Online property searches on Rightmove for homes in Bedford nearly tripled earlier this week amid reports a theme park could be built in the area. 

The announcement of the Universal theme park in Bedford also included plans for  investment in local transport and infrastructure, boosting its attractiveness to potential buyers. 

Spanning 476 acres, the attraction would, if it goes ahead, be one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe. 

There are also proposals for a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex. 

Advocates of the theme park said it could bring in 8.5million visitors in its first year alone, after opening its gates in 2031. 

Keir Starmer stated Universal would create around 28,000 jobs - 20,000 in the construction period and 8,000 working on the site when it opens to visitors in 2031. 

He said the theme park could generate nearly £50billion for the economy by 2055. 

The proposals to transform the site, a former brickworks, remain subject to a formal planning decision process from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Rachel Reeves said the planned investment by Universal was 'a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business'.

Will Bedford homeowners see a property price spike? 

Some local residents in Bedford have already expressed concerns over the proposed theme park, voicing worries over congestion and its environmental impact. 

They have also questioned whether it will drive up house prices in the area. This could be good news for those who already own a home nearby, but not so much for those hoping to get on the ladder.  

Steve Pimblett, chief data officer at Rightmove, said: 'There's no doubt that the Universal announcement has put Bedford in the spotlight, with people heading to Rightmove to check out how much it costs to move to the town.

'If this development brings new transport links and infrastructure improvements in and around the town then we anticipate a rise in demand and property prices over the coming years, as we approach the park's opening.'

He added: 'There will of course be a massive increase in demand for holiday accommodation. 

'So there will be much to navigate to ensure that it's the local residents, and those people wanting to move to Bedford and make it their new permanent home, that benefit most from the huge investment in the area.' 

The average asking price for a property in Bedford in March 2025 was £320,003, a 0.4 per cent increase compared to the previous month, and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to last year.

By comparison, the national average asking price for a property stands at £371,870, Rightmove said.

A spokesperson for Michael Graham Estate Agents in Bedford told This is Money: 'We're seeing strong demand for a wide range of properties, from period homes in the town centre and riverside apartments to family houses in surrounding villages like Bromham and Clapham. 

'The area offers exceptional value compared to other parts of the commuter belt, which continues to draw buyers from London and beyond.

'The proposed Universal Studios theme park is incredibly exciting. It has the potential to transform the area economically and culturally, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and raising Bedford's profile nationally and internationally. 

'From a property perspective, this level of investment often leads to increased demand and rising values, which is encouraging news for both existing homeowners and those looking to move to the area.' 

Four homes up for sale in Bedford

This extended five-bedroom semi-detached house on Howbury Street, Bedford, is on sale via Hollands Smith for £525,000. 

It has three reception rooms with feature fireplaces and the kitchen has been refitted with modern units and wooden worksurfaces. There are also French doors opening to the back garden. 

The property is situated within the popular Castle Road area, which is home to a slew of cafes, coffee shops and delis. 

This two-bedroom first-floor flat, which spans around 821 sq. ft., is on sale via Wilson Peacock for offers over £210,000. 

It is located on De Parys Avenue in Bedford, right in the centre of town and within walking distance of the train station. 

Inside, the flat has an entrance hall with storage cupboard, a bay-fronted lounge and diner, a kitchen and a main double bedroom and second bedroom, which are both serviced via one bathroom. 

There are 88 years left on the lease, so any potential buyer may wish to consider extending it.

The service charge for the flat is £1,000 per year, while the ground rent is £200 each year. The flat comes with a garage and allocated parking space. 

This three-bedroom terraced house in Bedford is on sale via Cooper Wallace for £290,000. 

The property is immaculate and has been well-maintained by its current owners. 

Externally, the property has a low-maintenance back garden providing access to a  garage, a carport and gated off-road parking. 

The front of the property also has a neat front garden. It would be an ideal home for a first-time buyer and has good transport links for Milton Keynes and Luton. 

This 10-bedroom detached house spanning three floors is on sale via Goodacres Residential for £3.5million. 

Park House was built in 1873 and stands as a striking piece of Victorian architecture in a French Gothic style. 

A focal point in the house is a grand central staircase made from oak with decorative Bath stone around a three sided gallery. The property also has hand-carved oak doors, original marble fireplaces and ornate coving. It has eight reception rooms. 

The property is approached down a private tree-lined driveway which leads to a large gravelled circular driveway for multiple vehicles. 

The gardens immediately surrounding the house extend to around 2.8 acres. A further 20 acres of parkland is available, which has a double garage, five stables and a loose box with a manége.