Supply of family-suitable homes falls across the nation

However, the East of England has moved in the opposite direction. The number of large homes listed across the region has risen from 3,116 in May to 4,142 in October, an increase of almost 33%. As a result, properties measuring 2,500 sq ft or more now account for 7.1% of available listings, up from 5.6% five months ago.

This puts the East of England among the strongest-performing regions for the availability of larger homes, second only to the South West, where properties of this size account for 7.4% of current listings. The South East ranks third, with large homes making up 6.8% of available stock. 

The national picture is less encouraging. Despite an increase in the estimated number of homes listed for sale across England, the number of large properties has fallen slightly, from 27,331 in May to 27,105 in October. This suggests that the wider housing market is expanding without a corresponding increase in the supply of larger family homes.

The East of England's improved position is particularly significant given its appeal to buyers leaving London in search of more space, a better quality of life and strong commuter links. The region accounted for 15.3% of all large homes listed for sale across England in October, with 4,142 properties meeting the 2,500 sq ft threshold.

The findings highlight the continued importance of the region's key lifestyle and commuter hotspots, including Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Buyers are increasingly prioritising features such as home offices, generous gardens and flexible multi-generational living space, while seeking to retain convenient access to London. 

Large new-build homes remain concentrated in the South East

Despite the improvement in the overall availability of larger properties, the new-build market presents a more challenging picture for buyers seeking spacious, modern family homes. 

UKPD's analysis identified 371 new-build properties measuring at least 2,500 sq ft listed across England in October. Of these, 134 were in the South East, accounting for 36.1% of the national total. The East of England ranked second, with 73 large new-build homes, equivalent to 19.7% of England's total. 

Together, the South East and East of England accounted for more than half of all large new-build properties identified across England, underlining the importance of these regions to the market for larger newly built family homes. 

However, the figures also highlight the limited number of such properties available nationally. With just 371 large new-build homes identified across England, the choice remains narrow for buyers looking for substantial modern homes with contemporary layouts, energy-efficient features and the flexibility to accommodate changing family needs.

For the East of England, the figures reinforce the opportunity for developers to respond to demand for larger, high-quality homes. While the overall market has seen a welcome improvement in the availability of larger properties, the new-build figures suggest there is still considerable scope to deliver more spacious homes designed around modern family life.

Andy Morrison, Director of UK Property Development, commented: 

“The latest figures show a welcome improvement in the availability of large homes across the East of England. It should be encouraging for buyers looking for more space, but it does not mean the market is suddenly well supplied. 

The East of England remains one of the country's most attractive regions for families. It combines excellent connectivity with beautiful countryside, strong schools and thriving towns and villages, making it an obvious choice for people who want more space without losing their links to London. 

The new-build figures are particularly revealing. Although the East of England accounts for almost a fifth of all large new-build properties identified nationally, there are only 73 such homes in the current data. For buyers seeking a substantial new home that combines contemporary design with room for family life, the choice remains limited. 

That is why we believe there is a clear opportunity for developers to deliver more ambitious, spacious homes in the region. At UKPD, we see the value of creating properties that respond to what buyers genuinely want: generous floor space, flexibility, quality and the opportunity to make a home their own. 

Our development, St James View, in Goff's Oak, Hertfordshire, reflects that approach. The collection of 14 five-bedroom homes offers an average floor space of 3,100 sq ft, with buyers able to personalise, or completely design, their interiors to suit their needs. By combining substantial living space with the appeal of one of England's most desirable counties, we aim to offer the kind of family home that many buyers struggle to find on the open market.” 

Data tables and sources

• *Large property listings (2,500sqft+) sourced from Property Data (correct as of 09/10/2026)

• *Residential listings data sourced from Rightmove (correct as of 09/10/2026)

• Full data tables can be viewed online here