New build starts in England fell during the first quarter of 2026, although activity remained higher than a year earlier, according to the latest government figures.
There were 33,960 new build dwelling starts in England during Q1 2026, down 9% compared with the previous quarter, according to the latest seasonally adjusted estimates from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
Despite the quarterly decline, starts were 18% higher than in Q1 2025. The increase seen across Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 has been attributed in part to reforms at the Building Safety Regulator announced in June 2025.
New build completions also edged higher. An estimated 37,170 dwellings were completed during the first quarter, up 1% on Q4 2025 and 3% higher than the same period last year.
The figures also show that an estimated 392,400 net additional homes have been delivered in England since the start of the current Parliament on 9 July 2024.
Commenting on the data, Raymond Connor, chief executive of BuildLoan, says the focus should not be solely on increasing the number of new homes being built.
He says: “While starts and completions chug along, somewhat bolstered by June 2025’s reforms to the Building Safety Regulator, other recent government statistics released last month 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.”
Connor said many of these homes require refurbishment before they are considered suitable security for a mainstream mortgage, but pointed to the growing availability of specialist finance products designed to support renovation projects.
He says: “Many of these properties are likely vacant as they require refurbishment before they can be considered habitable and accepted for a standard mortgage from a mainstream lender. But there are now mortgage products available that can help families and young couples buy and renovate one of these vacant properties into their dream home – something that up until now would only have been possible with bridging finance.
“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.
“At BuildLoan, we can help brokers navigate the unique nuances of renovation mortgages to make sure best practice and Consumer Duty are always at the forefront of recommendations.”
The figures suggest that while housebuilding activity remains above year-earlier levels, attention is increasingly turning towards the role that existing housing stock could play in helping to address housing demand.
For brokers, the growing availability of renovation-focused lending products may provide additional options for clients seeking an alternative route onto the property ladder.
