Construction work on the long-anticipated Bath Quays Links has officially begun. As of January 12, 2026, new cycleways and walking routes are being built to better connect Oldfield Park, Lower Bristol Road and Bath city centre. But this isn’t just good news for cyclists and pedestrians. It’s a sign of rising appeal across some of the city’s most accessible residential corridors – especially for buyers and investors who are keeping a close eye on the Bath property market in 2026.
With the wider property market adjusting following record highs in 2021 and 2022, local factors like improved infrastructure play a crucial role in protecting long-term value. In this article, we explore how the Bath Quays Links are changing the landscape for buyers and investors, and why now could be the ideal time to consider property in Oldfield Park and along Lower Bristol Road.
What are the Bath Quays Links?
The Bath Quays Links are part of a major infrastructure programme to support active travel in the city. The focus is on improving access for people walking and cycling, while reducing congestion and supporting Bath’s wider sustainability goals.
Key features of the scheme include:
- A new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Avon
- Improved crossings and signal-controlled junctions
- Widened pavements and safer cycleways along Lower Bristol Road
- Better links between the city centre, Oldfield Park and Bath Quays North
The aim is simple: make it easier for residents to get around without relying on a car. That’s not just a boost for commuters – it also has real implications for property appeal.
Oldfield Park: Rising demand in a commuter-friendly area
For years, Oldfield Park has been one of Bath’s most sought-after areas, particularly among first-time buyers, young professionals and families. With strong local amenities, excellent schools and quick access to Bath Spa station, the neighbourhood already offered value.
Now, with the Bath Quays Links set to improve walkability and reduce journey times into the city centre, demand is expected to grow further. For buyers looking to stay car-free, or investors seeking long-term rental potential, this is a location with real momentum.
According to the latest data from Rightmove, average house prices in Oldfield Park stand at £468,000 as of January 2026 – a modest 2.1% annual decline in a cooling market. But that compares favourably with more significant drops across other parts of the South West. This relative stability shows how infrastructure projects like the Bath Quays Links can help protect values when wider conditions are uncertain.
Martin & Co Bath has also seen a notable uptick in demand for Victorian terraces with garden space and proximity to Moorland Road. These properties remain popular with both owner-occupiers and landlords alike.
Lower Bristol Road: A corridor of opportunity
Long considered a practical location for renters and commuters, Lower Bristol Road is now on the radar of more investors than ever before. Improved cycleways and crossings will reduce journey times into the city centre and nearby university campuses, while helping tenants and homeowners alike to travel more safely.
In recent months, property searches for flats and houses along Lower Bristol Road have increased by 12%, according to Zoopla. One- and two-bedroom flats remain in high demand, with average asking prices of £278,000 – notably below the Bath average.
For investors, the appeal is clear. This part of the city offers:
- Affordable entry points compared to central Bath
- Strong rental yields, particularly from postgraduate students and professionals
- Access to ongoing regeneration projects and improved public realm
Martin & Co Bath has several listings in this area that are already drawing high interest – both for purchase and lettings. As a result, we expect buyer competition to increase throughout 2026 as the Bath Quays Links take shape.
What does the data say about the Bath property market in 2026?
While national headlines focus on broader price adjustments, the local picture in Bath is more nuanced. Here’s a snapshot based on the latest available data:
- Rightmove HPI: Prices in Bath fell by 1.8% in Q4 2025, but transaction volumes have remained steady.
- Zoopla Price Index: The BA2 postcode (covering Lower Bristol Road and Oldfield Park) shows average prices holding firm compared to the wider South West.
- ONS Data: Annual growth in Bath sits at -0.9% year-on-year, compared with a UK average of -2.4%.
The key takeaway? Bath continues to outperform many comparable cities – and infrastructure projects like the Bath Quays Links are part of the reason why. Homes that offer walkable access to work, amenities and green space are holding their value better than those reliant on car travel.
Active travel and property value: The wider UK trend
There’s growing evidence that well-designed active travel infrastructure has a positive impact on local property markets. Research from Transport for London found that high streets with improved walking and cycling access saw up to a 30% increase in retail rental value and footfall.
In other cities, like Cambridge and Bristol, areas close to new cycleways have seen:
- Increased buyer demand
- Faster sales
- More resilient values in slower markets
The same pattern is now playing out in Bath. As the Quays Links take shape, buyers and renters are prioritising locations where walking and cycling are easy, safe and supported by the local council.
For investors, this means targeting areas that benefit from the new connections. For buyers, it means a better lifestyle and more confidence in their long-term investment.
A wider regeneration story for Bath
While the Bath Quays Links are a major part of the city’s transport strategy, they also support a wider regeneration effort that includes:
- Bath Western Riverside housing developments
- The continued growth of Bath Quays North and South commercial zones
- Public realm improvements along the river and city centre
These projects are helping to attract new employers, create jobs and improve the overall quality of life in the city. For homebuyers, that translates into better long-term value. For landlords, it means a more stable tenant base and more resilient yields.
Martin & Co Bath continues to work closely with buyers and investors looking to capitalise on these trends.
What this means for buyers and investors in 2026
If you’re looking to buy, sell or invest in Bath property in 2026, now is the time to act.
- For buyers: Oldfield Park and Lower Bristol Road offer excellent value, improved connectivity and access to Bath’s key employment zones. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up the ladder, these areas deserve your attention.
- For investors: These neighbourhoods provide strong rental demand, improving infrastructure and stable prices. Yields remain competitive, and the Bath Quays Links will only strengthen the long-term picture.
If you own a home in the area, we can help you understand how the market is shifting and what your property could be worth today. We offer both instant online valuations and in-person appraisals from our local team.
Book your free valuation today.
In summary
The Bath property market in 2026 is showing clear signs of resilience, especially in areas with strong local investment. The Bath Quays Links construction is more than a transport upgrade – it’s a catalyst for regeneration, boosting appeal for buyers, tenants and investors alike.
As local experts, Martin & Co Bath is here to help you navigate these changes. Whether you’re looking for your next home or exploring a buy-to-let opportunity, we’d love to help.
Browse properties, request a valuation or talk to our team today – and take advantage of everything the 2026 Quays Connection has to offer.
