efficient homes with electric car charging points and photovoltaic solar panels as standard. This new community sits within 200 acres of open space providing excellent outdoor amenities for residents.

Properties feature open plan upgraded kitchens with French doors to gardens, modern specifications throughout and contemporary designs suited to modern family living. The development benefits from exceptional location just 3.2 miles from M4 motorway Junction 16, providing rapid access to the motorway network while maintaining a peaceful setting surrounded by green space.

2. King George Park by Bovis Homes

Located in the exciting new village of Lotmead in Wanborough, King George Park is a major new residential development by Bovis Homes. As a key component of Swindon’s New Eastern Villages urban regeneration project, the development is designed to eventually deliver up to 2,500 homes by 2035.

The first phase, which reached completion in late 2025, consists of 214 high-quality properties ranging from three to five bedroom houses. These homes include energy efficient features such as PV solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and waste water heat recovery systems.

3. Badbury Park by Redrow

Badbury Park represents the final homes at this sought after development surrounded by large areas of open space perfect for outdoor activities. Properties include beautiful two to four bedroom homes with ultrafast broadband included as standard.

The development sits less than 20 minutes walk from Great Western Hospital and just 5 minutes from M4 Junction 15. Nearby attractions include Coate Water Country Park and Broom Manor Golf Course just 5 minutes drive away.

The development includes a Co-op convenience store, library, play area, sports pitches and Badbury Park Primary School, creating a complete community with excellent amenities.

4. Backhouse Highworth II in Highworth, Allen & Harris Estate Agents

Marketed by Allen & Harris, Backhouse Highworth II is an award-winning collection of contemporary two to five bedroom homes situated on the desirable southern edge of Highworth.

Designed by the acclaimed architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the development is defined by its striking modern barn aesthetic, featuring high ceilings, oversized windows that flood interiors with natural light and open-plan layouts. Each home is built with a focus on sustainability, incorporating air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and EV charging points as standard.

Residents enjoy a perfect town and country lifestyle, with the historic charms of Highworth’s marketplace just a short walk away and the rolling Cotswold countryside right on their doorstep.

Conclusion

Swindon represents an outstanding opportunity for buyers seeking new build homes in a strategically located town with excellent value. The combination of direct train services to London Paddington in approximately one hour, immediate M4 motorway access and favourable house price to income ratios creates a compelling proposition.

With transformative regeneration projects including the £33 million Fleming Way transformation and the ambitious New Eastern Villages delivering thousands of new homes, Swindon demonstrates commitment to sustainable growth.

Outstanding schools, diverse residential areas from historic Old Town to modern Wichelstowe and comprehensive amenities ensure quality of life.

The presence of major employers, professional sports and proximity to countryside complete the package, making Swindon an intelligent choice for first time buyers, families and investors seeking affordable modern living with exceptional connectivity.