Residents moving into the Wixams housing development south of Bedford are proof that a new home is still an option, despite the economic downturn.

Thanks to the way housing association bpha negotiated land deals at the site, it has been able to continue building when other sites have been ‘mothballed’ and its first residents are now moving in.

Tenants who have applied to bpha through Bedfordshire’s Choice-Based Lettings scheme have already started moving in and now the affordable ownership homes are also available.

Affordable ownership helps people to get a foot on the property ladder and at Wixams, two and three bedroom rent-to-buy properties start at £405 per month, while shared ownership homes start at £38,000.

John Cross, Chief Executive of bpha, said: “Seeing our first residents move into their homes is an incredible moment. This development has been 10 years in the making and has involved an extraordinary amount of commitment from staff at bpha and all the partners who have been involved.

“Working on a major new development that straddles numerous boundaries and involves building a new railway station does not happen overnight!

“This is good news for the whole of Bedfordshire – it’s the start of properties coming through for people needing a home and the fact that we have been able to continue building through the recession is a great boost for the local economy.”

Building through the recession has proved to be a good move for bpha, with new homes and community facilities at the development starting to provide relief from some of the area’s urgent housing needs.

Anyone interested in affordable ownership options at this new community should contact 0845 4566757 or info@keyhomes-east.org.uk