New homes
Councils that added more homes per head did not clearly see slower rent growth. Net additional homes (England only) and gross new-build completions (England and Wales) show at most a weak link on their own, and none once other factors are allowed for.
This measures how much was built, not how much was needed. A council can build a lot and still fall behind demand, so this isn't evidence that supply doesn't matter. It only says the effect doesn't show up clearly when you compare councils over five or ten years.
Frequently asked questions about new homes and rents
Do councils that build more homes have lower rent growth?
Not clearly. Net additional homes (England only) and new-build completions (England and Wales) show at most a weak link with rent growth on their own, and none once other factors are allowed for.
Does this show that building homes doesn't help with rents?
No. It measures how much was built, not how much was needed. A council can build a lot and still fall behind demand. It only says the effect doesn't show up clearly when you compare councils over five or ten years.
What is the difference between net additional dwellings and completions?
Net additional dwellings count new homes plus conversions and changes of use, minus demolitions, and are published for England. Completions count new builds only and are available for England and Wales. Both are shown per 1,000 residents.