New build figures at their best since Enya & Kylie topped the charts but worrying devil in the ‘home start’ detail

November 1, 2019
new build homes essex uk

The latest figures on new build housing data have just been released by the ONS showing the number of new build homes to be started and completed across England.

The latest data shows that: –

  • Between April and June 2019 there were 38,020 dwellings started.
  • During the same time frame, there were 46,960 dwellings completed.
  • The number of homes being started is down 1.7% quarterly and 10.5% annually!
  • Completions are up 16.8% quarterly and 10.8% annually, their second-highest rate since Q4 2007.

Founder and CEO of Stone Real Estate, Michael Stone, commented:

“The latest figures are certainly cause for some short term celebration and demonstrate we are finally starting to build more homes. Not only is this the highest level of new homes since 2007, but we haven’t seen a quarterly performance during this time of year since Enya and Kylie were topping the charts in the late 80s.

However, the devil, as always, is in the detail, and when you dig into the data there are reasons to be concerned. While completions are up notably, the number of new homes being started has declined to its weakest level since 2013.

This well may be symptomatic of a diminishing pipeline of appetite by developers given the political climate and falling house prices in the capital in particular. However, regardless of our political position, the appetite for homeownership remains, and so we have no time to rest on our laurels where current performance is concerned and must act now to reverse the negative trends developing in terms of new homes being started.”

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Propertymark backs move to commonhold

Propertymark has welcomed proposals from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to phase out the sale of new leasehold flats in England and Wales, while warning that the transition to commonhold must be carefully managed to avoid market disruption and consumer confusion. Responding to the UK Government’s consultation on “Moving to commonhold: banning…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Phasing out leasehold flats is the right thing to do

Propertymark has welcomed UK Government proposals to ban the sale of new leasehold flats and replace them with a commonhold system designed to give homeowners greater control over their properties. Responding to a consultation launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Propertymark said the reforms could help tackle many of the long-standing…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Deposit Disputes Are Rising – Are Baths to Blame?

Interior Designers Say Acrylic Baths Are the Hidden Culprit in Family Rentals Deposit disputes over bathroom damage are rising, and acrylic bath surfaces are the overlooked culprit. Acrylic baths are often marketed as lasting 10 to 15 years or more, yet designers say many start to look tired in busy family homes within just a…
Read More →
Breaking News

Inheritance tax haul grows as more families are dragged into the tax net

Inheritance tax receipts got off to a slightly slower start in the first month of the 2026/27 tax year, but the figures still underline how rapidly the tax burden on estates continues to grow. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) collected £0.7 billion in inheritance tax in April, £65 million less than during the same month…
Read More →
Breaking News

The 10 biggest homebuyer turn-offs

From overgrown gardens to nightmare neighbours, homeowners across Britain could be knocking tens of thousands of pounds off the value of their property before a buyer even makes an offer.   New insight from House Buyer Bureau reveals the most common homebuyer turn-offs that could be thwarting your chances of making a sale, and the…
Read More →
Home and Living

5 trends driving London’s landscaped gardens

London gardens can add more than £205,000 in value as Chelsea tops table for prime buyers seeking outdoor space Ahead of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, research by Enness Global has revealed that a garden can add more than £205,000 to the value of a London home, whilst Chelsea fittingly boasts the highest degree of…
Read More →