Quick Summary
New-build asking prices across Great Britain have edged higher to £501,658, with regional gains showing where supply constraints and demand continue to create opportunities for professional investors.
• National new-build prices remain above £500,000: The average asking price rose from £500,450 in July 2025 to £501,658 in July 2026, according to Propertymark data
• The West Midlands posted the strongest growth: Average new-build asking prices increased by £33,838 year-on-year to reach £418,281
• Regional performance is uneven: Scotland, Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West, South West, and Yorkshire and Humberside recorded gains, while London, the South East, and East of England saw modest falls
• Supply constraints continue to support pricing: Limited new housing completions and strong demand in employment and infrastructure-led regions are helping well-located new-builds hold or increase value
• Professional investors can target regional opportunities: Markets such as the West Midlands offer relative affordability, price momentum, and potential for both rental income and long-term capital growth
New-build asking prices across Great Britain have continued their upward trajectory, with the national average rising from £500,450 in July 2025 to £501,658 in July 2026, according to the latest Propertymark data. The modest national increase masks significant regional variation, with eight regions recording gains and three seeing declines.
The West Midlands posted the strongest performance, with average new-build asking prices climbing £33,838 year-on-year to £418,281. Scotland, Wales, the East Midlands, the North East, the North West, the South West, Yorkshire and Humberside also recorded increases. In contrast, London, the South East and the East of England saw modest falls, with the East of England experiencing the largest decline of £18,713 to £505,001.
These figures reflect the ongoing imbalance between housing supply and demand. Persistent under-delivery of new homes continues to support pricing power in many markets, particularly where employment growth and household formation remain robust. Professional investors with longer holding horizons are well positioned to benefit from this structural dynamic.
Supply Constraints Drive Regional Pricing Power
Limited new housing completions remain a defining feature of the UK market. In regions where demand is supported by employment hubs, universities and infrastructure investment, new-build asking prices have held or advanced. The West Midlands stands out as a clear example, where regeneration and inward investment continue to underpin buyer interest.
For overseas and domestic portfolio investors, these trends highlight the importance of location selection. Developments in high-demand corridors offer more resilient pricing than those in oversupplied or lower-growth areas. The national average remaining above £500,000 also underscores the premium commanded by new-build stock relative to the second-hand market.
Investor Implications
The data reinforces that well-located new-build assets continue to deliver both rental income and capital growth potential. Investors focused on build-to-rent or buy-to-let strategies can use these regional differentials to identify markets where supply constraints are most pronounced. The West Midlands, in particular, combines relative affordability with above-average price momentum.
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, noted that regional disparities make it more challenging for some buyers while emphasising the need for targeted policies to balance supply and demand over the long term. For professional investors, this environment rewards disciplined selection of schemes in locations with structural demand drivers.
Conclusion
New-build asking prices edging higher nationally, led by strong regional performers, point to sustained pricing power where supply remains constrained. Investors with access to capital and a multi-year horizon can continue to deploy into quality new-build opportunities in growth regions. The West Midlands example illustrates how targeted exposure can capture both income and appreciation in the current market.