The number of new homes being built soared by 74% during the three months to the end of April as the housebuilding industry continued to recover, figures have shown.
A total of 31,038 new homes were registered during the period, up from just 17,859 during the same three months of 2009, according to the National House-Building Council (NHBC).
Private developers led the recovery, with the sector registering a 113% jump in registrations year-on-year to 20,538.
Registrations by public sector builders, such as housing associations, rose by 28% during the same period to 10,500.
Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the NHBC, said: "Our figures show a steady improvement in the number of homes being built in the UK, indicating that the industry has consolidated and built on the improved conditions seen over the past months.
"The challenge will be to sustain this growth against the backdrop of an uncertain environment, as the new coalition settles in and sets out its strategy for meeting the country's housing needs."
Housebuilders have endured a difficult time during the past couple of years due to the combination of the credit crunch and falling house prices. The number of new homes being built fell to its lowest level since the Second World War last year, as existing developments were mothballed and new ones were put on hold.
But the industry appears to have turned a corner, with building levels beginning to rise again, while housebuilders have recently produced some upbeat trading statements.
All regions of the UK saw an increase in the number of properties being built, with building levels highest in the South East at 4,768 new homes.
But the West Midlands saw the biggest increase, with the number of homes being built rising by 281% year on year, followed by Greater London, where there was a 260% jump.
Source: The Press Association
See Also: National House Building Council (14), Property News (6711)
Date Published: 28 May 2010
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