UK risks becoming 'nation of renters' as new builds 'never reach the market'

UK risks becoming 'nation of renters' as new builds 'never reach the market'Only one in 10 newly built homes in the UK reach the open sales market, new data shows – with experts warning Britain risks becoming a 'nation of renters'CommentsNewsCharlie Biggs-Thomas16:11, 21 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesOnly one in 10 new builds make it to the open market(Image: Getty Images)Only one in 10 newly built homes reach the open sales market, according to data. Figures from estate agent CRM providers Alto, combined with ONS statistics, revealed the vast majority of new build properties don't reach the open market for Brits to purchase.‌Instead, many are allocated to build-to-rent developments, developer direct sales, and affordable housing or shared ownership schemes – restricting the access homeowners have to the new build market.‌Of the estimated 200,000 new properties constructed in England over 2024/25, just 21,261 reached the open market – where ordinary buyers can view them and submit direct offers, often through estate agents. In London just 2% of new builds reach the open market.‌View 2 ImagesPotential buyers believe new builds are aimed at investors(Image: Getty Images)Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, CEO of Alto, said: "People see homes being built and assume they'll be available to buy, but the reality is many never reach the market. This isn't just about how many homes are built, but how many are accessible - and in some areas, that's a small fraction of total supply."Riccardo suggests the UK is beginning to mirror parts of Europe where long-term renting is more commonplace. In France and Germany, "large-scale rental developments form a bigger part of the housing mix." If Britain follows suit, over time, it could become "a nation of renters."‌Click here to discover how many new builds in your area are available to buyA survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 44% feel there aren't enough properties o...