RETIRED CASH BUYERS START NEW LIFE IN BEDFORD

Recent research shows that the older generation is becoming more active in the housing market, with home sales by people aged over 66 increasing by 13% since 20231. As properties age, they often develop more maintenance issues, which can lead to health or financial concerns for older homeowners. This was the case for Tim (73) and Lynne Davies (72), who recently moved to a new build home at Dandara’s Saxon Park development in Bedford, after their 40-year-old home was becoming significantly more expensive to maintain.

The couple had originally planned to downsize from their four-bedroom house and remain in the market town of Olney, Buckinghamshire. However, they struggled to find anything to meet their needs. Their search eventually led them to Biddenham, a village just 10 miles away. Here, they discovered Dandara’s Saxon Park development, which offered them the modern, low-maintenance home they were looking for.

Tim, a retired local government employee, explained: “We loved living in Olney, but maintaining our 1984 home was becoming too expensive, with costs for things like a replacement bathroom, driveway and garden patios piling up. After a six-month search, we found Saxon Park, which gave us the village lifestyle we wanted and offered easy access to all the amenities of Bedford and the surrounding area whilst being closer to family.”

Lynne added: “When we couldn’t find a suitable property in Olney we started to consider other areas that might work for us. Having come across Saxon Park, we realised that it offered us a home that would be easier to maintain as we got older. Choosing a new build was the best decision for us as we knew it would have fewer issues in the foreseeable future.”

Mortgage-free, the couple sold their Olney home for £600,000 and purchased their new home at Saxon Park for £535,000. Originally searching for a smaller property, they were surprised to find that they could still afford a four-bedroom house on this attractive development.

“We managed to sell our old home and purchase the new one seamlessly” Tim said. “We plan to use some of the funds that were released to upgrade the garden.”

Tim continued: “I am glad that we came across Saxon Park, its in an area that we weren’t previously familiar with. We were pleasantly surprised to find how close the development was to open countryside. Biddenham is a beautiful village and has the benefit of an excellent pub within easy walking distance of the development.”

Rachel Lindop, Head of Sales at Dandara Northern Home Counties, commented: “Saxon Park offers the perfect balance of village charm and convenience, with Bedford town centre just a stone’s throw away. Many buyers, like Tim and Lynne, are drawn to Biddenham for its small community feel, with quaint cafes, independent shops, local pubs, and churches within easy reach.”

“It’s wonderful to see Tim and Lynne settling in and enjoying the local amenities at Saxon Park,” Rachel added.

Now over 75% sold, Saxon Park has a range of three, four and five bedroom homes available, with prices starting from £375,000 for a three bedroom home. For more information please visit www.dandara.com/saxon-park or call 01234 430550.