New homes built in England and Wales last year funded 42,000 new school places, 1,640 football pitches worth of community space and over £9bn in affordable housing, according to new statistics from the Home Builders Federation (HBF).
Building new homes doesn’t just provide places for people to live – it also supports funding for schools, parks and affordable housing, and creates local jobs. The statistics show that home building generates more than £60bn of social and economic value for local communities across England and Wales, highlighting the often-unseen benefits that come with new housing developments.
As part of planning agreements, every new housing development has to contribute to the infrastructure and services needed to support growing communities, creating benefits for both new and existing residents.
In England alone, the 209,000 homes delivered in 2024/25 are estimated to have generated more than £60bn, which includes:
• More than £9bn for Affordable Housing
• £1.3bn for infrastructure, including around £600m for new and improved schools
• £188m in spending for open spaces and leisure facilities
• £46bn of economic activity, supporting local economies
• £6bn in spending in local shops
• 734,000 jobs, including around 9,000 apprentices, graduates or trainees.
In Wales, the 5,159 homes completed in 2025/26 generated a further £1.1bn in economic activity, alongside £230m for Affordable Housing, £32m for infrastructure and support for around 18,000 jobs.
The findings come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham launches a new era of devolution, giving local communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, housing, transport and public services. With mayors set to gain greater control over funding and decision-making, new homes will have an important role to play in supporting local growth by bringing investment into communities.
Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the HBF, said: “New homes are about much more than bricks and mortar. Our research shows that home building is generating more than £60bn in investment and economic value across England and Wales, helping to fund the affordable housing, schools, infrastructure, parks, local businesses and jobs that communities rely on. Behind every new development is a wider contribution that helps the community grow and thrive.”