New‑build listings hit near 10‑year low
Thursday 9th July, 2026
Rightmove’s data shows whole new‑build developments coming to market in the UK are at their lowest level since January 2017, highlighting a growing shortage of affordable homes.
This gives Rightmove a clear chance to explain the data and frame the debate on UK housing supply, affordability and the impact on first‑time buyers and estate agents.
Why have we flagged this?
This is directly about Rightmove's data and market outlook on UK housing supply, giving you a timely PR hook to explain causes and policy recommendations.
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Thinking...
Data idea
First-time buyers chase fewer new-builds than a decade ago
Show how competition per listing has intensified for new-builds even as overall listings rise.
Data to investigate: Analyse your portal enquiry logs to compare average buyer enquiries per new-build listing now versus 5 and 10 years ago.
Why: A simple then-vs-now number makes the shortage tangible for readers.
Data idea
New-build premiums hit a five-year high
Measure how much extra buyers are now asked to pay for new-builds over similar resales.
Data to investigate: Analyse your asking price data to compare median asking prices for new-build versus resale listings in the same local areas year by year.
Why: A single premium percentage is punchy and links affordability to the drought in supply.
Data idea
Where new-builds have vanished fastest
Reveal the regions with the sharpest fall in new-build developments coming to market.
Data to investigate: Pull your new-build listing counts by UK region for the past 10 years and calculate percentage change to the latest year.
Why: A clear league table fuels regional angles and political debate.