House Builders & Developers - Top 10
We look at both the best and biggest house builders and developers in the UK.
In the quest for a new home, the quality of construction is paramount. The UK boasts a diverse range of house builders, each promising to turn the dream of homeownership into a reality. However, discerning the best from the vast selection requires a deeper look into their reputation for build quality, customer satisfaction, and overall performance. This article aims to illuminate the best house builders across the UK, drawing from insights from awards and reviews.
The Best House Builders in the UK
Berkeley Homes
Berkeley Homes is renowned for its sustainable community-building ethos. Operating across London, Birmingham, and the South of England, Berkeley emphasises sustainable living without compromising on quality.
CALA Homes
Scotland's pride, CALA Homes, stands at the second position. With a history dating back to 1875, this Edinburgh-based titan has a significant number of developments under its belt, celebrated for their exceptional design and construction quality.
Bloor Homes
Bloor Homes occupies the third slot, leveraging over half a century of expertise in the residential sector. This developer's commitment to integrating homeowner feedback into its quality and service standards has been pivotal in its success.
Fairview New Homes
Making a notable entry, Fairview New Homes marks its position with a focus on not only build quality but also community integration. Its projects, ranging from detached homes to urban apartments, reflect a commitment to enhancing life in London and the Home Counties.
Countryside
Founded in 1958, Countryside is celebrated for its innovative and sustainable approaches to housing. This developer's work with local authorities and housing associations underscores its commitment to affordable and high-quality housing.
Redrow Group
Redrow Homes is a well-regarded UK-based housebuilding company, recognized for its commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes across England and Wales. Founded by Steve Morgan in 1974, Redrow has grown from a small civil engineering enterprise in North Wales into one of the country's leading developers, known for its distinctive and thoughtful approach to the design and construction of its developments. The company places a strong emphasis on building communities, not just houses, integrating environmental sustainability and innovative design principles to create developments that enhance the local area.
Story Homes
Founded in 1987, Story Homes has crafted its reputation on delivering quality homes in the North of England and Southern Scotland. This developer's dedication to aspirational living spaces secures its place in the list of top developers.
Taylor Wimpey
One of the UK's largest residential developers, Taylor Wimpey, is known for its significant contribution to the housing market, delivering around 10,000 homes annually. This developer's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has cemented its position in the industry.
Barratt Homes
Rounding off the list is Barratt Homes, part of Barratt Developments Plc, which is one of the largest property developers in the UK. With a focus on innovation and quality, Barratt Homes has established a solid reputation among homeowners.
The Importance of Making Informed Choices
The decision to purchase a new-build property is monumental. Prospective buyers often wish they had more information on certain aspects before committing. Key considerations include the reputation of the developer and property manager, parking arrangements, garden quality, the implications of snagging surveys, and the property's appearance at different times of the day. Being armed with this knowledge can significantly influence satisfaction levels post-purchase.
How to Choose the Best New Build Developers
Selecting the right developer for your new build home involves more than just admiring beautiful show homes; it's about ensuring a secure and rewarding investment in your future. Key factors to consider include the developer's track record for quality and reliability , evident through awards and recognitions like those from the Home Builders Federation. Transparency and responsiveness in customer service are crucial, as these traits indicate how post-purchase issues will be handled. Sustainability practices are increasingly important, with leading developers integrating eco-friendly features and building methods to reduce environmental impact. The presence of a robust warranty and after-sales support service indicates the developer's confidence in their work and their commitment to customer satisfaction. Additionally, evaluating the developer’s financial stability can offer peace of mind regarding the project's completion and the upkeep of warranty promises. Finally, community feedback and verified resident reviews provide invaluable insights into the lived experience, offering a glimpse into what your future in the development could look like. Considering these aspects carefully will lead you to a developer that not only builds houses but creates homes and communities where life flourishes.
Biggest House Builders in the UK by Turnover
| Rank | Housebuilder | Turnover (£k) | Operating Profit (£k) | Operating Margin (%) | Average House Price (£) |
| 1 | Barratt Developments | 5,267,900 | 646,600 | 12.27 | 340,800 |
| 2 | Taylor Wimpey | 4,284,900 | 698,200 | 16.29 | 300,000 |
| 3 | Persimmon | 3,610,500 | 966,700 | 26.77 | 237,078 |
| 4 | Bellway | 3,536,800 | 309,000 | 8.74 | 314,400 |
| 5 | Vistry Group | 2,359,042 | 368,368 | 15.62 | 305,100 |
| 6 | Berkeley Group | 2,348,000 | 507,900 | 21.63 | 603,000 |
| 7 | Redrow Group | 2,140,000 | 414,000 | 19.35 | 370,800 |
| 8 | Countryside Properties | 1,371,400 | 167,300 | 12.20 | 364,000 |
| 9 | Bloor Homes | 1,253,589 | 266,948 | 21.29 | 307,629 |
| 10 | Cala Group | 1,197,573 | 140,978 | 11.77 | 462,000 |
This table offers a glimpse into the financial and operational metrics that define the UK's leading house builders. It helps to understand the scale of operations, while the operating margin offers insights into profitability and efficiency. The average house price also provides a general idea of the market segment each developer primarily caters to. These metrics together help prospective buyers and industry observers gauge the relative strength and market positioning of each developer.
Conclusion
Selecting a house builder is a critical step in the journey to homeownership. The UK's housing landscape is adorned with developers that not only promise quality construction but also sustainability and community enrichment. The insights from the 2024 Resident Choice Awards provide a valuable guide for prospective homeowners, spotlighting the developers that have excelled in delivering on their promises. As the housing market continues to evolve, these builders set the standards for what buyers can expect in terms of quality, design, and living experience.