Strong Demand for Catalyst’s Shared Ownership Homes in Houghton Regis

Catalyst’s collection of homes at The Lanes at Thorn Fields in Bidwell has seen exceptional demand, and a consistently strong sales rate, with a healthy list of interested buyers waiting for future releases. With 137 Shared Ownership homes available across four different house types, the development will welcome a brand-new community of families and first-time buyers.

Through Shared Ownership, Catalyst has provided buyers with an affordable route onto the property ladder in an area where property prices are buoyant. According to Zoopla, prices in Central Bedfordshire climbed 7% over the past year, adding £22,000 to the typical home.* Priced at £158,000 for a 40% share, buyers at The Lanes at Thorn Fields can secure a home in the desirable area with a deposit of just £7,900, a fantastic price point for first time buyers in Houghton Regis.

The Lanes at Thorn Fields is a collection of two, three, and four bedroom homes that form part of the Bidwell West development project; the latest phase in a 20-year plan to deliver over 5,000 homes to Houghton Regis. This scheme will soon be home to three primary schools, around 1 million square feet of retail, leisure and office space and community resources, including a doctors’ surgery and community hall.

Steve Pickering, Head of Sales and Marketing (Counties) at Catalyst, comments: “We’re delighted by the sales success at The Lanes at Thorn Fields, which has continued to spark much interest from buyers, with over half of the plots sold to date. Ensuring the neighbourhood is accessible for first-time buyers was vital, so we’ve been thrilled to see demand from a range of purchasers, from young couples to growing families, excited to be a part of this exciting new community on the edge of Houghton Regis.”

Spacious family homes feature tall ceilings and large windows, flooding the living spaces with natural light while offering views of the rolling green Bedfordshire countryside. High specification touches include integrated Zanussi kitchen appliances and Symphony cabinet units, while fully fitted carpets and turfing to the rear garden are included in the price as standard.

Adding to the area’s established nature credentials, a new quarry wildlife site will form the development’s ecological core. Retaining the area’s much-loved greenery, the masterplan will interweave community orchards, formal parkland, sports pitches and open space across the site.
Residents at The Lanes at Thorn Fields have the English countryside right on their doorstep – Dunstable Downs are just a 12 minute drive away and the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within easy each. Closer to home, Houghton Hall Park provides plenty of cycling paths, walking and running trails, and beautiful picnic spots.

Conveniently located a short distance from Leagrave, Leighton Buzzard, and Luton train stations, Houghton Regis is perfect for London’s commuters – with direct trains from Leagrave station to London King’s Cross taking only 30 minutes. For journeys by road, the M1 is just over two miles away, offering a quick link to Milton Keynes in less than half an hour.
Three bedroom homes at The Lanes at Thorn Fields start from £158,000 for a 40% share (full market value £395,000).