Why Arch & Bloom is Guildford’s most anticipated new property launch

Located in the centre of Guildford’s £900 million regeneration growth story, Arch & Bloom is a brand-new development offering a sought-after high street location with a suite of upscale amenities. From hilltop views and riverside cafes to abundant parks and lively market squares, there is much to benefit from by investing in this development.

As the only large development under construction in Guildford’s town centre, Arch & Bloom is set to deliver 485 new homes, beating the town’s five-year average of just 134 homes a year. Early investors and homebuyers showing interest in this Berkeley scheme stand to benefit from many regeneration-led upgrades that will open up the riverside, improve transport and make Guildford a hotspot for rental demand and investment.

Location and connectivity appeal

Guildford is considered a gateway to the Surrey Hills, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just a short drive away from Arch & Bloom. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have over 450 acres of open green spaces nearby, including large parks and nature reserves such as Stoke Park and Castle Grounds.

Guildford railway station is only a short stroll away, offering quick commutes to central London in just over half an hour. Direct trains to London Waterloo take 33 minutes, making the area attractive to working professionals, students and families seeking more space and tranquillity outside the busy zones of inner London.

Quality education within short distances

For families with school-going children, Arch & Bloom is within the catchment area of several well-regarded schools. There are 12 Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ primary and secondary schools within a 1.5-mile radius of the development. Royal Grammar School, Guildford High School and Guildford County School are among the most highly rated schools in the UK. The University of Surrey, which has nearly 4,000 international students on its campus, is also less than an 8-minute drive away.

World-class amenities and market town living

In addition to well-designed one, two and three-bed apartments, residents of Arch & Bloom will also benefit from several upscale amenities provided by Berkeley, such as a 24-hour concierge, co-working space, fully-equipped gym, cinema lounge and wellness garden. Living within Guildford’s market town also means a 13% price premium compared to the wider county average.

Strong tenant demand led by regeneration, business growth and students

Average rental yields in Guildford are higher than in Greater and Inner London, with Arch & Bloom estimated to deliver yields of up to 6.3%. The upgrade of the town centre, which is part of the Guildford Economic Regeneration Programme (GERP), will create better living and investment opportunities.

Among tenant groups, there is a high demand from students and working professionals, with couples or sharers making almost 60% of the total demographic, followed by singles (31%) and families (9%). Recognised as the “Hollywood of Games”, Guildford is home to over 70 gaming studios that make up nearly 10% of the UK’s total gaming industry.

The 70-acre Surrey Research Park, which is home to over 150 companies employing over 4,500 professionals, is less than 10 minutes from the development. The Royal Surrey County Hospital is also a large employer, bringing cutting-edge healthcare facilities just a short drive away.

What investors should focus on

Local and overseas investors looking for an appreciating asset to generate rental income have encouraging numbers to evaluate. According to Land Registry data, average property prices across Guildford have increased by 11.9% in the last five years, surpassing Greater London’s average of 7.7% and the Zone 1 to 4 average of 5.2%.

Furthermore, prices in the South East are expected to grow by 21.3% over the next four years. Even rental growth in Guildford, at 39% over the last five years, is ahead of the London average of 31%. Rents are expected to grow by nearly 18% in the next four years.

As the largest housing scheme under development in Guildford, Arch & Bloom offers the opportunity to capitalise on the market town’s limited supply of new homes. Growing rental demand from diverse tenant groups supported by convenient transport, ongoing regeneration, and excellent lifestyle amenities also makes investment appealing.

Book now with Benham and Reeves

With over 65 years of residential sales and lettings experience, we understand what overseas homebuyers and investors look for in a London property. As one of the most trusted partners of several leading developers, we bring our clients the latest and best new homes across the UK capital to support their property needs and investment goals.

Arch & Bloom will be launching soon this summer, and if you would like to learn more about this development’s floor plans and pricing, or have any other queries about investing in Guildford, contact our experts today.