Demand for new build homes rockets 66%

Zoopla analysis shows interest in newly built properties has bounced back to a higher level than before coronavirus struck Demand for new build homes has soared by 66% since the housing market reopened, surpassing levels seen before lockdown.

The upsurge seen in the six weeks since 13 May is a continuation of the trend recorded at the start of 2020, when the new build market enjoyed its strongest start to the year since 2016. Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s largest home builders, has seen a massive 215% month-on-month jump in demand through Zoopla buyer leads during the past six weeks. Leads are generated by buyers requesting more information from home builders via property listings.

The recovery in the new build homes sector significantly outpaces the revival in the market for older properties, where demand is currently 46% higher than before lockdown. The surge in demand for new build properties has been particularly strong among first-time buyers, growing by 87% compared with levels during lockdown.

Alex Rose, director of New Homes at Zoopla, said: “While the industry has undergone an unprecedented period, the new homes market has shown itself to be geared towards a rapid rebound.”

The resilience of the new build market is likely to be down to two factors. On the one hand, developers are used to having to sell homes when physical viewings are not possible. 

At the same time, demand is also likely to have been supported by the fact that the Help to Buy scheme can only be used to purchase a new build property. With many lenders withdrawing their 90% and 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages in the face of the pandemic, more first-time buyers in particular are likely to be turning to the scheme in a bid to get onto the property ladder. The Help to Buy initiative tops up a 5% deposit with a five-year interest-free loan worth 20% of the property’s value

First-time buyers are often described as being the lifeblood of the housing market, so it is good news for the new build sector that demand is so strong among this group. Going forward, it is expected that the initial spike in demand for new properties seen since the housing market reopened to 'settle' as the summer progresses and sales are agreed.

This research comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled plans for more than 180,000 new affordable homes to be built. He also announced changes to the planning system to make it easier to convert commercial buildings into residential ones, and to demolish vacant buildings and use the land to build homes. Property owners will also be able to build additional space above their properties through a fast-track approvals process.

Bristol Mortgages Online www.bristolmortgagesonline.com Tel 0117 325 1511 

Bath Mortgages Online www.bathmortgagesonline.com Tel 01225 584 888 

Exeter Mortgages Online www.exetermortgagesonline.com Tel 01392 690 888 

       Email info@swmortgages.com

#bristolmortgagebroker #mortgageadvice #independentbroker #lifeinsurance #batmortgages #mortgagebroker #offsetmortgage #bathmortgagebroker #mortgageprotection, #lowinterestmortgage #incomeprotection #expertmortgageadvice #freeconsultation #remortgage #criticalillnesscover #greatbuytoletdeals #fivestarservice #highlyrecommended #topmortgagebroker #movinghouse #remortgage #mortgage #mortgage advisor #firsttimebuyer #mortgagepaymentholiday #coronaviruspaymentholiday #expertmortgageadvice