New Research Reveals UK New Build Homes Are Larger Than Previously Thought
Ground-breaking research has challenged the persistent myth about the size of British new build homes. Housing market analyst Neal Hudson, founder of consultancy BuiltPlace, has revealed that modern new builds are bucking historical trends by actually being larger than the existing housing stock, contradicting decades of widely circulated "zombie statistics" about shrinking British house sizes.
The frequently cited figure of 76 square metres as the average size of a new build home has been thoroughly debunked. Hudson traced this misleading statistic to a 1996 report that analysed properties built during the 1980s and early 1990s - now revealed to have been the era when British homes were at their smallest. Despite being decades out of date, this figure continues to be quoted in contemporary articles and reports, becoming what Hudson describes as a "zombie statistic" that refuses to die.
According to the latest data from the English Housing Survey, the average floor area for all homes in England stands at 97 square metres in 2022. This puts British homes on par with the European average, slightly exceeding the average sizes in France and Germany, while falling just short of Spain and Sweden. The data reveals interesting variations across housing sectors:
Owner-occupied homes average 111 square metres, with over a third exceeding this size
Social rented properties average 67 square metres, with about 25% under 50 square metres
Private rented sector homes show the tightest space per person at 28 square metres, compared to 61 square metres per person for owner-occupiers
The increase in new build sizes can be significantly attributed to the Help to Buy equity loan scheme - nicknamed "Help to Buy bigger" by industry insiders. This government initiative has fundamentally transformed the new-build market over the past decade. While pre-2008 financial crisis developments focused heavily on compact city-centre buy-to-let flats, Help to Buy has driven a dramatic shift towards larger family homes.
The scheme has incentivised developers to build more substantial four- and five-bedroom properties in suburban locations, directly contributing to the increasing average size of new builds. This market evolution demonstrates how government policy can significantly influence not just the quantity but also the size and layout of new housing stock.
What This Means for New Build Buyers
For those considering a new build purchase, these findings highlight the importance of looking beyond bedroom numbers when assessing property size. While the number of bedrooms remains the primary metric for most UK house hunters, floor area in square metres or square feet can provide a more accurate picture of living space.
The research shows considerable variation in floor areas across properties with the same number of bedrooms. Some two-bedroom homes can be similar in size or even larger than certain three-bedroom properties, making it crucial for buyers to carefully review floor plans and total floor area during their property search.
However, the landscape may be changing. With higher mortgage rates affecting affordability, the end of Help to Buy, and an increased focus on city centre development, there could be a trend towards slightly smaller new builds in the coming years. Labour's promise to build 1.5 million new homes could also influence future property sizes depending on how these targets are implemented.
Expert Advice
For new build buyers, the key takeaway is the importance of measuring and comparing actual floor space rather than relying solely on bedroom counts. When conducting a snagging inspection, paying attention to room dimensions and usable space should be an essential part of the process.
This research provides welcome reassurance about the size of new build properties while emphasising the need for buyers to conduct thorough due diligence when purchasing. As always, we recommend obtaining detailed floor plans and, where possible, conducting comprehensive snagging inspections to ensure you're getting the space and quality you expect from your new home.
Read the full article here…
https://www.ft.com/content/7192f032-818b-4c18-aea6-baa937345cc0
