Highest new home registrations in 12 years, reports NHBC
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August 12, 2019
Builders and developers registered the highest number of new homes for 12 years during April to June, recording more than 43,000 new homes in the UK, according to the latest figures from NHBC, with inward investment in the rental sector driving much of the growth.
43,438 new homes were registered between April and June 2019, 12% up on the same period last year (38,937) and the highest since Q4 2007 when 43,525 were registered.
Commenting on the latest figures NHBC chief executive, Steve Wood, said: “It is great to see this sign of confidence in new-build housing and that the positive start to the year has continued into the summer.
“The combination of the growing private rental sector and on-going investment into the UK market is helping to boost new home registrations.”
The upturn in London continues with 6,000 registrations over the last three months – more than double what was registered a year ago. The North West (+47%) and Scotland (+17%) also enjoyed buoyant quarters, with eight out of 12 UK regions showing an increase on 2018 numbers.
Overall, the private sector increased by 14% (29,993 v 26,422 in 2018) and the affordable and rental sector by 7% (13,445 v 12,515 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.
NHBC UK statistics show that:
- During April 2019 – June 2019 the number of NHBC new home registrations was 43,438 compared to 38,937 a year ago.
- 29,993 were registered in the private sector, compared to 26,422 in the previous year.
- 13,445 were registered in the affordable and rental sector, compared to 12,515 in the previous year.
Full regional breakdown of total new homes registered during this period:
| Country/Region | Apr 19 – June 19 | Apr 18 – June 18 |
| England – Regions | ||
| North East | 1,226 | 1,129 |
| North West & Merseyside | 5,818 | 3,963 |
| Yorkshire & Humberside | 1,954 | 2,941 |
| West Midlands | 4,019 | 3,597 |
| East Midlands | 3,167 | 3,002 |
| Eastern | 5,118 | 5,265 |
| South West | 3,079 | 3,042 |
| London | 6,000 | 2,984 |
| South East | 6,584 | 6,621 |
| Totals for England | 36,965 | 32,544 |
| Scotland | 3,887 | 3,314 |
| Wales | 1,362 | 1,320 |
| Northern Ireland & IOM | 1,224 | 1,759 |
| Totals for UK | 43,438 | 38,937 |
Registrations refer to the process of a builder registering a new plot/home to be built in the coming months or weeks, to be covered by NHBC’s ten-year Buildmark warranty. Completions refer to when a new home is completed by the builder.
Changes can occur between figures published at different times owing to changes in policies and cancellations.
