Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

One in Eight New-Build Homes in England Unsold After Six Months

Research from Octane Capital indicates that one in eight new-build homes in England have remained on the market for more than six months. The findings suggest that developers are holding firm on asking prices despite slower sales.

Octane Capital analysed over 1,100 live new-build listings and found that 25% had been on the market for more than three months, while 13% had been available for over six months. Additionally, 4% of the listings had remained unsold for more than a year.

Based on an estimated 34,831 new-build homes currently listed across England, Octane Capital calculates that approximately 4,400 have been on the market for more than six months. Despite these extended selling periods, only 14.5% of the new-build listings analysed had seen a reduction in asking price.

According to Octane Capital, this approach indicates that developers are prioritising scheme values and profitability over achieving faster sales. While this strategy can protect the gross development value of schemes, it also means that capital remains tied up in completed developments, which may delay investment in future projects.

Developer exit finance is highlighted as a tool that allows housebuilders to refinance completed developments, repay original development facilities, and release working capital while continuing to market unsold units.

The research follows Octane Capital’s Developer Sentiment Survey, which found that 57% of developers were less likely to begin new schemes during 2026. Furthermore, 83% of developers expected to use specialist finance to navigate current market conditions.

These findings are relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks monitoring the supply of new-build homes and the pace at which they are entering the rental or sales market.