New build housing starts in England rose by 18% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026, despite a slowdown compared with the previous quarter.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government show that 33,960 new build dwellings were started during Q1 2026 on a seasonally adjusted basis.
While this represented a 9% decline compared with Q4 2025, it marked a significant improvement on the same period a year earlier, when housing delivery was constrained by delays linked to the Building Safety Regulator approval process.
The government said reforms introduced to the Building Safety Regulator in June 2025 have helped improve activity levels, contributing to increases seen during the final quarter of 2025 and the start of this year.
HOUSING COMPLETIONS
An estimated 37,170 new homes were completed in England during Q1 2026, up 1% on the previous quarter and 3% higher than the same period last year.
The figures mean that an estimated 392,400 net additional homes have been delivered in England since the start of the current Parliament in July 2024.
Despite the improvement, industry figures argue that new build delivery alone will not solve the country’s housing shortage.
Recent government statistics show there are more than 750,000 vacant homes across England, including over 300,000 long-term empty properties.
EMPTY DWELLINGS
Raymond Connor (main picture, inset), Chief Executive Officer of BuildLoan, says: “While starts and completions chug along, somewhat bolstered by June 2025’s reforms to the Building Safety Regulator, other recent government statistics indicate there are more than 750,000 dwellings in England that are currently sitting empty and more than 300,000 long-term vacant dwellings.
“These are properties that, if utilised, could significantly ease the country’s housing challenge.”
REVOVATION OPPORTUNITY
Connor says many vacant homes require refurbishment before they can be occupied, but highlighted the growing availability of renovation finance products designed to help buyers bring these properties back into use.
He adds: “Those looking to take a first step onto the housing ladder are no longer reliant on new build starts and completions. There are alternatives like light renovation finance that can not only help to make a significant dent in the country’s housing targets but also unlock potential from our existing dwelling stock.”
