Building Dreams or Faded Hopes? Discover the Real Housing Trends After Labour's First Year

In the wake of Labour’s first year in government, the landscape of housing in England has revealed a complex picture. While the number of homes receiving their first Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has declined by 8%, leading to a total of 201,000 new homes up until June 2025, applications for new developments have surged by 49% compared to the previous year. This duality reflects both the challenges and potentials in tackling the housing crisis inherited from the Conservatives.

EPCs serve as a reliable indicator for new buildings, being mandated shortly after a home is completed. Yet, experts caution that unless decision times for applications are accelerated, it could take an entire parliamentary term before any newly permitted homes are actually completed. Use our interactive tool to analyze local housing additions based on your postcode.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has acknowledged the persistent low figures but expressed the government’s intention to ramp up supply significantly moving into the later years of the current parliament. A target of 1.5 million homes over five years translates to 300,000 homes annually, a feat not achieved since the late 1960s.

In Milton Keynes, local efforts have managed to exceed newly set targets, providing a glimmer of hope, yet in contrast, Eastbourne has struggled, with only 127 EPCs registered against a target of 702 homes per year, illuminating disparities based on geographic and economic contexts.

Challenges are underscored by local voices like Lindsey, a nursery worker priced out of homeownership, and Amber, a young café employee facing affordability issues. Many local officials argue that targets do not adequately consider environmental constraints impacting development viability.

Despite some progress in planning applications, there are concerns that these efforts may not immediately translate into actual housing supply due to long approval timelines. The Planning Portal has noted a record number of planning requests but urges acceleration to restore confidence in the housing market. Recent changes such as a new AI tool aimed at streamlining planning for councils, alongside substantial financial investments in housing, indicate the government’s commitment to address this ongoing crisis. Overall, the situation remains dynamic, revealing the need for a robust strategy to genuinely revive aspirations of homeownership while addressing the pressing shortage of affordable housing.