London new home starts slump 30% in a year

New home construction in London has fallen sharply, with starts down 30% to 4,220 in the year to September 2025 and completions dropping 15%, worsening the capital's housing crisis. The city has built just 47,600 homes since Labour took office in July 2024, far below the government's annual target of 88,000, putting upward pressure on rents and property prices. Officials point to high costs, planning delays, and policy hurdles as key factors, while the government aims to boost construction nationally despite London lagging behind. 

The Standard (28/01/2026)