Zoopla says searches for new-build homes have jumped by more than a fifth over the past year as housebuilders battle rising competition from record levels of resale stock.
The portal reports a 21% year-on-year increase in searches for new homes, alongside a 53% rise in buyer leads delivered to developers during 2025, which it says reflects growing demand for tools that help new-build properties stand out in a crowded market.
With second-hand homes at their highest levels for years and new-build sales rates under pressure, developers are increasingly relying on online platforms to reach motivated buyers and keep sites moving.
Zoopla says recent changes to its search experience have helped boost the visibility of new homes, including highlighting developments in map searches; promoting the benefits of buying new on listing pages and capturing buyer contact details through brochures and virtual tours.
TARGETED SEARCH
Searches using new-build-specific filters such as “new build”, “own new”, “rate reducer” and “deposit unlock” have also risen by around a third in the past three months, suggesting buyers are actively targeting developer stock rather than simply browsing.
And the portal says that its support for New Homes Week helped drive a 28% week-on-week increase in applicant leads, while recent investment in the sector includes the acquisition of specialist portal NewHomesForSale.co.uk and renewed contracts with major builders including Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon.
PRODUCT INNOVATIONS
Alex Rose, Commercial Director at Zoopla, says: “Housebuilders are facing growing competition from the resale market, so ensuring new homes stand out to buyers is more important than ever.
“Our recent product innovations are helping drive more searches, stronger consideration for new builds, and ultimately more high-quality buyer leads for our customers.
“Critically, this growth in lead volume is unique to Zoopla, arriving at a vital time for housebuilders who continue to face significant pressure from suppressed sales rates and a broader drop in market demand.”
