Bicester housing developer Graven Hill has released its latest phase of 22 new properties which will be all-electric. 

The developer said the new homes will include air source heat pump technology (ASHP) rather than gas boilers, coupled with an underfloor heating system.

Each also has a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system which reduces the heating and cooling demands of the house, while circulating warm, fresh, filtered air within it.

Gemma Davis, customer experience director at Graven Hill Village Development Company GHVDC, said: “By going all-electric with the incorporation of air source heat pumps and MVHR as standard, and now this latest trial of under floor heating, we anticipate a significant impact on the energy efficiency and sustainability of new homes at Graven Hill.

“Air source heat pumps and underfloor heating operate at lower temperatures making them an ideal match for each other, combining both means even heat distribution and reduced carbon emissions.

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"The MVHR ensures no build-up of excess humidity and captures airborne particles, including dust, via its filters.”

All builds at Graven Hill, regardless of construction form, need to meet the unique Passive Design Standards, adopted by Graven Hill since 2016 to deliver homes with higher energy standards than the statutory requirement.

The latest custom new home opportunities offer two to five-bed properties in a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes, which can be tailored with a choice of layout and finishes from a selection of options.

Ms Davis said: “We have seen a lot of interest in our latest releases, helped by new mortgage products and settling interest rates but also by the high sustainability, energy and operating efficiencies our homes are offering.

"This is also in-keeping with our vision for a low carbon community, as well as improved health and well-being outcomes.”

Ms Davis attributed some of the village’s popularity to the amenity spaces and great transport links but says that the opportunity to tailor the home’s design is also a huge draw.

“Those coming to the site are seeking more than the traditional new build.

"Some are adventurous enough to embark on a comprehensive self-build journey, but many want a contemporary home, built for them, which depending on when they are reserved can then be customised to their lifestyle.”

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The Graven Hill community has seen a new primary school, cocktail bar, wine shop, coffee shop and state-of-the-art dentist practice open over the last year.

Land has already been sold for a nursery school and space at the site frontage is allocated for a pub restaurant and continues to be marketed.

Other amenities planned include a convenience store, sports pitches, a community centre and a changing pavilion and allotments.

Graven Hill lies just 15 minutes from Oxford by train and within walking distance from Bicester Outlet Village and railway station.