More than 13,500 new
homes were registered to be built in the UK in April, according to the latest
figures from NHBC - an increase of 21% compared to a year ago.
A total of 13,527
new homes were registered (9,972 private sector; 3,555 affordable and rental
sector) compared to 11,218 a year ago (7,427 private sector; 3,791 affordable
and rental sector).
Seven of the 12 UK
regions saw an increase, with London seeing another considerable rise in
registrations – up 61% (5,475 in 2019 v 3,397 in 2018). This is driven by
growth in the numbers 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.
Looked at over a
rolling quarter, 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 v 26,754 in 2018), with the affordable and rental sector up
14% (10,615 in 2019 v 9,288 in 2018).
NHBC is the leading
warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK and its registration
statistics are a lead indicator for the new homes market.
Commenting on the
new figures, 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.”
NHBC UK statistics
show that: during Feb’ 19 – April ‘19 the number of NHBC new home registrations
was 38,496 compared to 36,042 a year ago; 27,881 were registered in the private
sector, compared to 26,754 in the previous year; and 10,615 were registered in
the affordable and rental sector, compared to 9,288 in the previous year.
