New figures from the National House Building Council (NHBC) show that registrations of new homes across the UK fell by 13% in the third quarter of 2026, raising fresh questions about the pace of housebuilding ahead of the Autumn Budget.
NHBC recorded 26,231 registrations between July and September 2026, compared with 30,279 in the same period of 2025. The figures were published on Monday 26 October.
Affordable and rental housing registrations fall 23%
The figures show that private-sector registrations declined by 8%, from 20,054 to 18,359. Registrations in the affordable and rental sector fell more sharply, by 23%, from 10,225 to 7,872.
NHBC said affordability pressures were weighing on demand while obstacles to delivery continued to constrain supply. Its figures cover homes registered for NHBC warranty and insurance products, rather than all new homes built or completed in the UK.
South East and Northern Ireland record steepest declines
Ten of the UK's 12 regions recorded year-on-year falls. Registrations in the South East of England and Northern Ireland fell by 32%, while Wales recorded a 24% decrease. Yorkshire and the Humber registered a 27% increase and the West Midlands a 10% rise.
London's registrations were broadly flat compared with the same quarter last year, but NHBC said the longer-term picture remained subdued. The capital recorded 1,223 registrations in the quarter, compared with 5,130 in the third quarter of 2019.
Pressure on Government's housing ambitions
The Government has set a target of delivering 1.5 million new homes in England over the Parliament. The NHBC data is UK-wide and measures registrations rather than completed dwellings, so it cannot by itself establish whether the England-only target will be met or missed.
Nevertheless, the weaker pipeline comes ahead of the Budget, when ministers are expected to provide more detail on the proposed Your First Home equity-loan scheme. NHBC welcomed efforts to improve affordability while urging ministers to address planning, regulatory and investment barriers as well.
NHBC chief strategy officer Daniel Pearce described the housing industry as being at a critical point and warned that weak demand and barriers to development could continue to constrain supply.
What happens next?
The Budget is expected to clarify the design of housing support measures. The effect on future construction will depend on demand, financing, planning decisions, regulatory conditions and developers' willingness to bring sites forward.
Sources: NHBC, quarterly registrations announcement, 26 October 2026; ITV News / Press Association, 26 October 2026.