New-build homes in Great Britain now command an average 30% price premium over existing properties, according to research from UK Property Development.
The gap has widened by an estimated 6.2 percentage points since 2016.
In England, the new-build premium stands at 28.9%, up from 23.5% a decade ago.
There are substantial differences between regions. The North East has the largest premium in 2026, with new builds priced 60% above existing properties.
Scotland follows with a 55.4% premium, while the gap stands at 44.7% in Wales, 41.8% in the East Midlands and 40.6% in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Scotland recorded the largest increase over the decade, with its new-build premium widening by an estimated 8.3 percentage points, from 47.1% to 55.4%.
The gap increased by 7.9 percentage points in the East of England, 7.8 points in the North East and 7.6 points in the South West. The South East recorded an increase of 6.8 points.
London is the only region where new-build homes are cheaper than existing properties. The average new-build price in the capital is 10.5% below that of an existing home in 2026, compared with an 8.5% discount in 2016.
Andy Morrison, director at UK Property Development, said: “New-build homes continue to attract a premium in most parts of Great Britain, reflecting factors such as modern specifications, energy efficiency, and buyer demand for homes requiring less immediate maintenance.
“What’s particularly notable is that the premium has widened over the past decade across almost every region, suggesting that the relative value buyers place on new-build properties has strengthened over time.
“This is likely largely due to the increasing public concern around energy efficiency, both on household bills and in our individual contributions to tackling climate change.”
Morrison added: “New-build homes cost more to buy, but that is because of the great benefits and long-term cost savings they provide.”
