The approval of the biggest ever housing estate to be built on a UK national park was lauded as a watershed moment for British sustainable housing last month.
When developer Human Nature complete the 685-home Phoenix project on a brownfield site in Lewes, it will also be our largest neighbourhood built from timber – an eco triumph that could provide a blueprint for progressive housebuilders.
Architecture critics and aspiring homeowners alike have long expressed frustration with the unimaginative commuter estates produced by a handful of dominant developers.
While few will match the ambition of the Phoenix – also promised is a fleet of shared cars, a nursery and community workshops – it is a reminder that context-conscious new homes are possible.
With that in mind, we’ve found ten smart new build homes that break the mold.
Surbiton, Surrey
£600,000
A high-spec two-bedroom flat in an attractive scheme of seven apartments between the river and high street. It’s worth mentioning the air source heat pump, though it’s the attention to detail in the fixtures and fittings that set this one apart.
Dexters, 020 8390 3939
Ramsgate, Kent
£695,000
Ticking all the requisite boxes for a family, this four-bedroom house has a vaulted double-height living space, a garage and a generous garden, plus utility and dressing rooms. Solar panels have been installed on the roof.
Guildcrest Estates, 01843 264862
St Albans, Hertfordshire
£1.2 million
A capacious three-bedroom Passivhaus, with solar panels and a rare maximum EPC rating. From here it’s a short walk to How Wood station, which connects to St Albans and Watford Junction for trains into Euston.
Fullbrook & Floor, 01727 222252
Hythe, Kent
£560,000
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with sea views in a distinctive scheme a stone’s throw from the shoreline. It comes with allocated parking and access to a large shared garden.
Savills, 01732 443144
Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire
£795,000
This unusual five-bedroom home is part of a small riverside development just outside Ware, within walking distance of St Margarets mainline station. Its wealth of glazing overlooks trees and water.
Greenhill, 01992 661906
Hastings, East Sussex
£525,000
A one-of-a-kind architect-designed eco house with triple glazing and an air source heat pump. It comes with four bedrooms, a utility room and off-road parking, plus sweeping views over Hastings.
The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Folkestone, Kent
£430,000
A one-bedroom flat on the first floor of this ambitious beachfront development. Highlights include the dramatic sea views from the balcony, plus parking, underfloor heating and a communal garden.
Shoreline Folkestone, 01303 760940
South Oxhey, Hertfordshire
£395,000
Set in a contemporary brick terrace, this two-bedroom apartment with balcony is minutes from the station and well-placed for local services supermarkets. Euston is just over half an hour away.
Countryside, 020 3834 8315
Chelmsford, Essex
£1.55 million
A characterful four-bedroom barn-style home with convincing exposed beams, a double-height space. The kitchen is genuinely high-spec, with appliances from industry favourites like Fisher & Paykel and Wolf and Sub-Zero.
Savills, 01245 293 261
Westcliffe, Kent
£1.75 million
This striking standalone build is set in rolling countryside less than a ten minute cycle from St Margarets Bay. There’s more than 2,000 square feet of space, including three ensuite bedrooms, a dressing room and office space.
