Why do new build communities feel safer and more connected?

With research from the HBF and Rightmove finding that a sense of community is a top priority for buyers, it's clear that choosing a new home is about so much more than the property itself.

With this in mind, we are proud to build our new homes in carefully chosen locations, creating developments that offer safe surroundings, modern homes and spaces designed to encourage people to come together. Below, you can learn more about why living on a new build development often feels noticeably safer and far more connected.

Why location makes all the difference

If you ask anyone what helps them feel comfortable at home, they will more than likely bring up the local area long before they start talking about the house itself. That is exactly why the location is one of the very first things we consider before even a single brick is laid on site.

We are proud to build a range of new homes in Cumbria, which consistently ranks among some of the safest areas in the country, regularly recording lower crime levels than many other regions. It’s home to two of our new build developments, Kents Bank in Grange-over-Sands and Burlington Rise in Kirkby-in-Furness, both of which offer stunning countryside views and quieter surroundings that are ideal for anyone looking for a fresh start.

We take that same thoughtful approach when choosing locations outside of Cumbria, carefully selecting spots that provide plenty of safety and comfort. Located on the eastern edge of Rochdale, Wildhouse Meadows in Milnrow is close to the South Pennines, offering easy access to open fields and trails while keeping you within easy reach of Greater Manchester. Meanwhile, The Copse in Walton Park, situated just south of Preston city centre, is set in an area known for its green spaces, well-maintained surroundings and convenient location.

Why new build neighbours often get to know each other

One of the things homeowners regularly share with us about living in a new build community is just how quickly they end up getting to know the people living nearby. That tends to be one of the clearest differences between moving onto a brand new development and buying on an established street, where many of your neighbours might have been living in their homes for years.

When everyone is moving in at roughly the same time, you all share a very similar experience right from day one. And because of that shared start, friendships usually end up forming in a natural way over those first few months.

Green spaces bring more than great views

Having open green spaces right on your doorstep gives you so much more than somewhere to look at from your window. It can change how often you get outdoors each day, which can make it much easier to build healthier habits.

Plus, bringing up children in a new home near the countryside means they develop hobbies rooted in the outdoors rather than in front of a screen, and research shows that people living in greener, less built-up areas experience better mental health than those in heavily urbanised settings.

This is something we’ve considered when choosing the locations for our new homes. Our Burlington Rise development in Kirkby-in-Furness sits just a short distance from the Lake District, while our upcoming development in Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, provides stunning views across Morecambe Bay. Wildhouse Meadows in Milnrow benefits from being near the South Pennines, and you’ll find Walton Park just a few minutes’ walk from your front door at The Copse.

The everyday features that help people feel safer

Beyond location, it's often the smaller details that make the biggest difference to how safe a place feels to live. Our new build developments near the countryside are laid out with wide roads, clear footpaths, effective lighting and open areas that feel welcoming to walk through no matter what time of year it is.

We also often build playgrounds and green spaces within our developments, often positioned centrally so parents can easily keep an eye on things while their children play outside with the kids from down the street.

Safety built into every new build home

Of course, feeling safe at home has a lot to do with what goes on behind your own front door. Each of our new build homes is built to match updated building regulations, which cover everything from structural stability and fire protection to high-grade insulation and modern wiring. These standards are very different from the regulations that were in place when older properties were first constructed, which means you get to enjoy the full benefit of updated building practices and modern materials.

Additionally, our new homes are fitted with hard-wired smoke and heat sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup, alongside modern electrical systems fitted to the latest safety guidelines. On top of that, multi-point locking entrance doors and robust double-glazed window frames are fitted as standard, giving you peace of mind that your home has been constructed with safety and security in mind.

Feel safe and sound in your next home with Lancet

From the most desirable corners of Cumbria to family-friendly towns in Lancashire, we’re proud to offer more than just houses at Lancet Homes. We build safe, welcoming new build communities where the outdoors is always close by, and every home is built to the highest standards of safety and security.

If you're ready to find a place where you can settle down, raise a family, or enjoy life at a slower pace, take a look through our current and upcoming new build developments for sale here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why new build neighbourhoods feel safe and friendly

Are new build homes safer than older homes?

Generally, yes. New build homes are constructed to meet current building regulations that cover fire safety, structural strength, and modern electrical standards. They also come equipped with built-in features like smoke alarms, secure multi-point locking doors, and long-term warranty coverage to give you extra peace of mind.

Why do people say new build developments feel friendlier?

Because so many people move into the area at roughly the same time, it feels much easier to strike up conversations and get to know the people nearby, which helps everyone feel settled much faster.

Why is location important when buying a new build home?

The surrounding area shapes your living experience just as much as the layout of the property itself. Having good transport connections, local schools nearby, accessible green spaces, and a well-planned neighbourhood come together to create a place you will enjoy living in for many years.

Do Lancet Homes build in countryside locations?

Yes, a lot of our new build developments are situated right near open fields, local parks, and scenic walking trails. Developments like Burlington Rise, Kents Bank, Wildhouse Meadows, and The Copse all give you quick access to the outdoors while keeping you well connected to nearby towns and cities.