Developer helps key workers call Wichelstowe home

A total of 80 key worker residents of Swindon's Wichelstowe development have now been helped by Barratt Bristol to purchase their own homes.

Through a special deposit scheme, buyers benefit from thousands of pounds in savings, making home-ownership more accessible.

Residents include teacher Owen Panesar-Williams and his husband Amit, who works as a flight attendant based at Bristol Airport, who are among the latest buyers to take advantage of the key worker deposit scheme.

After renting since relocating from Scotland, they expected to wait and save for another five years before securing a deposit until a chance discovery on a sunny evening canal-side walk through Wichelstowe changed everything.

Owen said: "We saw the promotion for the key workers deposit scheme and popped into the sales office to find out more. 

"The team explained how it worked – a deposit contribution of £750 for every £25,000 spent up to the value of £15,000 – as well as details about the development and the available homes.

"We were so pleased with what we saw, and the energy efficiency of the homes was reassuring. We work long hours, full time, and we love this part of the world, but it had been frustrating not being able to buy here when we first moved south. 

"We chose a house on Orchards View and it feels like a village community. Not only are there beautiful walks, but a lovely local pub, and a Waitrose on our doorstep. Plus, I can get into Swindon in just 20 minutes on the bus and Amit can be at work at Bristol Airport in an hour. And the aftercare has been amazing. 

"The Wichelstowe team even got one of the contractors to come and fit our TV on the wall!" 

Andrea Pilgrim, Sales Director at Barratt Bristol, said: “Barratt and David Wilson Homes has introduced this scheme to say thank you and to support key workers from the NHS, teachers, police and fire services, the MOD, prison and probation services, plus Local Authority employees and Highways England. 

"We're delighted so many have found their way to our door and been able to buy their own home as a result."

The current phases of Orchards View have now completely sold out, and the ninth parcel is expected to launch later this year. Additionally, homes have just been released at the neighbouring Wichel Fields at Wichelstowe. 

David Wilson Homes South are also currently building at Orchards Rise.