New-build homes in Great Britain now command an average 30% price premium over existing properties, according to research from UK Property Development. The gap has widened by 6.2 percentage points since 2016.
In England, the new-build premium stands at 28.9%, up from 23.5% a decade ago. Regional variations remain substantial, with the North East recording the largest premium at 60% above existing properties in 2026.
Regional variations
Scotland follows with a 55.4% premium, while Wales stands at 44.7%, the East Midlands at 41.8%, and Yorkshire and the Humber at 40.6%. Scotland recorded the largest increase over the decade, with its new-build premium widening by 8.3 percentage points from 47.1%.
The gap increased by 7.9 percentage points in the East of England, 7.8 points in the North East, and 7.6 points in the South West. The South East recorded an increase of 6.8 points.
The data emerges as short-term home moves fall to record lows in England, suggesting broader shifts in housing market dynamics.
London remains the outlier
London is the only region where new-build homes are cheaper than existing properties. The average new-build price in the capital is 10.5% below that of an existing home in 2026, compared with an 8.5% discount in 2016.
Andy Morrison, director at UK Property Development, said: “New-build homes continue to attract a premium in most parts of Great Britain, reflecting factors such as modern specifications, energy efficiency, and buyer demand for homes requiring less immediate maintenance.”
Morrison attributed the widening premium to increasing public concern around energy efficiency, both regarding household bills and individual contributions to tackling climate change. The trend comes amid declining trust in political housing policy among estate agents.
The research indicates that the relative value buyers place on new-build properties has strengthened over time, with the premium widening across almost every region over the past decade. The data suggests energy efficiency considerations are playing an increasingly significant role in property valuations across the market.
