"New-build demand has remained static on a quarterly basis, but activity in many major cities highlights that buyers are still transacting, even in the face of higher price points"
- Siân Hemming-Metcalfe - Property Inspect
New-build buyer demand across Britain remained largely unchanged between Q1 and Q2 2025, according to the latest market insight from Property Inspect, though several key cities—particularly on the south coast—posted strong performances.
Property Inspect’s Q2 2025 New-Build Demand Index measures buyer appetite by calculating the proportion of new-build homes marked as sold subject to contract (SSTC) relative to total new-build listings on the market.
Across Britain, demand for new-build properties stood at 18.2% in the second quarter. This represents a marginal quarterly decline of 0.2% and a drop of 1.7% compared with Q2 2024.
Among major urban centres, Southampton recorded the highest level of demand, with 35% of new-build homes listed as SSTC. Portsmouth followed at 28%, then Sheffield at 20.6%, Glasgow at 19.5%, and Bristol at 19.1%.
By contrast, the weakest demand was seen in Swansea, where just 1.1% of new-build listings were under offer. Liverpool (3%) and Aberdeen (4.3%) also ranked low on the index.
Quarterly changes show regional divergence
Quarter-on-quarter, Portsmouth saw the most significant rise in new-build demand, increasing by 16.2%. Other cities posting notable growth included Glasgow (+6.6%), Cardiff (+6.3%), Southampton (+6.2%), and Birmingham (+2%).
However, declines were recorded in several areas. Aberdeen experienced the largest drop at -10%, followed by Bournemouth (-7.5%) and Newport (-6%).
Annual demand trends mixed across cities
In terms of year-on-year change, Glasgow led the way with a 14% increase in demand since Q2 2024. Portsmouth followed closely with a 13.7% rise. Edinburgh (+2.4%), Aberdeen (+1.7%), and Newcastle (+0.9%) also saw annual increases.
Despite these gains, demand declined in 14 of the cities analysed over the same period. The most substantial annual decreases were in Bournemouth (-21.2%), Newport (-17.5%), and Plymouth (-13.1%).
“New-build demand has remained static on a quarterly basis, but activity in many major cities highlights that buyers are still transacting, even in the face of higher price points,” explained Siân Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Property Inspect. “‘This steady performance demonstrates a clear recognition among purchasers of the long-term value that new, modern homes can offer, particularly in urban centres where demand for high-quality, energy-efficient living spaces remains strong.
"Despite wider economic caution, many buyers continue to prioritise the benefits of new-build properties, from lower maintenance requirements and enhanced energy performance to contemporary layouts and developer guarantees. The willingness to pay a premium in these city markets reflects growing confidence in the product and a clear appetite for homes that meet today’s lifestyle and sustainability expectations.
“This trend is a positive signal for the sector, showing that buyers are not simply price-sensitive; they are discerning. Where the offering aligns with modern needs, demand remains resilient. As affordability continues to gradually improve and sentiment strengthens, the new-build market, particularly in key city locations, looks well-placed to capitalise on renewed buyer interest.”
