"Both prospective buyers and builders will be watching the upcoming Budget closely for measures that could make homes more affordable and stimulate activity in the private sale market."
- Daniel Pearce - NHBC
UK private sector home registrations increased by 9% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, according to the latest figures from NHBC. The rise marks the third consecutive quarter of growth, although NHBC described the overall pace as “subdued”.
Registrations for new homes in the private sector reached 20,996 in Q3 2025. The rental and affordable housing sectors also saw gains, with registrations up 6% year-on-year to 9,647 homes. Together, these figures brought total registrations across all sectors to 30,643, representing an 8% annual increase.
Quarter-on-quarter growth was modest, with total registrations up 1% on Q2 2025 and 5% higher than Q1 2025. However, completions fell 6% in Q3 2025 compared with the same period last year, down to 26,427 new homes.
Seven of the UK’s twelve regions recorded year-on-year increases in registrations during Q3. The strongest growth came from the Eastern region, up 46%, followed by the North West and Merseyside at 34%, and the West Midlands at 30%.
In contrast, Northern Ireland saw the sharpest drop, with registrations down 39%. Yorkshire and Humberside recorded a 23% decline, while Wales fell 18%. London’s registrations were also lower, down 6% over the same period.
All house types saw increases in registrations except bungalows, which fell 9% to 309 units. “Housebuilders are increasingly focusing on three and four-bedroom homes over bungalows to maintain scheme viability and concentrate on areas of greatest demand from homebuyers,” explained Daniel Pearce, corporate strategy director at NHBC.
Pearce noted the “steady increase” in new home registrations since the beginning of 2025, but said growth remained muted while planning reforms and government investment “take time to bed in”.
“Persistent affordability constraints mean home ownership remains out of reach for many,” said Pearce. “Both prospective buyers and builders will be watching the upcoming Budget closely for measures that could make homes more affordable and stimulate activity in the private sale market. Looking ahead, we anticipate steady growth in new home registrations as government investment, particularly in social and affordable housing, and planning reforms begin to take effect. However, affordability challenges will continue to affect demand.”
