The average asking price of newly instructed new-build homes across Great Britain reached £501,658 in July, according to Propertymark.
This represents a modest increase of £1,208, or 0.2%, from £500,450 in July 2025 but the national figure masks significant regional variation.
Eight regions record annual increases, led by Wales, the West Midlands and the North East, while asking prices fell in London, the South East and the East of England.
The figures could have implications for development appraisals and funding requirements, although Propertymark stresses that regional averages are influenced by the location and type of schemes entering the market, alongside planning requirements and construction costs.
WEST MIDLANDS LEADS ENGLISH GROWTH
The West Midlands recorded the largest cash increase in England, with the average asking price rising by £33,838 from £384,443 to £418,281 – an increase of approximately 8.8%.
The North East followed with growth of £27,878, taking the regional average from £317,989 to £345,867.
Wales posted the strongest percentage increase, rising by almost 13% from £338,222 to £381,716. Scotland’s average climbed from £367,786 to £388,073.
More modest increases were recorded in the East Midlands, North West, South West and Yorkshire and Humberside. The latter recorded the smallest cash increase, rising by £4,848 to £347,846.
SOUTHERN MARKETS RECORD DECLINES
The East of England recorded the largest fall, with the average asking price declining by £18,713 from £523,714 to £505,001.
London remained the most expensive market at £839,100, despite falling by £6,766 from £845,866 a year earlier.
The South East recorded the smallest decline, with its average decreasing by £3,300 to £548,809.
For developers and lenders, the figures highlight the importance of assessing values at a local and scheme-specific level rather than relying on national new-build trends.
BUDGET MEASURES AWAITED
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), CEO at Propertymark, says: “While these figures show an overall year-on-year rise in the average asking price of many new-build properties, regional disparities remain, making it more challenging for some aspiring homeowners to get onto the property ladder.
“With the Budget due on 28 October 2026, any housing-related announcements will be closely watched, particularly measures aimed at helping more first-time buyers purchase a home.
“Across the entire UK, there is a continued focus on delivering the right homes in the right places. Greater devolution across England could give regions more control over housing policy and help deliver solutions that better reflect local needs.
“Every nation faces its own housing challenges, and addressing them will require ambitious, targeted policies to better balance housing supply and demand over the long term.”
