The 2026 housing market is shaping up to be a story of returning demand set against a continuing housing supply crisis, with new build homes at the centre of the challenge.

In this episode of Mortgage Insider, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation, and Craig Hall, Director of Strategic Partnerships at LSL Financial Services, to explore the latest property market outlook and what it means in practice.

The discussion looks at how planning delays and policy changes are influencing new build delivery, and how this is affecting demand across the UK. It also explores current mortgage trends, how lenders are adapting, and the role mortgage rates and affordability play in shaping buyer behaviour.

A key part of the conversation focuses on first-time buyer challenges and the growing debate around Help to Buy alternatives. It also considers how homebuilders are adjusting to current conditions, and what this means for brokers. 

This episode offers a clear and balanced view of the factors shaping the new build sector and wider housing market, with practical insight into what brokers should focus on in an increasingly complex lending and economic environment.