According to new figures released by the National Housebuilding Council, the number of new homes registered in the first three months of the year saw growth compared to the year before…
Across the UK a total of 40,281 new homes were registered in the first quarter of the year. The National House Building Council (NHBC) said the figures seen so far this year were “encouraging” and represented an 18 per cent increase when compared with the first three months of 2014.
The West Midlands did particularly well, according to the data. A total of 3,835 new homes were registered between January and March in the region, showing a 31 per cent rise year-on-year. Birmingham needs to build a significant number of new homes to cope with an estimated population growth of 150,000 by 2031.
March alone saw 17,210 new home registered across the country. This was an increase of nearly a third when compared to 2014.
Chief Executive Mike Quinton said: “Our figures show an encouraging start to 2015 with new housing registrations up 18 per cent on the first quarter of last year. Housing growth levels remain strong across virtually every part of the UK.
“However, we have made clear that the UK is still building way below the volumes of homes that we need. NHBC looks forward to working with government to ensure that high quality new housing is a top priority.”
Figures are taken from builders, who construct around 80 per cent of new homes in the UK. The builders register homes with the NHBC before starting work. This means the figures relate to homes that are due to be built in the upcoming months.
However, while the many regions, including the West Midlands, performed well, some area saw their figures fall. London, for example, saw a 29 per cent decrease in the number of properties registered between January and March 2015 when compared to the year before. NHBC said only 5,622 new homes were registered. The figures could have dropped in the run up to the election over uncertainty of the outcome. Homebuilder Persimmons reported in the run up to the election difficulties getting planning approved.
The data also showed an increase in the number of detached homes being built. A total of 26 per cent of new homes registered in the first three months of the year were detached. This equaled the total percentage seen across 2014. In 2008, the number of detached homes being built fell to a low of 15 per cent.
A total of 31 per cent of new homes registered were flats and maisonettes.
Chief Executive of Shelter Campbell Robb said: “While we welcome any sign that house building is on the rise, this is just a drop in the ocean compared to the 250,000 we need each year to fix our housing drought.
“If the next government doesn’t take stock and prioritise building the genuinely affordable homes we desperately need, millions of young people and families will continue to pay the price – both now and for generations to come.”
The figures for new property registrations across the UK between January and March 2014 compared to the first three months of this year were as follows:
– West Midlands, 3,835, 31 per cent
– Scotland, 3,189, 15 per cent
– North East, 1,180, minus 10 per cent
– Yorkshire and the Humber, 2,223, 33 per cent
– East Midlands, 3,573, 30 per cent
– Eastern England, 4,318, 70 per cent
– London, 5,622, minus 29 per cent
– South East, 6,624, 47 per cent
– South West, 4,486, 38 per cent
– Wales, 1,193, 32 per cent
– Northern Ireland, 776, 42 per cent
– North West, 3,262, Five per cent
