BuildLoan points to vacant homes as new build activity slows
BuildLoan says renovation finance could help unlock hundreds of thousands of empty homes after new Government figures showed a quarterly fall in housing starts.
New housing starts in England fell during the first quarter of 2026, prompting BuildLoan to highlight the role renovation finance could play in bringing vacant properties back into use.
Latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government show there were 33,960 new build dwelling starts in England during Q1 2026, down 9% on the previous quarter but 18% higher than the same period a year earlier. The department said increases seen in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 were partly driven by reforms to the Building Safety Regulator announced in June 2025.
New build completions reached an estimated 37,170 during the quarter, up 1% on Q4 2025 and 3% higher than Q1 2025. The Government also estimates that 392,400 net additional homes have been delivered in England between 9th July 2024 and 14th June 2026.
Responding to the figures, BuildLoan said attention should also be given to existing housing stock, pointing to separate Government data showing there are more than 750,000 empty homes in England, including more than 300,000 that have been vacant for the long term.
Raymond Connor, chief executive officer at BuildLoan, said: “While starts and completions chug along, somewhat bolstered by June 2025’s reforms to the Building Safety Regulator, other recent government statistics released last month indicate there are more than 750,000 dwellings in England that are currently sitting empty and more than 300,000 long-term vacant dwellings. These are properties that, if utilised, could significantly ease the country’s housing challenge.
“Many of these properties are likely vacant as they require refurbishment before they can be considered habitable and accepted for a standard mortgage from a mainstream lender. But there are now mortgage products available that can help families and young couples buy and renovate one of these vacant properties into their dream home – something that up until now would only have been possible with bridging finance.
“Those looking to take a first step onto the housing ladder are no longer reliant on new build starts and completions – there are alternatives like light renovation finance that can not only help to make a significant dent in the country’s housing targets but also unlock potential from our existing dwelling stock.
“At BuildLoan, we can help brokers navigate the unique nuances of renovation mortgages to make sure best practice and Consumer Duty are always at the forefront of recommendations.”
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