Since 1994 nearly 6,500 dwellings have been built in Swindon. A large proportion of housing development has been concentrated in the Northern Development Area, where nearly 3,300 houses have been built so far. House building in the Northern Development Area is likely to continue until 2009/10, by which time it is expected that the area will contain over 9,000 dwellings.

In the Southern Development Area up to 4,500 dwellings are planned. Development of this area is likely to take place between 2005 and 2011.

Smaller housing sites will be allocated in the Local Plan Review, and will include a number of brownfield sites. Some of these will be in the town centre. Housing developments are already coming forward in the central area, such as Plaza 21, a scheme of 71 apartments which has recently been completed.

Currently, there is quite a lot of property to buy on the market, although there may be a slight shortage of three-bedroom properties on the west side of Swindon. However, it must be stressed that this shortage is minimal. First time buyers should be looking at a price around £85,000 in Swindon.