Luxury New Homes Struggle to Sell, Drawing Criticism for Design and Price
Seven executive homes costing up to £1.2 million have largely remained on the market for over a year near Bristol, facing online backlash for their appearance and high cost.
A development of seven executive new-build homes, with asking prices reaching up to £1.2 million, has seen minimal sales activity for more than a year, prompting harsh criticism from the public regarding their design and cost.
The Rangeworthy Park development, located in the semi-rural village of Rangeworthy in South Gloucestershire, near Bristol, went on sale in April 2025. Estate agents initially promoted the properties as a significant addition to the area. However, 15 months later, only one of the detached four and five-bedroom houses has officially sold, according to available records.
Some properties have already seen price reductions in an attempt to attract buyers. Two of the five-bedroom homes are currently listed at £1.2 million, down from an initial £1.25 million. Another property, initially listed at £1.1 million in April 2025, had its price reduced by £50,000 in December. A four-bedroom house also saw its price drop from £975,000 to £895,000.
Online commentary has been largely negative, with critics describing the white-rendered homes as "soulless," "oversized sheds," and "industrial units crossed with beach huts." Many online commenters expressed that the properties appear out of sync with the surrounding area and are significantly overpriced, especially given their location and the density of the plots. For context, the average property sale price in Rangeworthy is approximately £472,000.
One critique highlighted the proximity of the houses to each other, suggesting they are packed together more like a city development than a rural estate. The asking price of £1.2 million was frequently cited as unrealistic by reviewers.
Agents Savills described the development as offering a "premium product" that breaks the local price ceiling. Promotional materials characterize Rangeworthy Park as a collection of "stunning homes" inspired by agricultural surroundings, designed to have a "commanding presence" and blend with the natural landscape. A £1.2 million five-bedroom property features 2,562 sq ft of living space, three bathrooms, a formal drawing room, home office, garage, and an open-plan kitchen and living area with bifold doors. The principal bedroom includes a dressing area, en-suite bathroom, and a Juliet balcony.
Despite the upscale marketing, the lack of buyer interest suggests a disconnect between the developer's vision and the market's perception of value and design in this price bracket.