The latest registration figures from NHBC show that the number of new homes registered across the country remains significantly up compared to corresponding 2012 statistics.
In April alone 11,484 new homes were registered in the UK compared to 8,238 in April 2012 – an increase of 39%.
In line with the positive Q1 statistics, 2013 continues to show a marked improvement on the number of new homes registered with NHBC, with year to date figures 26% higher for the period January to April compared to the same period last year (43,223 in 2013 compared to 34,236 in 2012).
The publication of the Q1 2013 figures give the first full year of data since the government’s revised planning policy was implemented in March 2012. It shows planning approvals were up 21.7 per cent on the previous year, from 118,723 to 144,427, across England.
Data published yesterday by the Home Builders Federation shows the overall number of planning approvals fell by 12 per cent from the previous quarter, to 44,924, but was up 7 per cent on the first quarter of 2012.
Commenting on the latest statistics, NHBC Commercial Director Richard Tamayo said: “April’s registration figures, combined with early indications of increased activity in May, build upon the solid volume growth seen in Q1 2013.
“Similar to previous registration figures this year, the upturn can be attributed in part to the Government’s £2.2bn Affordable Homes Programme which according to Housing Minister Mark Prisk is on track to deliver the target of 170,000 new homes by 2015.
“We still need to remember, however, in the context of overall new home volumes, that the figures remain significantly below registration levels prior to the economic downturn and the levels the UK urgently requires to meet the needs of its demographic.”
