Sales of new-build homes have fallen sharply this year despite improved mortgage availability and a growing number of lender incentives aimed at helping buyers get on the property ladder.

New analysis by estate agency Yopa shows that average monthly new-build transactions across Britain have dropped by 62% in 2025 so far, compared with the previous year.

It marks a steep decline from the 3.9% dip recorded between 2023 and 2024, with all regions seeing a slowdown.

Yorkshire and the Humber has recorded the largest fall in new-build sales volumes, down 77.5%, followed closely by the North East (-77.3%), South West (-76.9%) and North West (-70.5%).

MARKET SLOWDOWN

Even London, typically one of the more resilient markets, has seen sales fall by 53.9%. Scotland has been the least affected, with a smaller reduction of 19.1%.

Rising prices have been a key factor behind the slowdown. Yopa’s data shows that the average new-build price has risen by 8.1% over the past year, pushing the premium over existing homes to 30.5% – up from around 25% two years ago.

However, the report also highlights a number of developments making new-build ownership more attainable.

FIRST-TIME BUYER HELP

Government-backed schemes such as Shared Ownership, Deposit Unlock and the First Homes Scheme are helping first-time buyers and key workers access homes with smaller deposits or discounted prices.

At the same time, mortgage lenders have been introducing new products to support affordability, including loans of up to 90% loan-to-value (LTV) on both houses and flats, income multiples of up to seven times salary for higher earners, and long-term fixed rates offering more predictable repayments.

MORTGAGE PRODUCT SUPPORT

Verona Frankish (main picture, inset), chief executive of Yopa, said: “New-build market activity has been particularly subdued so far this year and this is partly down to a misconception amongst homebuyers, who believe that they simply can’t afford a new home due to the higher market premiums they often command.

“However, this simply isn’t the case and we’ve seen lenders introduce a range of new products and initiatives to help the nation’s homebuyers capitalise on the existing initiatives found within the new-build sector.”

And she added: “The combination of low-deposit options, enhanced income multiples and specialist purchasing schemes is creating opportunities for buyers who may have thought a new-build was out of reach. However, with the right guidance, now could be one of the best times in recent years to secure a new-build home.”

Verona Frankish named Woman of the Year at Inspiring Women in Property Awards

Yopa CEO Verona Frankish has been named Woman of the Year – Residential (Consultancy / Other Services) at the 2025 Inspiring Women in Property Awards, recognising her leadership and influence across the UK property sector.

The event celebrates women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence across the UK property industry.

Frankish was recognised for her outstanding achievements at the helm of Yopa, as well as her continued advocacy for greater diversity, inclusion, and empowerment within the sector.

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

Since becoming Yopa’s first female CEO in 2022, Verona has led a complete business transformation. In the last year alone, Yopa has grown its agent headcount by 30%, increased revenue by 26%, improved gross profit by 41%, and reduced operating losses by 59%. She has introduced a clear and focused business strategy, reinforced Yopa’s purpose-led culture, and driven significant progress towards profitability.

In addition to her success within Yopa, Verona’s influence extends across the wider industry through her work as Chair of Women in Estate Agency (WiEA) –  a community of more than 4,600 members supporting women’s professional development within the sector.

Over the past year, Verona, along with the wider WiEA board, have overseen the launch of The Power of You leadership programme, secured a multi-year partnership with Rightmove, and led WiEA’s sold-out annual conference, now regarded as one of the industry’s most influential events.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

Frankish said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award and to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women who are helping to shape the future of our industry.

“This achievement is not just mine, it’s a reflection of the incredible people I’m privileged to work with every day, both at Yopa and through Women in Estate Agency.

“Together, we’re breaking barriers, changing perceptions, and building an industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”