The number of new homes under construction jumped by nearly a fifth in April, according to the latest figures from the National House-Building Council (NHBC).
There were more than 13,500 new homes registered to be built in the UK in April — a rise of 21% on a year ago.
In total, 13,527 new homes were registered, with 9,972 in the private sector and another 3,555 in the affordable and rental sector. That compared to 11,218 a year ago (7,427 private sector; 3,791 affordable and rental sector).
According to the NHBC figures, seven of the 12 UK regions saw an increase, with London seeing another considerable rise in registrations – up 61% (5,475 in 2019 compared to 3,397 in 2018). The NHBC attributed the increase to the growth in the number of larger developments and an increased appetite in the private rental sector. In addition, the strong level of growth compared to April last year is partly due to the impact of the freezing weather in spring 2018.
In the quarter running from February to April, 38,496 new homes were registered to be built compared to 36,042 in the same February – April period last year. The private sector was up 4% (27,881 in 2019 against 26,754 in 2018), with the affordable and rental sector up 14% (10,615 in 2019 compared to 9,288 in 2018).
NHBC chief executive Steve Wood said: “It is great to see another strong month for new home registrations. To date, there is little evidence that Brexit uncertainties are denting developer confidence, whilst the continued flow of inward investment into the private rental sector is another good sign of resilience.”
Source: NHBC
