UK Property Market 23 April 2026 – Only 1 in 10 New‑Build Homes Makes It to the Open Sales Market
HouseData Team · 2026-04-23
UK Property Market 23 April 2026 – Only 1 in 10 New‑Build Homes Makes It to the Open Sales Market
Thursday, 23 April 2026 · HouseData Team
UK Property Market 23 April 2026 – Only 1 in 10 New‑Build Homes Makes It to the Open Sales Market
The Daily Brief
The overarching mood is cautious. With supply curbed so sharply that only one in ten new‑build homes reaches the open market, buyers remain enthusiastic but hesitant as the market inches upward. Sellers are feeling the pressure after Foxtons reported a £5.7m drop in sales revenue in Q1, while the regulatory climate for landlords is growing increasingly complex.
Tightening Supply: New‑Build Homes on the Open Market
"Only one in ten new‑build homes in England actually reach the open sales market," – Estate Agent Today.
The figure highlights a dramatic drop in inventory for buyer‑fatigued demand. Developers are grappling with stricter planning permissions and rising construction costs, leaving a gap that existing‑home buyers and speculative investors have to fill. The result is a market that is still sluggish but showing early signs of a rebound thanks to pent‑up buying interest.
Sellers’ Tightrope: Revenue Decline at Foxtons Yet Lettings Rise Slightly
"Foxtons Group has reported a £5.7m drop in revenue from sales in Q1 to £10.7m." – Estate Agent Today.
Foxtons’ revenue slide mirrors a more general trend of a sensible, rather than explosive, sales environment. However, the slight uptick in lettings suggests that while buyers are clamping down, landlords are not leaving the market idle. The combination signals a mixed bag for agents—more work on the rental side to offset sales erosion.
Buyers’ Confidence & Affordability: 52% Ready Despite Rising Costs
"More than half (52%) of prospective buyers say they’re ready to buy in 2026," – Estate Agent Today.
The confidence of over half the buyer cohort is encouraging, especially amid the persistent climb in house prices. Although mortgage rates remain high, many are looking to capitalise on the shortfall between supply and demand—yet they are also wary of snapping up where inventory is scarce.
Landlords Face Regulatory Stress: 84% Unprepared for Renters’ Rights Act
"84% of landlords are unprepared for the Renters’ Rights Act," – Landlord Today.
The new legislation will force landlords to meet hefty compliance requirements. Coupled with the pressure to stabilise the private rented sector, many are scrambling to make headway. The move is expected to reshape the landlord‑buyer dynamics in the near future.
Regional Spotlight
London remains the dominant hub, with transfer activity consistently high thanks to world‑class infrastructure and a persistent demand‑supply imbalance. The North West, particularly Manchester, continues to show robust activity but is slightly more tempered than the capital. In the South West, the growth has been muted, echoing the national trend of limited new‑build supply.
Market at a Glance
| Metric | Current | Last Week | Last Month | Same Time Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New‑build homes on open market | 10 % | – | – | – |
| Foxtons sales revenue (Q1) | £10.7 m | – | – | – |
| Buyers ready to purchase 2026 | 52 % | – | – | – |
| Landlords unprepared for RRA | 84 % | – | – | – |
What This Means for You
First‑time buyers
- Capitalize on supply gaps – Focus on listed houses where new‑build supply is still limited.
- Lock in rates – With mortgage rates high and likely to stay elevated, consider fixed‑rate products if you can secure a deal quickly.
Home‑movers & sellers
- Leverage rental demand – Slight growth in lettings suggests you can consider a dual‑use strategy: sell one property while renting another.
- Adjust pricing expectations – The 5.7m drop in Foxtons sales implies that higher‑priced homes may take longer to find a buyer.
Landlords & investors
- Prepare for RRA compliance – Invest in software and legal advice now; failing to meet the act could cost more than just the £694 per property you will owe.
- Re‑evaluate portfolio strategy – The shift from portfolio expansion to restructuring indicates that investors may need to increase capital levelling in the private market.
Emerging Trend Watch
While the headlines focus on supply shortages and regulatory shifts, a quiet revolution is underway as AI‑driven valuation tools become mainstream. Apps that combine satellite data, energy‑efficiency scores and machine‑learning models are already used by a handful of estate agents, promising to give buyers rapid, evidence‑based price insights and potentially narrow the information asymmetry that fuels price pressure.