This past year has truly put the new homes sector to the test. Amid an unpredictable economic backdrop and shifting regulatory sands, developers and buyers alike have had to navigate a challenging market. To shed light on the story behind the statistics, we spoke with Ellie Lockwood, our New Homes Manager, for her perspective on how the market wrapped up in 2025 and where it’s heading in 2026.
Throughout 2025, the landscape was anything but straightforward. Buyers became ever more discerning. It wasn’t just about a prime postcode or stylish interiors, demand soared for homes delivering real energy efficiency, future-proofed layouts, and flexibility. Developers, meanwhile, grappled with a raft of new planning rules, pushing them to rethink their strategies and move nimbly to stay ahead.
The government’s ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament has kept the pressure on. While it has unlocked fresh opportunities, it’s also highlighted the need for genuine collaboration between developers, local councils, and policymakers to turn vision into reality.
Yet, in the face of rising interest rates, inflation, and uncertainty around the future of schemes like Help to Buy, demand for new homes has remained impressively resilient. Off-plan reservations in many regions are stronger than we dared hope. Buyers are making bold choices, trusting in the value of homes designed for tomorrow as well as today.
Looking ahead to 2026, optimism is in the air, but we’re not resting on our laurels. Meeting the government’s housing pledge will require creative thinking and a relentless focus on quality. As environmental standards tighten and the Future Homes Standard approaches, we’re excited to help drive innovation in sustainable design and construction.
We are proud to have a packed pipeline for 2026, brimming with projects that raise the bar for what buyers can expect, homes built for thriving communities, with sustainability at their core. Our expert new homes team is here to guide both developers and homebuyers every step of the way.
If you’re planning a new residential scheme or simply curious about how we can help you achieve your ambitions in this challenging but rewarding market, we’d love to hear from you.