Discover the ten best property developers according to Verified first-time buyers leaving a review on HomeViews. Buying a house for the first time can be a complicated and confusing process. For this reason it’s important to find a developer or house builder that can help you through the process and provide a good level of care as you navigate the buying process. While you’ll need to consider available homes in your search area, this list of ten developers offers a good way to narrow your search.
Top 10 developers for first time buyers
So, which of the UK’s property developers are highest-rated by first-time buyers? See our latest Top 10 ranking below and click through to see each developer’s ratings and developments on HomeViews.
Please note: this Top 10 list is not based on the Star Ratings shown below, but purely on reviews between April 2023 to April 2025. Only developers with a minimum of 50 reviews in this period were considered for the awards.
How many property development companies are there in the UK?
According to propertydata.com, who publish the UK Housebuilders Directory, there are 2,535 active housebuilders and residential property developers in the UK, as of May 2024. Companies range from large developers with national portfolios right down to smaller, more boutique developers.
What’s the difference between property development and construction?
Construction companies specialise in building new homes, while property developers oversee the entire development process. This can start at the stage of finding land to develop on and securing planning permission to build. Developers may use specialist construction firms to build houses, roads and other infrastructure. However, a construction firm wouldn’t typically design and manage the entire development process.
How do you identify a good property developer?
It’s always a good idea to do your research on a property developer you’re considering buying from. HomeViews reviews are from carefully verified residents, so give you a good idea of how trustworthy a new build developer may be.
Transport connections are mentioned a lot in reviews, so do check those. Parking and the quality of gardens are other factors you should do plenty of research on, as well as local green spaces and other amenities. Within the property itself, check how much storage is provided. And, if you’re buying from new, always consider a snagging survey to pick up any issues with the property build.
What are the advantages of buying directly from a property developer?
Buying directly from a new build property developer can be the most cost-effective way to buy your new home. If you’re buying off-plan (before the construction of the property is completed), you may be able to secure a discount on the purchase price. You may also have a say in the specification, finish and fittings of your property.
Buying directly from a developer also cuts out agents and third parties. This can make the process of completing the transaction smoother. Developers often offer after-sales care and services including fixing snagging issues with the property, so you’re not completely on your own after completing your purchase.
What are the advantages of buying a new build property?
Buying a new-build property directly from a developer has many advantages. It’s usually cheaper to buy a property before or during its construction than it is after construction is complete. New-build properties can also provide you with access to schemes that help with the cost of buying, such as Shared Ownership or deposit contribution schemes.
Aside from the financial benefits, new build homes offer a blank canvas for you to make your mark on. There are unlikely to be any big jobs that you’ll want or need to do on the property. They also offer the benefit of being chain-free, and meet energy efficiency standards, making your bills cheaper.
For more advice on buying a new build home, take a look at our list of 10 things new build owners wish they’d known before buying.
Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?
The rules regarding stamp duty (or Stamp Duty Land Tax, to use its official name), are different for first-time buyers. You typically pay stamp duty on property purchases above £250,000, at 5%, but this increases for more expensive properties. However, if you’re a first-time buyer you don’t pay stamp duty unless your property is valued at more than £425,000. You can read more about stamp duty in our guide for first-time buyers.
Thinking of buying a new build?
Our new-build essential advice page has everything you need to know. From a step-by-step guide to buying a new build, to the top 10 things new-build buyers wish they had known before purchasing, it can help prepare you for every stage of your move. You can also find further advice for first-time buyers in our guide to first-time buyer schemes and our first-time buyer’s guide to getting a mortgage.
HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.
