22.06.2021
Data release today in the New Homes Index reveals that new home buyer demand across Britain has reached an all-time peak as a record-breaking total of 153,472 buyer searches are recorded during May. A sign that, as we emerge from COVID restrictions and flexible working patterns are confirmed as here to stay, home buyers are looking to upgrade to meet their changing space and lifestyle requirements.
Daniel Hill, Managing Director, WhatHouse? comments:
“Q2 is on track to break new home demand records as we track 153,472 buyer demand searches during May, already up 62.7% on Q1 combined. When we consider that nearly all of Britain's top firms have announced they’re planning a flexible work-from-home model following the Covid lockdown it’s no surprise that changing space requirements continue to drive momentum.
The growth in demand for new homes, in particular luxury new homes, in the South East of England points to commuters stretching the ‘commute comfort zone’, now that a two or three day office week has become the norm. We are seeing a strong desire amongst new home buyers to move to bigger properties. Britain’s more northerly regions are also experiencing a surge as the West Midlands secures its place in the top three new home demand areas during May with 19,295 searches and a 7% increase in demand for luxury new homes”.
Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman, House Builders Federation said:
“Demand for new build homes continues to remain extremely strong as it has done since the sales market reopened post lock down last Spring. Even with a lower proportion of homes being purchased with Help to Buy, builders in all price brackets are reporting very high levels of interest from consumers, demonstrating confidence in the product and the industry with consumers increasingly recognising the benefits of new homes over older properties. Many sites are forward sold with builders focussed on completing homes to meet the high demand levels. Decision makers in central and local government need to continue to work with the industry if supply is to meet demand and housing targets are to be met”.
Notes to Editors:
The WhatHouse? New Homes Index is based on data sourced from the WhatHouse? New Homes audience platform. The Index is compiled using a sample representing approx. 400,000 new home buyer searches across England, Scotland and Wales per year and its findings are reflective of WhatHouse? user experiences and geographic market share.
About WhatHouse?
Whathouse.com is the UK’s leading new home audience platform. For more than 30 years’ its aim has been to inspire UK homebuyer decisions around new property. With a comprehensive directory of over 7,000 new homes, from the UK’s most celebrated housebuilders, WhatHouse? makes it easy for buyers to consider the diverse range of property developments available and to find their perfect new home match.
The annual WhatHouse? Awards started out back in 1980 and will mark its 41st birthday at an extraordinary industry event, sponsored by BritishVolt, in November 2021. Dubbed ‘the Oscars of the housebuilding industry’, the awards send a panel of expert judges to every corner of the UK to find winners within over 20 categories including Best Starter Home Project, Best Sustainable Development, and the coveted Housebuilder of the Year title.
Contact our press team:
WhatHouse? Online Press Centre
Call Jill Willis: 07855 409970
Email: [email protected]
Call Jill on: 07855 409970 Email: [email protected]