Private sector registrations were down 7% to 18,072, compared to 19,439 in Q1 2025, while the rental and affordable sector saw a 4% decline, with 8,887 new homes registered versus 9,276 in Q1 2025

New home registrations dropped by 6% in Q1 2026 to 26,959, according to figures from the National House Building Council (NHBC).

Private sector registrations were down 7% to 18,072, compared to 19,439 in Q1 2025, while the rental and affordable sector saw a 4% decline, with 8,887 new homes registered versus 9,276 in Q1 2025.

There were 9,660 detached homes built in the period, up 1% on Q1 2025.

House builders registered 9,068 semi-detached homes, a fall of 7%, 3,725 apartments (down 14%), 4,119 terraced homes (down 11%) and 386 bungalows (a fall of 1%).

NHBC figures cover nearly 70% of all new homes.

NHBC corporate strategy director Daniel Pearce said: Our latest figures indicate house builders are taking a cautious approach to registering new plots as fragile consumer confidence, affordability challenges and global economic uncertainty continue to impact demand.

It’s a perfect storm – the market is subdued, mortgage rates are rising and cost pressures on households are in full effect, exacerbated by geopolitics and recent conflicts. Resolving affordability challenges for homebuyers remains the key to unlocking demand. The market is crying out for some targeted stimulus, such as a new buyer incentive, to help those who need it most get on the housing ladder, he said.

He said: At present, there is little incentive for developers to accelerate building. Easing certain regulatory requirements, at a time when other costs are rising beyond their control, is a lever that could be pulled to support home builders, particularly SMEs. Accelerating planning reforms is also crucial to help house builders deliver high-quality new homes at volume. The impact of the recent planning changes has yet to be felt.