Barnwood-based housebuilder Newland Homes has reopened the doors of its showhomes and marketing suites across the South West in response to a phenomenal demand for new homes.

The firm has applied COVID-19 Government guidelines at its marketing suites and show homes to ensure a safe and socially distanced environment for the benefit of staff and visitors alike.

Viewing appointments must now be booked in advance, enabling the sales team to tailor the viewings to specific requirements and make it bespoke, whilst also limiting visitor numbers to two people at any one time.

A whole host of other measures have been introduced such as safety screens, hand sanitizers and gloves, plus each site has recruited a special cleaning operative who is responsible for rigorously cleaning all touchpoints to help keep people safe.

Newland Homes says that it has experienced astonishing levels of interest in its nine developments located across the South West during the lockdown period, with people continuing to reserve their desired plots remotely. Since the business was given the green light by the Government to re-open its show homes, it says that more reservations have been recorded and a bumper crop of new interested parties has come forward.

One scheme in particular, Barbican Walk in Barnstaple, sold more than 60 per cent of its available properties during the lockdown period, leaving only two plots remaining for sale.

Erica Povey, field sales manager at Newland Homes, said: "We had a number of transactions in process when lockdown started, and our focus was on keeping these moving and providing reassurance to the many buyers who were stuck in limbo.

"What we hadn't anticipated over the last few months was the level of interest we would receive from new buyers, who have used the enforced time at home to research their next move and who have been the first out of the blocks when lockdown eased."

The sales teams continued to work remotely during lockdown and adapted to a virtual world of online video demonstrations and show home tours. These will continue, as they have proven popular with people who enjoy the ability to view from the comfort of their armchair.

Ms Povey added: "Understandably, people's search criteria has changed in light of coronavirus and as our homes are thoughtfully designed in handpicked locations, our schemes tick a lot of boxes.

"We are seeing increased interest in our developments with good outdoor space, such as at Newark Meadows where homes back onto meadowland. Provision for a home office, reliable broadband and easy access to the great outdoors are also high on the list, so schemes like Twyning Green in Twyning, with its rural, riverside surroundings, have prompted much interest."

Appointments are available daily, from 11am to 5pm, at Newland Homes' sales offices and show homes at Newark Meadows, Rectory Gardens, New Town Park and Twyning Green. 

For more information, please visit www.newlandhomes.co.uk or call 01452 623000.