A new development of 20 affordable homes in New Ferry has been fully let in less than two weeks, highlighting significant demand for accessible housing in the area. The Sorrel Place development, a key part of the town's regeneration, saw all its apartments reserved off-plan shortly after release.
Delivered through a partnership between property agency Redwing, The Regenda Group, and Wirral Council, the project offers a pathway to homeownership for local residents through the government's Rent to Buy scheme.
Key Takeaways
- All 20 homes at the Sorrel Place development in New Ferry were reserved in under 14 days.
- The apartments are part of the Rent to Buy scheme, offering reduced rent to help tenants save for a deposit.
- The project is a collaboration between Redwing, The Regenda Group, and Wirral Council to support the area's regeneration.
- High demand was driven by months of community engagement, resulting in a substantial waiting list before the homes were even listed.
- This is the first phase of a larger housing project, with a second phase planned to deliver an additional 43 homes.
Exceptional Demand Highlights Housing Need
The rapid uptake of all 20 apartments at Sorrel Place underscores the strong local need for high-quality, affordable housing options. Liverpool-based agency Redwing confirmed that every home was reserved off-plan within two weeks of becoming available.
This success was anticipated due to extensive community engagement in the months leading up to the launch, which generated a significant waiting list of interested parties. The development consists of 13 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom apartments.
Jessica Turner, head of sales, lettings and growth at Redwing, commented on the success: “We’re so pleased that all homes at Sorrel Place were reserved off-plan – and in less than two weeks! We had a huge waiting list thanks to months of engagement with the local community, so we knew there was real excitement around this development.”
The swift reservations demonstrate a clear market for schemes that provide a viable route onto the property ladder, especially in areas undergoing significant revitalization.
A Closer Look at Rent to Buy
The homes at Sorrel Place are offered exclusively through the Rent to Buy scheme, a government-backed initiative designed to help people transition from renting to owning their own home. This model is proving increasingly popular among first-time buyers.
How Rent to Buy Works
The Rent to Buy scheme allows tenants to rent a newly built home at approximately 20% below the market rate. This reduction is intended to give them the opportunity to save money for a deposit. After an initial rental period, tenants have the option to purchase the property they have been living in.
At Sorrel Place, rental prices begin at £580 per calendar month, which already includes the 20% discount. This pricing structure is designed to make saving for a future mortgage more manageable for working households.
Jessica Turner added, “With the homes available through Rent to Buy, they offer a brilliant opportunity for people to take that first step onto the property ladder – it’s no surprise they’ve been snapped up so quickly.”
A Cornerstone of New Ferry's Regeneration
The Sorrel Place development is a central component of the wider regeneration strategy for New Ferry. The project is a collaborative effort aimed at revitalizing the town centre with modern, architecturally valuable housing.
Wirral Council has been working closely with The Regenda Group to ensure the new developments meet the needs of the community while contributing positively to the urban landscape. The project is not just about building homes; it's about rebuilding a community hub.
Project Partnership
- Redwing: The Liverpool-based property agency responsible for letting the homes.
- The Regenda Group: A housing and regeneration organisation delivering the development.
- Wirral Council: The local authority partner guiding the area's overall regeneration strategy.
Cllr Mark Skillicorn, chair of Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration and housing committee, praised the project's progress.
“It’s fantastic to see how quickly the new homes at Sorrell Place have been reserved and goes to show how important our focus on delivering high quality, affordable homes is. Our partnership with The Regenda Group in New Ferry is a cornerstone of revitalising the area.”
The council's vision extends beyond housing. Complementary improvements to local roads and public spaces are planned over the coming months to enhance the town centre for both new and existing residents.
Phased Development and Future Plans
The completion of Sorrel Place marks a significant milestone in the first phase of New Ferry's housing-led regeneration. The new residents, expected to move in during November 2025, will join a growing community of people benefiting from the renewal efforts.
They will be the second group to move into new homes as part of the project. This follows the successful housing of 14 residents on nearby Bebington Road in properties managed by social landlord Regenda Homes under an affordable rent model.
The momentum is set to continue, with a second phase of the project already in the development stage. This next phase is planned to bring a further 43 homes to the area, continuing the effort to provide diverse and accessible housing options.
Cllr Skillicorn noted the importance of this moment: “As the new residents move in this Autumn, it’s a real milestone for the continued investment in the local community.”
This long-term, phased approach ensures that development is sustainable and integrated with broader infrastructure improvements, helping to foster a thriving and resilient community in New Ferry for years to come.