NEGATIVE perceptions of Swindon are outdated and ignore the booming demand in housing for people wanting to move here.

That's according to Richard James, estate agent and ambassador for Switch on to Swindon, which has welcomed the recent Centre for Cities report putting Swindon among the best in the country for growth in house building.

According to the report, between 2016 and 2017 the town saw the second highest increase in housing stock, which at 1.8 per cent is only behind Cambridge in terms of growth, and house prices can be as much as 30 per cent less than neighbouring Reading.

It is also one of the UK’s ‘Fast Growth Cities’ of the UK alongside Cambridge, Oxford, Milton Keynes and Norwich.

Richard James, who has run Richard James Estate agents for 25 years, said: “We all know Swindon had a perception problem, it’s been one of those towns that’s been an easy target for as long as I can remember.

“But the reality is very different now. For people in the know, investors, and all the businesses relocating here it’s certainly no joke and much more of a smart choice nowadays”

“There will always be people that knock the town, the reality is the town has moved on considerably. Thousands more homes are being built here and growth looks set to continue.

He added: “It’s really simple. Housing, like any market, is based on supply and demand and without question Swindon is increasingly recognised as a growing town with a big future."

“The major house builders continue to invest here because they’re aware of the demand generated from people looking to move here from all over the UK.

"In particular we’re seeing people from the towns and cities further west and east along the M4 discovering the benefits of living here.”

Although the news from Honda is a blow for the town, he said he meets aspirational families wanting to move here to find affordable places close to London.

He added: "A lot of people tell us there is more opportunity here than where they currently live.”

“Affordability is a key driver as well and we’re an aspirational choice for people looking for bigger family homes, more disposable income and a better quality of life."

To see the full report 2019 visit www.centreforcities.org.