Skipton expert on how New Build demand and innovation are shaping the broker's role
This article was produced in partnership with Skipton.
Skipton Building Society’s recent research surveyed 1,000 aspiring first-time buyers planning to purchase within the next two years. While it revealed several standout statistics, one fundamental fact shone through: more first-time buyers are choosing New Builds.
“In terms of outright demand, this year* we saw 70% of New Build applications have at least one first-time buyer on them,” says Jonathan Evans, New Build Lead. “That’s up from 64% during the same period in 2023. Overall, we’re seeing a more buoyant market for this kind of housing.”
Stand out statistics — and what’s driving the trend
Notably, 44% of aspiring first-time buyers would prefer a New Build property, compared to just 30% who would consider an older property. Over half of those who said they prefer a New Build expressed a preference for modern fittings and appliances.
New Builds tend to be better insulated and have energy-efficient heating systems, making the home more comfortable with potentially lower running costs. Maintenance costs are also likely to be less given most of the major functions of these properties are probably still under warranty, whether it’s the roof, the boiler, or windows.
With the majority of first-time buyers struggling with affordability — the research also shows 52% don’t believe New Builds nearby are affordable, 68% expect that buying a home could wipe out their savings, and 35% identified saving for a deposit as their biggest hurdle — anything that could result in more financial cushioning is an alluring prospect at a time when every little bit helps.
“If you think about the direction of minimum energy efficiency ratings, as well as increased costs with inflation up, New Builds could give buyers peace of mind,” Evans says, adding that the New Build buying experience could also offer incentives.
People can walk into a development, pick a property, and as long as they qualify, often get it for a fixed price. There’s no bidding against other buyers; you’re not stuck in a chain and there aren’t the same complexities of dealing with an estate agent. While a completion date might be delayed, the likelihood of it falling through completely is much less than with a typical transaction.
“When you look at our data, it certainly suggests more and more first-time buyers are leaning towards New Builds,” Evans says. “If you’re putting in all your savings and affordability is going to be tight, it’s a solution that makes sense.”
The brokers’ role: Using innovation to their advantage
Evans — a 20-year industry veteran who’s spent the last 11 at Skipton, taking over as New Build lead two years ago — isn’t just an observer of the trends reflected in the research. He’s part of it on a more personal level.
After discovering his second-hand property needed a significant amount of work to get the EPC rating increased, not to mention the quote for adding an extension to accommodate his growing family, he realised it was much more cost efficient to buy a New Build. His experience compounded what he calls a long-time keen interest in this specialist area.
“It offers a lot of positives. For me, it's about building relationships with developers, trade bodies, policy makers, and brokers as well,” he says, adding that his passion for the space is reflected in Skipton’s approach.
Skipton is an advocate for, and supporter of, the New Build market, coupled with a strategic objective to help first-time buyers. Their propositions aim to “provide a vehicle and a route” to home ownership via New Builds, Evans says.
For example, Skipton offers up to 95% loan to value (LTV) on New Build houses and flats as well as offering incentives between 2-5%. Their Track Record Mortgage was launched to help those stuck in the rental cycle through low to no deposit mortgages, broadened to allow New Builds up to 100% LTV. While Income Booster, previously known as Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor, showcases a nine-month offer with a three-month extension (if required, subject to up-to-date documentation and re-score) for New Builds.
Delayed Start also rolled out earlier this year – a new product where payments are deferred for the first three months following completion (interest does accrue from day one), “it’s designed to ease the pressure on first-time buyers and essentially give them a bit of breathing space” Evans explains. Whether that be due to rent overlaps or they need some extra funds to furnish their new home.
While navigating various schemes, incentives, and regulatory changes adds another layer of complexity that can appear more daunting than buying a second-hand home, brokers are the cornerstone of smoothing out the process, Evans notes.
“The broker serves as the main point of contact, really leans into the role of trusted advisor, and holds the customer’s hand in navigating this growing area,” Evans says.
Innovative propositions, high LTV lending, flexible lending, and timely research
There’s a lot of innovation at the moment, and it’s increasing all the time. While there’s been much regulatory change, “there’s still quite a lot of freedom within the framework,” Evans says, and lenders like Skipton are using that leeway to bring new products.
“New Build is quite a specialist market and it's important that brokers use that innovation to their advantage,” he explains.
It’s also important that everyone involved zooms out. The narrative is a lot of negative noise, but Evans points to experts forecasting inflation will start to fall and that unemployment is still historically low. Add to that the commitment from lenders who are revisiting risk appetite and thinking outside the box when it comes to helping customers, and the future looks quite bright.
Skipton is well-placed to make more headway in its quest to address major stumbling blocks, supporting the increased interest in New Builds via innovative propositions, high LTV lending, and a flexible approach to lending. Building on its foundational belief that everybody deserves the chance to own their own home, the lender is also keen to shine a light on the big picture. That’s what sparks ongoing research that keeps pace with evolving markets.
“The research showed 60% of respondents are worried about New Build supply in their area, and the government plans to build 1.5 million new homes,” Evans says. “There’s definitely an interest from government and policy makers, as well as potential buyers. If it’s a space that’s going to grow, it’s an area where we’ll focus our research.”
Jonathan Evans
Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries
New Build Lead
*from 1st January to 31st August
All products subject to eligibility and lending criteria
For Intermediary Use Only
These views are Jonathan’s own.
72 Point Survey commissioned by Skipton Building Society 2025.
