Mid 2026 marks a significant moment for Bury St Edmunds. The first phase of the 1,375-home Several developments in North East Bury near Great Barton is set to break ground. With a new primary school, extensive green space and a country park included in the masterplan, this is not simply another housing estate. It is a long-term urban extension.
Whenever a project of this scale is announced, established homeowners understandably ask the same questions. Will this affect my property value? Will buyers choose a new build over my home? Should I sell now or wait?
As experienced estate agents in Bury St Edmunds, we see The Severals not as a threat but as a signal of confidence in the town’s future. With the right strategy, established homes in areas such as Moreton Hall remain highly competitive and often benefit from the long term impact of sustainable expansion.
Bury St Edmunds property market in 2026 – Growth with direction
To understand what The Severals means, it is important to look at the broader market.
Recent Rightmove House Price Index data shows that average asking prices across Suffolk have remained stable, with modest year-on-year movement rather than volatility. Zoopla’s figures for commuter towns in the East of England reinforce the picture of steady demand.
Bury St Edmunds continues to attract buyers because of its unique mix of heritage, connectivity and schooling. The A14 provides strong links to Cambridge and Ipswich. The town centre offers a blend of independent retail and national brands. Schools remain a consistent driver of family demand.
This underlying strength matters. Large developments introduced into weak markets can create pressure. Introduced into stable markets, they often anchor long-term growth.
As local property experts in Bury St Edmunds, we track these trends closely to guide sellers and investors with evidence rather than speculation.
What is The Severals development
The Severals is a planned 1,375-home extension in North East Bury, close to Great Barton. The masterplan includes:
- A new primary school
- Significant green infrastructure
- A country park
- Sustainable drainage and transport planning
- A mix of housing types and tenures
The scale is substantial. Yet the inclusion of education and green space is equally significant. Developments that invest in community infrastructure tend to integrate more successfully and support surrounding neighbourhoods.
Estate agents in Bury St Edmunds understand that schools and parks often influence values more than housing numbers alone.
Infrastructure first, homes second
A new primary school increases long-term family appeal across the wider area. Even
The Severals Effect – Why expansion can anchor valuehomeowners outside the development boundary benefit from expanded educational capacity.
The proposed country park enhances lifestyle appeal. Access to open space is a powerful selling point in 2026.
Expanding the buyer pool
Population growth supports retail, leisure and employment confidence. A town investing in its future signals stability to incoming buyers.
New residents attract new services. This can enhance convenience and vibrancy for established neighbourhoods such as Moreton Hall.
Price benchmarking
New builds are typically priced at a premium per square foot due to energy efficiency, warranties and developer incentives.
This creates a reference point. Established homes that offer larger plots or mature landscaping can appear strong value by comparison.
As estate agents in Bury St Edmunds, we regularly see buyers comparing space, not simply age. When presented correctly, established properties compete effectively.
Moreton Hall versus The Severals – Established strength and new-build appeal
It is important to acknowledge that new builds have appeal.
They offer:
- High EPC ratings
- Modern kitchens and bathrooms
- Ten-year structural warranties
- Incentives such as part exchange
However, established areas like Moreton Hall offer advantages that cannot be manufactured overnight.
These include:
- Larger garden plots
- Mature trees and landscaping
- Fully established road networks
- Proven resale performance
- Community maturity
In many cases, buyers prioritise space and privacy over brand new fittings.
Experienced estate agents in Bury St Edmunds guide sellers to focus on these strengths rather than attempting to imitate a show home aesthetic.
How to market your established home in 2026
Emphasise plot and privacy
Garden depth, boundary definition and usable outdoor space should be front and centre in marketing materials. Drone photography can effectively showcase plot size compared to tighter new build layouts.
Highlight community maturity
Established schools, local shops and quiet streets are advantages. Buyers value neighbourhoods that feel settled.
Avoid competing on newness
Attempting to match developer finishes can lead to unnecessary expense. Instead, focus on presentation, cleanliness and light. Neutral décor and small updates often deliver better returns than full renovation.
Price with evidence
The biggest risk in periods of expansion is emotional pricing. Sellers may feel compelled to match or exceed new build figures. Strategic pricing informed by comparable sales remains essential.
To discuss a tailored selling strategy with local property experts in Bury St Edmunds, visit our website.
Buyers and investors – Opportunity within growth
For buyers, The Severals introduces choice. Increased supply can reduce pressure in specific price bands.
For investors, phased development offers potential uplift over time. Early phases often set a benchmark. As infrastructure completes and landscaping matures, values stabilise and may strengthen.
Established properties in Moreton Hall and surrounding areas remain attractive for rental demand due to school proximity and commuter access.
Those wishing to explore current properties for sale in Bury St Edmunds can view listings here.
Short-term competition, long-term stability
During initial launch phases, show homes generate attention. Marketing budgets are substantial. Buyer curiosity peaks.
However, once the first wave of reservations is complete, the market typically rebalances.
Established homes with strong presentation and realistic pricing continue to sell steadily. Buyers seeking larger plots or specific street locations often prefer existing neighbourhoods.
Estate agents in Bury St Edmunds play a critical role during this phase by ensuring listings are positioned accurately and competitively.
Data snapshot – Comparing established and new build dynamics
While each property is unique, broad trends are useful.
- New builds often command higher price per square foot
- Established homes typically offer larger external space
- Mature landscaping can enhance perceived privacy
- Days to secure a buyer in Bury St Edmunds remain consistent when pricing aligns with demand
Rightmove and Zoopla data consistently demonstrate that towns investing in infrastructure and sustainable growth tend to maintain stable pricing trajectories.
Frequently asked questions from local homeowners
Will The Severals reduce the value of my home?
Large-scale development does not automatically depress value. Infrastructure, schools and green space often enhance long-term appeal.
Should I sell before new homes are released?
Timing depends on personal circumstances and local pricing conditions. A professional valuation provides clarity.
Are buyers choosing new builds over established homes?
Some prefer turnkey convenience. Others actively seek mature plots and established communities. Positioning determines outcome.
How do local estate professionals value homes near new developments?
By analysing comparable sales, square footage, plot size and market demand rather than relying solely on developer pricing.
Homeowners considering their next step can arrange a valuation here.
Growth as a signal of confidence
The Severals represents confidence in Bury St Edmunds. Developers commit at this scale only where long-term demand is strong.
For established homeowners, the key is perspective. Sustainable urban extension is not competition in isolation. It is an investment in the town’s future.
With careful positioning and evidence-based pricing, established homes in Moreton Hall and surrounding neighbourhoods remain highly attractive.
At Martin & Co Bury St Edmunds, we combine detailed local knowledge with national marketing reach to help sellers navigate change confidently. As trusted estate agents in Bury St Edmunds, our focus is simple. Present your property’s strengths clearly, interpret market data accurately and secure the best possible outcome in a growing town.
