If you’ve been dreaming of a fresh start in a brand-new home, complete with contemporary design, energy-efficient features, and generous space, Banwell in North Somerset could be your perfect destination. This charming village has recently been named the UK’s leading location for building your dream house.
According to new research by buy-to-let insurance experts Alan Boswell Group, Banwell recorded the highest percentage of new build sales nationwide between 2023 and 2024. Out of 275 property transactions, an impressive 180 were new builds—making up 65.45% of the homes sold, the largest share anywhere in the UK.
Although Banwell is a small community with just over 3,000 residents, it is at the forefront of the UK’s growing trend toward modern rural living. Homebuyers are increasingly seeking peaceful countryside settings without sacrificing the benefits of sleek, up-to-date construction and energy-saving technology—and Banwell perfectly blends these desires.
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Positioned just a short drive from Weston-super-Mare and offering easy access to the M5 motorway, Banwell provides the ideal balance of tranquility and convenience. Its appeal spans all age groups, attracting young families, remote workers, and retirees alike.
A milestone moment for the village has arrived with the long-awaited construction of a bypass, set to alleviate chronic traffic congestion that had rendered the village center nearly inaccessible for decades. After a century of waiting, this critical infrastructure development is finally underway, transforming the once “dying” village into a vibrant community hub.
Local residents recall the bypass plans dating back to 1927, highlighting how deeply rooted this project is in the village’s history. Banwell’s location at the crossroads of two busy A-roads, confined by narrow streets barely wide enough for single-lane traffic, has long been a bottleneck. The new two-mile bypass will ease this strain, accompanying the construction of 2,800 new homes that will effectively double the village’s size and create a self-sufficient community with its own facilities.
On Rightmove, four-bedroom new build homes in Banwell typically average around £500,000—a competitive price given the spacious interiors, prime location, and high-quality construction. With rising energy costs and eco-conscious living becoming more important to buyers, homes built to strong energy performance standards are growing increasingly attractive.
Nationally, the appetite for new builds is surging. The median price of new build homes across the UK stands at £330,000, compared to £272,000 for older properties. Buyers value energy efficiency, open-plan layouts, and modern construction standards—qualities Banwell possesses in abundance.
Banwell’s combination of serene village life and access to local amenities, scenic countryside walks, and nearby coastal attractions offers a desirable alternative to city living. While other towns like Swanscombe in Kent and Arundel in West Sussex are also emerging as new build hotspots, Banwell’s transformation highlights how smaller communities can lead the way in the UK’s property market evolution.
Conversely, over 200 towns and cities, including sought-after areas such as Twickenham and Southsea, reported zero new build sales, underscoring regional disparities in development opportunities driven by planning restrictions, heritage concerns, and space limitations.
Banwell stands as a shining example of how rural charm and modern living can coexist, making it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to build or buy their ideal home in 2025.