Where can you find the best new homes in Berkshire? Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, moving home is a life-changing decision, so making the right choice matters. But whose opinion should you trust? At HomeViews, we believe it makes sense to ask the residents themselves to review their new homes. Thanks to our verified reviewers, you can discover the ten best developments around. But is Berkshire your dream location? Let’s find out.
Where is Berkshire?
Headed by the county town of Reading, Berkshire is a historic county in South East England. It’s divided into six unitary authorities, which other than Reading, include Bracknell Forest, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham. The towns of Windsor and Sandhurst have also put the county on the map. West Berkshire is much more rural, with a few notable towns like Newbury, Thatcham, and Hungerford.
Oxfordshire lies to the north, with Buckinghamshire to the north-east and Greater London to the east. Surrey borders Berkshire to the south-east, Wiltshire to the west and Hampshire to the south.
Living in Berkshire
Home to the royal palace of Windsor Castle, world-renowned racecourses, Eton College and RMA Sandhurst, Berkshire has long been associated with society’s upper crust. There’s also a sprinkling of medieval castles and grand estates, including Highclere (of Downton Abbey fame).
Its reputation for being well-heeled is justified; Berkshire claims the strongest local economy in the UK outside of London. The university town of Reading, positioned on the River Thames at the heart of the Great West Way, is well-known for its involvement in the information technology industry. Meanwhile, high-tech businesses flock to Bracknell, with Slough benefiting greatly from London Heathrow Airport. Wherever you are in the county, the M4 is at most 8.5 miles away – making travelling into London pleasantly straightforward.
Despite its royal associations, Berkshire still offers a range of down-to-earth pleasures. In the historic market town of Newbury, you’ll find delightful walking and cycling trails, including the towpath along the Kennet & Avon Canal, which cuts through the town. While you’re there, visit the Corn Exchange arts centre and The Watermill Theatre. Of course, Newbury Racecourse and nearby Highclere Castle are notable highlights too.
The county is also home to family-friendly entertainment, such as an indoor tropical rainforest and Legoland Windsor. Besides this, Berkshire has some excellent education to offer, including prestigious independent and grammar schools, good universities and business and marketing institutions.
Much of the region is hugged by the Berkshire Downs and the North Wessex Downs AONB, with pastureland supporting the thriving local horse racing industry. It’s also a lovely area to explore on foot. And with regular trains serving the Reading to Taunton Line in the River Kennet Valley, you can escape to the West Country at the drop of a hat.
Berkshire property prices
The average price for property in Berkshire stood at £440,134 (Zoopla: November 2021). This is a slight rise of 0.38 per cent in the last year. Flats are currently valued at £247,654 on average, while terraced houses sell for around £331,501. Semi-detached homes achieve £417,121 on average, with detached properties going for £700,063.
At around £1,739 PCM, the rental market in Berkshire is closer to the current London average than what you’d expect to pay elsewhere. A one-bedroom let comes in at around £1,016 PCM, steadily increasing to £2,878 PCM for a five-bedroom home.
New homes in Berkshire: Top 10 developments
Ready to find out which new homes in Berkshire made our Top 10? Our reviewers discuss everything they love about their properties, which we’ll explore below. After browsing our winners, click on your favourite developments to get the nitty-gritty details.
4.44 (52 reviews)
4.44 (52 reviews)
Our most popular development, Berkshire House, managed by Essential Living, takes first position on our list. There are 68 apartments for rent – ranging from studios to one and two-bedroom properties.
Additionally, Berkshire House is in the heart of Maidenhead High Street, close to Maidenhead station, and just a short drive from the historic town of Windsor, which hugs the River Thames.
Residents say they appreciate the secure entrance and exit points, the cleanliness of the building, and the option of gated parking.
4.10 (12 reviews)
4.10 (12 reviews)
In second place, Heritage Park, in the village of Shinfield, is a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with plenty of parking and green spaces for children to play. One resident praised the development as excellent ‘from the on-site staff to the design of the home’.
3.88 (12 reviews)
3.88 (12 reviews)
Deer Leap Park, situated in the village of Three Mile Cross, is our third most popular development. It lies several miles from the M4 and central Reading, with immediate access to London by rail.
Residents mentioned that the buildings are well planned, with wide hallways, doors and good-sized rooms. They also commented on the amount of parking, bicycle storage and bin space, and the cleanliness of communal areas.
Read reviews and details of Taylor Wimpey at Deer Leap Park, RG7
3.81 (12 reviews)
3.81 (12 reviews)
Mulberry View is a traditional collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom high-specification homes in Wokingham. Our residents voted it into fourth place because they liked the overall layout, the amount of space on offer, and the well-planned road links and car parks.
3.67 (45 reviews)
3.67 (45 reviews)
A unique combination of flats and houses with plenty of open spaces and walks, Amen Corner is a lovely collection of homes in Binfield. Residents reviewed the estate into fifth position, commenting on the overall design quality and the close proximity to schools, the town centre and the motorway network.
4.43 (10 reviews)
4.43 (10 reviews)
Our sixth most popular development, Woodhurst Park offers a wide choice of high-quality homes with a luxury specification. Residents like the modern design and high-spec materials and the amount of parking space. They also told us that the management team take good care of the facilities and quickly solve any issues. There’s also a great park for everyone to enjoy.
4.35 (17 reviews)
4.35 (17 reviews)
Located in Woodley, just three miles from Reading town centre, Parklands by CALA Homes and Bewley Homes takes the seventh spot. Completed in 2018, this development comprises of 291 homes, as well as community facilities and a grocery store. Residents say the development is clean and spacious, with lots of greenery around and wide roads. There’s also a local play area and a bus stop within walking distance.
4.28 (12 reviews)
4.28 (12 reviews)
Green Park Village by Berkeley Homes sits just minutes away from central Reading – and in eighth place. Offering a collection of New England inspired houses and contemporary apartments, the development overlooks a large lake surrounded by green spaces, trails and paths.
As well as this, nearby Green Park features a gym, crèche, restaurants and shops. Residents love the unique character of the estate, and describe the grounds as ‘well-kept’ and the community as ‘welcoming’.
4.27 (12 reviews)
4.27 (12 reviews)
At number nine, Dee Park by Willmott Dixon is a multi-phase regeneration scheme. Located on the outskirts of Reading, it features 763 homes, 281 of which are affordable. In addition, the development boasts community, healthcare, and education facilities.
According to our residents, the design is modern and stylish, but with a homely feel. The amenities around the area are excellent and the building management team are reliable. One reviewer described Dee Park as ‘a great place for new families and first time buyers’.
4.17 (16 reviews)
4.17 (16 reviews)
Claiming a spot in the Top 10, stylish Verto sits on the bank of the River Kennet in the centre of Reading. Offering a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, residents here benefit from restaurants, on-site parking, a gym, communal terraces and a concierge service. It’s also just 24-minutes away from Paddington Station.
So, do any of our top 10 new homes in Berkshire appeal to you? Learn more about the pros and cons of each development by reading the area guide below.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
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