Letting & Estate Agent Podcast Will we ever build 300,000+ homes, a year, in the UK? - Ep. 2353
Oct 11, 2025
In this discussion, Richard Donnell, Research Director at Zoopla, dives into the pressing issue of the UK housing market. He highlights the challenges of hitting the ambitious target of 300,000 new homes annually, addressing demand concerns post-Help to Buy and higher borrowing costs. Richard also emphasizes the vital role of estate agents in connecting builders with potential buyers. Additionally, he examines how current trends affect pricing and sales, revealing insights into shifting buyer behavior as affordability drives home searches further afield.
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Demand, Not Planning, Is The Bigger Barrier
- The government has reformed planning and put money in, but demand remains the bigger barrier to hitting 300k homes a year.
- Builders fear weak buyer demand, reduced housing association purchases, and higher borrowing costs are stopping them scaling up.
Current Build Rate Far Below Target
- The UK built about 220,000 homes last year, roughly 80,000 short of the 300,000 target.
- Short-term completions may fall further, so momentum and demand must improve to reach 300k.
Agents Should Expand New-Home Reach
- Estate agents should advise house builders to broaden marketing and maximise reach for new homes.
- Agents can grow new-build sales by using their stronger listings and land/new-homes expertise.