The Rise Of Apartment Living: How Buyer Priorities Are Evolving In Bath

In previous decades, the dream home was often defined by more: more space, more rooms and more land. Today, however, buyer priorities are evolving. Instead of asking how much they can own, many buyers are increasingly contemplating how much life they can enjoy amongst it.

This changing mindset is helping to accelerate demand for apartment living across Bath, where residents are increasingly prioritising walkability, culture, connectivity and convenience alongside the character and quality of their home. According to City & Country, the award-winning heritage developer behind Bath Press, buyers are progressively pursuing homes that enable them to experience more of the city they have chosen to live in.

Michael Burt, Sales Director at City & Country, said: “For a long time, homeownership was often viewed through the lens of accumulation, and the natural markers of success were defined by surface area. What we are seeing today is a more nuanced definition of value.

“Buyers are placing greater emphasis on culture, walkability, convenience and a connection to the places they choose to live in. In a city such as Bath, where so much of its appeal lies beyond the front door, apartment living offers the opportunity to be immersed in the city and enjoy it as a part of everyday life, as opposed to an occasional pleasure.”

Situated on the former Pitman Press site on Lower Bristol Road, Bath Press is transforming one of the city’s most recognisable industrial landmarks into a collection of contemporary apartments and townhouses. The development fuses modern living with the rich heritage that has shaped Bath for generations and will continue to do so in the years to come.

In a city celebrated for its Georgian architecture, thriving independent businesses and vibrant cultural scene, apartment living offers residents the opportunity to become integrated into the rhythm of daily life.

For many buyers, the appeal lies not in sacrificing space, but instead in gaining freedom. Residents benefit from increased flexibility and a deeper connection to the places and experiences that shape their lives.

Bath Press comprises a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside a limited number of four-bedroom townhouses, carefully arranged around landscaped courtyard gardens. The development blends contemporary architecture with retained heritage features to create homes that are both rooted in Bath’s history and designed to complement modern living. Many homes benefit from private terraces or balconies, while selected properties also include dedicated parking, all within walking distance of Bath city centre and Bath Spa railway station.

Michael Burt adds: “One of the most fascinating adaptations we’re seeing is that buyers are becoming ever more intentional about the ways in which they live. People are thoroughly dissecting how their home can enhance their lifestyle and connect them more closely with the places they love.

“Bath is a city that rewards exploration. Its architecture, cultural attractions, history and independent businesses create a charming environment in which people naturally want to spend time outdoors and engage with the city around them. Apartment living supports that lifestyle in a way that many traditional housing models cannot.

“There is also something fitting about giving new purpose to a place that was once dedicated to sharing stories and ideas. Today, Bath Press is creating the foundation for a new generation of stories, shaped by the people who have chosen to call it home.”

Situated in Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage setting, Bath Press represents one of the city’s most significant regeneration projects, preserving an important chapter of Bath’s industrial heritage while creating a vibrant new residential community for the future.

The development offers thoughtfully crafted one, two and three-bedroom apartments and a selection of four-bedroom townhouses, all located in walking distance of the city centre. Prices start from £350,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. To find out more, or make an enquiry, visit www.cityandcountry.co.uk.