New home registrations fell by 6% across the country in Q1 2026, with London seeing a significant drop of 37% year-on-year.
Figures released by the National House Building Council show that 26,959 new homes were registered to be built in the quarter, down from 28,715 the previous year.
Private sector registrations were down 7% to 18,072, compared to 19,439 in Q1 2025, while the rental and affordable sector saw a 4% fall, with 8,887 new homes registered versus 9,276 in Q1 2025.
Across the UK, eight out of 12 regions saw a decline in registrations, with Northern Ireland seeing the largest fall, dropping 44%, the capital dropping by 37% and Wales falling by 21% year-on-year.
The North West saw the greatest rise in registrations, up 27%, while the North East increased by 15% and Yorkshire and The Humber improved by 7%. The West Midlands was the only other region to see an increase in registrations, up 2% year-on-year.
Daniel Pearce, corporate strategy director at NHBC, said: “Our latest figures indicate house builders are taking a cautious approach to registering new plots as fragile consumer confidence, affordability challenges and global economic uncertainty continue to impact demand.”
“It’s a perfect storm – the market is subdued, mortgage rates are rising and cost pressures on households are in full effect, exacerbated by geopolitics and recent conflicts. Resolving affordability challenges for homebuyers remains the key to unlocking demand. The market is crying out for some targeted stimulus, such as a new buyer incentive, to help those who need it most get on the housing ladder.”
“At present, there is little incentive for developers to accelerate building. Easing certain regulatory requirements, at a time when other costs are rising beyond their control, is a lever that could be pulled to support home builders, particularly SMEs. Accelerating planning reforms is also crucial to help house builders deliver high-quality new homes at volume. The impact of the recent planning changes has yet to be felt.”
Registrations were down for all house types apart from detached homes, although just 62 more detached plots were registered in Q1 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Looking ahead to Q2, Daniel Pearce commented: “The wider economic fallout from the Middle East conflict will impact new home registrations as developers face rising costs that could slow down land purchases, reduce activity on site and create additional barriers to the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes.”
“Looking at options to support buyer demand, particularly for first-time buyers and those who need it most, is crucial, whilst reducing controllable costs to home builders, such as regulatory requirements and planning, can stimulate supply. Both demand and supply levers are needed if we are to get close to 1.5 million new homes.”
