URGENT UPDATE: A father’s dream of owning a home in Stoke Gifford has turned into a nightmare, as he endures over a year of delays and mounting frustration. Sam Marshall, a 35-year-old self-employed painter and decorator, was initially told his new house in the Highbrook View Phase Two estate would be ready in November 2024. However, repeated postponements have left him and his nine-year-old daughter in a precarious situation.
Despite an initial completion date of January 17, 2025, the property remains uninhabitable, forcing Marshall to share a single room in temporary accommodations since August 2025. The ongoing uncertainty has not only disrupted his work and family life but has also taken a severe emotional toll on his daughter, who has been eagerly awaiting their move.
“The constant delays and broken promises have been devastating,” Marshall stated. “I entered into shared ownership in good faith, but the ongoing failures have caused extreme hardship for my family, placing us in an entirely avoidable crisis.” His financial burden is staggering, with Marshall estimating he has spent £12,300 on rent, £1,225 on storage, and £790 on dog care while waiting for his home.
The emotional impact on his daughter is profound. “If it was just me, it wouldn’t be so bad, but she’s been looking forward to this, and now we’re sharing a room,” he shared. “She’s been crying, and the uncertainty is impacting her the most.”
Marshall has received various explanations for the delays, the latest being issues with the property’s garden. Officials from Sovereign Housing, the company managing the property, acknowledged the difficulties faced by Marshall and his family. “We understand how challenging this situation is,” a spokesperson said. “We are working closely with Crest Nicholson to ensure all compliance, safety, and technical standards are met before the property is handed over.”
As of December 3, 2025, Marshall still lacks a confirmed move-in date, leaving him with no choice but to consider moving to Wales to live with his parents. This would mean uprooting his daughter from her primary school in north Bristol, further complicating an already distressing situation.
Sovereign Housing emphasizes the importance of not giving notice on current accommodations until a move-in date is fully confirmed. “We will not move a customer into a property while outstanding issues remain,” the spokesperson reiterated.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for better communication and support from housing authorities to prevent families from facing such avoidable crises. As this situation continues to unfold, Marshall and his daughter remain in limbo, desperately awaiting the home they were promised.
Stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue impacting families across Bristol.
