The new build sector in Somerset remains active, with several major developments bringing modern properties to the market. Barratt Homes is constructing Orchard View in Cheddar, offering 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes priced from £299,995 to £529,995, while Bovis Homes has launched Saxon Fields in Cullompton with properties ranging from £279,995 to £529,995. These developments, together with schemes from David Wilson Homes, Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey, and Summerfield Homes, provide buyers with new build options across the price spectrum. Our inspectors have visited many of these developments and can confirm the quality of construction meets current building regulations, though we always recommend a RICS Level 2 Survey for new build properties to document the condition at handover.
Transaction data indicates that 3-bedroom properties dominate the Somerset market, with over 4,000 listings at an average price of £339,820. Four-bedroom homes also feature prominently, representing 2,397 listings with an average price of £521,990. The market sees particular activity in the £300k-£500k price band, which accounts for 3,616 of all current listings, reflecting strong demand from families upgrading from smaller properties. Premium properties over £750,000, while representing a smaller segment, still constitute over 850 listings, indicating sustained interest in the county's high-end rural and period properties. We've found that agents like Cooper & Tanner in Frome average £526,701, focusing on this premium segment with properties often featuring historic character and large plots.
Property type distribution from ONS Census 2021 data shows Somerset's housing stock is predominantly detached at 35.1%, with semi-detached properties at 30.2%, terraced homes at 21.0%, and flats at 13.0%. This mix reflects the county's rural character, with many detached properties serving as farmhouses, country houses, and family homes set within generous plots. The significant proportion of older properties, with an estimated 60% of housing stock exceeding 50 years of age, means that period features and character properties are a notable feature of the market. We always advise buyers to budget for potential maintenance when purchasing older properties, as our surveyors frequently identify issues requiring attention in properties of this age.