16 Aug 2025
Local homebuilder Backhouse has launched a new collection of new homes for first time buyers and essential workers, which are available through the government backed First Homes scheme. Situated on the southern edge of the charming market town of Highworth, with the Cotswolds on the doorstep and just six miles from Swindon, Backhouse Highworth offers a contemporary range of one to five bedroom homes.
The First Homes scheme provides local first-time buyers and essential workers with an affordable and invaluable opportunity to purchase their first home at 30% below market value. The homes are available to first-time buyers earning an annual household income of £80,000 per year or less, who are able to secure a mortgage for at least 50% of the discounted price of the property. Priority will be given to members of the armed forces, key workers, people who already live in the area and those on lower incomes. The discount rate applies in perpetuity, so future buyers can benefit from the scheme.
Buyers will be supported every step of the way by Backhouse's dedicated Sales Executives, who are on hand to guide purchasers through the entire process, ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey to homeownership.
Emily Adams, Sales and Marketing Director at Backhouse, comments: “At Backhouse, we're passionate about helping local residents take their first step onto the property ladder. Through the government backed First Homes scheme, our dedicated sales team is here to guide first-time buyers and essential workers through what can often feel like a daunting process. We understand that homeownership can seem out of reach, but we're committed to making it accessible through a straightforward, supportive, and personalised experience that puts our buyers' needs first.”
Homes at Backhouse Highworth feature contemporary elevations with expansive windows and a palette of high-quality materials, creating a distinctive development inspired by local architecture. The first phase of the popular development sold out quickly. Designed for contemporary living, the second phase, which includes the First Homes, is now offering 43 homes in beautiful rural surroundings. There are expansive areas of green open space which, combined with the fields to the south, ensure that every home enjoys stunning countryside views.
The properties at Backhouse Highworth have sustainability at their core, supporting buyers to enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle while also reducing their energy costs. Eco-friendly features include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and plentiful room for cycle storage. Prioritising outdoor space at the development has also resulted in the safeguarding of local habitats and wildlife, including a large area of public open space with woodland walks and pathways, supporting both nature and residents' wellbeing. Bird and bat boxes support local species, complemented by considerate tree-planting designed to supplement the surrounding woodland.
Homebuyers at Backhouse Highworth are ideally positioned to enjoy a range of shopping and leisure facilities in the town, including its popular Saturday market, as well as the more significant amenities of Swindon. The local area offers sports clubs, a leisure centre with swimming pool, gym and sports hall and an excellent golf course, while the McArthur Glen outlet shopping village, with 90 stores and 12 restaurants, is just a 20-minute drive away. For enjoying time outdoors, the River Thames and Cotswold Water Park are nearby, providing plentiful opportunities for water sports, angling, bird watching, off-road cycling and more.
Ideal for families, Backhouse Highworth provides easy access to a selection of local schools. Eastrop Infant, Westrop Primary and Southfield Junior are all under a mile from the development, while local secondary schools include Kingsdown School, Lydiard Park Academy and The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College.
Backhouse Highworth is also perfectly located for excellent transport links. The M4 is less than 15 minutes' drive away, providing easy access to London, the M25, Heathrow Airport, the West Country and South Wales. By train from Swindon station, Oxford is reachable in 35 minutes, Bristol Temple Meads in 40 minutes and London Paddington in 50 minutes.
Homes available through First Homes start from £154,000 for a one bedroom home.
For further information, visit https://www.backhousehousing.com/developments/backhouse-highworth-ii/ or call 01793 547063.
ENDS
For press information contact Zoe Murzell at The Oracle Group
on 0208 394 2821 or email zoe@oraclepr.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Backhouse:
Backhouse is an innovative British housebuilder delivering new homes of outstanding design quality, which respond to the needs of today's contemporary lifestyles. Backhouse is levelling up choice in the new homes market through better designed, sensibly priced, interesting homes providing smart living solutions.