If you’re looking for a new place to call home, look no further than the charming market town of Skipton.

At Space Homes, we currently have a range of 2-5 bedroom spacious homes at our Ellerwood development available and ready to buy. With many appealing attributes, it’s really no surprise that this friendly and welcoming town has been voted as one of the best towns to live in Yorkshire. So let’s take a look at what makes this market town a truly great place to call home and why it should be at the top of your list of considerations if you’re looking for a new home that’s fit for purpose both now and in your later years
 

A town with a rich history stretching back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons, one of the highlights of Skipton is its castle.

Sitting at the top of Skipton’s high street, at over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved examples of mediaeval castles in England. And the castle is a great starting point from which to explore the bustling and lively high street. Unlike many market towns, Skipton has retained its individual charm through its range of independent shops, as well as established favourites (such as M&S), which can be found in Thanet’s Yard and Craven Court Shopping Centre. Selling food, art, gifts and much more, it’s a town that has everything you need (and most of it is well within walking distance). Skipton’s market days are also another reason why it’s the place to be. There’s several market days which run throughout the week, attracting shoppers from smaller towns all around. Skipton is also home to a number of restaurants suitable for every budget, as well as artisan coffee shops and craft beer bars.

A gateway to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, the bustling high street isn’t the only reason why Skipton is a sought after place to call home.

The Dales offer some of the most beautiful scenery in all of England ranging from open moorland to forestry (it’s God’s own county after all!). There’s a host of walking trails, hiking and cycling routes to explore, and Skipton is a fantastic base from which to explore, regardless of whether it’s a challenging hike or a gentle ramble that you’re after. Undoubtedly one of the most well known places to visit in the local area is Malham Cove, which is just a half hour car journey from Skipton. But even closer to our Elerwood development, you’ll find that the woods which surround Skipton Castle offer an easy and pleasant walk for all of the family to enjoy, no matter what their age.
 

Why buy a new build home in Skipton?

We’ve already established that Skipton is a town full of rich history, plenty of charm and scenic beauty on its doorstep. So why buy a newly built home there? Well, if you’re already approaching retirement or you’re looking to invest in your forever home, a new build has a number of benefits which make them well worth considering.
Newly built homes are, of course, new. They’re ready to move into, and unlike older properties on the market, they don’t come with a to-do list of repairs, renovations and the pressing need to decorate (all of which can be expensive, time consuming and hard work). This means that in your retirement, you can move into your new home and enjoy living there from the very start.
 

Many newly built homes today come with a garden, and our homes in Skipton are no exception.

So for those who wish to spend part of their retirement curating an outdoor space in which to spend time and enjoy, the garden plots of newly built homes are the perfect blank canvas to transform into an outdoor area that’s your very own. Alternatively, for those whose interests don’t lie in gardening, it’s easy to turn the garden plot into a low maintenance space that won’t require regular care and attention to keep it looking its best.

Another reason why you should consider buying new is that new homes are far more energy efficient than older properties on the market.

Research based on Government Energy Performance Certificate data has found that those who choose to buy a new build home on average will save around £2,600 a year in energy bills. Part of this saving comes from the fact that new build homes are better insulated and are fitted with double glazing as standard. So in the winter months when the temperatures drop, new homes will remain warm and comfortable living spaces whilst saving you money. But saving on bills isn’t the only reason why a well insulated home is important in the colder months.

Colder weather can be dangerous, particularly when it comes to the health and wellbeing of older people. It increases the likelihood and severity of the flu, and can lead to chest infections and other respiratory problems. So whilst it’s great to save on bills, a new home with the proper insulation to keep you warm is also going to support your physical health and wellbeing, especially as you get older.
 

Did you know new build homes are built with accessibility features in mind?

A final reason why it’s well worth considering buying new is that The National House Building Council has a number of regulations and guidelines in place which ensure that new homes are designed and built with accessibility features in mind. Builders are encouraged to consider adaptability and flexibility in their designs in order to accommodate the potentially changing needs of those who are buying new homes. This is to ensure that newly built homes are suitable for a lifetime.

This means that newly built homes will have features such as wider entrances, doorways and corridors to accommodate wheelchair access, as well as provisions for home and stair lifts. So whilst this might not be a current need when buying a new home, it most certainly provides peace of mind that if circumstances were to change in later life, you’re already living in a property that can accommodate those changes and moving homes won’t be necessary.

So whether you’re already retired, or are moving closer to retirement, it’s evident that buying a newly built home has many advantages over buying an older property. From saving you money on bills, supporting your physical health and wellbeing to having the flexibility to accommodate lifestyle changes in their design and build down the line, it makes sense to buy new. And with Skipton being such a desirable and friendly town, located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, there isn’t a better time to visit our Ellerwood development and find the perfect home to enjoy and make the most of your retirement in.