A new study by Property Buyers Today has identified the UK local authorities delivering the highest volume of completed new builds relative to population between April 2022 and March 2025. By analysing building completion data alongside 2024 population estimates, the research established a ranking based on new homes completed per 10,000 residents.
The metric offers a clearer picture of housing intensity than absolute totals, which naturally favour larger regions. The data highlights a strong trend: housing growth is concentrating in smaller and mid-sized areas outside major urban hubs that offer available land, infrastructure links, and lower living costs.
Top 10 local authorities by completed new builds (2022–2025)
| Rank | Local Authority | Total Builds Completed (2022–2025) | Population | Builds Completed per 10,000 Population |
| 1 | Midlothian | 2,790 | 99,880 | 279 |
| 2 | Mid Suffolk | 2,950 | 110,775 | 266 |
| 3 | Tewkesbury | 2,550 | 101,949 | 250 |
| 4 | South Derbyshire | 2,930 | 117,493 | 249 |
| 5 | Stratford-on-Avon | 3,510 | 146,258 | 240 |
| 6 | South Cambridgeshire | 4,120 | 172,544 | 239 |
| 7 | East Lothian | 2,720 | 115,180 | 236 |
| 8 | Rushcliffe | 2,920 | 126,736 | 230 |
| 9 | Vale of White Horse | 3,230 | 149,347 | 216 |
| 10 | East Hertfordshire | 3,320 | 156,875 | 212 |
Midlothian’s leading position reflects intense housing demand linked to its proximity to Edinburgh, driven by buyers seeking access to capital employment alongside more affordable housing options. Similarly, Mid Suffolk and Tewkesbury reflect strong demand for well-connected, rural market towns, while South Cambridgeshire’s high one absolute build total demonstrates massive construction activity tied to Cambridge’s economic expansion.
Saif Derzi, Founder of Property Buyers Today, commented on the findings: “The data highlights how important it is for the public and private sectors to collaborate in order to address and tackle housing shortages throughout the country. The role of local authorities in this context is to enhance the quality of life for its residents and understanding the needs of their communities.”
“The reasons behind the disparities in building completion rates among local authorities are multifaceted, with factors such as land availability, infrastructure investment, and demographic trends contributing to the patterns.”
The study focuses strictly on finished, ready-for-occupation dwellings across the April 2022 – March 2025 financial years and excludes uncompleted site starts or pending planning permissions.