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

small house bird box
Breaking News

UK First Time Buyers better off than many other global nations

Is it really that bad being a first-time buyer? UK better off than many other global nations when it comes to affordability The latest market analysis from Yopa, the full-service estate agents, reveals that first-time buyers (FTBs) in the UK may be paying 63% more to get a foot on the property ladder than they…
Read More →
new build homes colchester essex
Breaking News

Building Safety Regulator Reform

The Government has announced reforms to the Building Safety Regulator, including leadership, process and investment. The changes are hoped to deliver 1.5 million homes. The reforms pave the way for creation of a single construction safety regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower enquiry. David Smith, property litigation partner at London law firm Spector Constant…
Read More →
Breaking News

New anti-money laundering rules now in effect: what landlords need to know

New anti-money laundering (AML) rules came into effect this month, marking a significant change for landlords and the lettings industry as a whole. The new rules mean financial sanctions checks are now required for all lettings, regardless of how much rent is charged. Here, Steve Bond, managing director of residential lettings for Beresfords, explains what…
Read More →
Breaking News

What landlords need to know about the upcoming Renters Rights Bill

The government’s long-awaited Renters Rights Bill is one of the most significant overhauls of the private rental sector in decades. While it has not yet received royal assent, the legislation is expected to come into effect late this year, or early in 2026. With the bill moving closer to becoming law, Steven Bond, managing director…
Read More →
Breaking News

Mortgage approvals bounce back in May

The latest figures show that: – Mortgage approvals on house purchases for May sat at 63,032 up 3.9% from 60,656 in April. The monthly increase seen in May marks the end of four months of previous decline, with approval levels having fallen each month since January of this year. Approvals are also 2.5% higher than…
Read More →
Breaking News

Money and Credit – May 2025

Key points: Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased by £2.8 billion to £2.1 billion in May, following a large decrease in net borrowing of £13.8 billion to -£0.8 billion in April. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased by 2,400 to 63,000 in May. Approvals for remortgaging also increased by 6,200 to 41,500…
Read More →