The new homes sales progression and aftercare platform revealed that flats accounted for 34% of recent sales, followed by detached homes on 28%, and semi-detached homes at 17%. Furthermore, 12% of recent sales have been terraced homes, while just 9% were bungalows.
At a regional level, however, it's detached homes that tend to be the most popular type of new-build this Christmas. They are the favoured choice among festive buyers in Yorkshire & Humber (37%), the South West (35%), East Midlands (35%), East of England (35%), West Midlands (34%), and the North East (31%).
In contrast, flats are the dominant choice in all other regions. In London, they account for a whopping 86% of all new-build sales, and they’re also the go-to option in the South East (41%) and North West (29%).
Lee Martin, Head of UK for Unlatch, says: “Flats are showing as the nation’s favourite type of new-build home, but this is largely due to their dominance in the London market. In reality, detached homes are more universally popular, which is no surprise as buyers look for more space and a better quality of living in a post-pandemic market.
"If we are being honest, anyone in the sector knows that a house will sell a lot faster than an apartment due to reaching more buyer profiles requirements, outside space and more bedrooms and reception rooms just some of those reasons along with no ground rent and little or no service charges.
"We also can’t underestimate how important aspiration is in the continued popularity of detached homes. Yes, they offer more space, but for many of us, it’s also the type of property we imagine in our minds when dreaming about the home we will one day celebrate Christmas day inside.
"Outside of major urban areas, the new-build sector is the driving force behind the accessibility of detached homes thanks to their prevalence and relative affordability compared to existing detached properties.
"As more new-build sites are made available, hopefully on brownfield sites near the highest demand areas, more and more first-time homebuyers or current flat-dwellers will be able to realise that dream of setting up home in a grand, stand-alone property.”
