The number of new homes being registered across the UK remains slightly ahead of corresponding statistics for last year according to new figures from NHBC, but there were considerable regional differences.
The latest statistics show that 38,099 new homes were registered for the rolling quarter May to July, compared to 37,738 for the same period last year.
But there were marked regional differences, with more than 10% of all the new homes registered being located in the East Midlands area, where the number jumped almost 55% to 3,984 from 2,571. The number fell the North East, Merseyside, Eastern, South West, Greater London and South East areas. Registrations in Scotland fell from 2,762 to 2,454 but there were rises in both Wales and Northern Ireland. The latest statistics show that 38,099 new homes were registered for the rolling quarter May to July, compared to 37,738 for the same period last year. This represents an increase of 1%, building on the strong growth seen throughout the country over the last 18 months.
The overall figure of 38,099 represents an increase of 1%, building on the strong growth seen throughout the country over the last 18 months.
The private sector continues to drive overall growth with numbers up nearly 7% for the rolling quarter compared to last year (28,861 this year; 27,028 last year) with the public sector remaining down on 2013 levels by 14% (9,238 this year; 10,710 last year).
Figures for July indicate a slight drop when compared to the same month last year (13,153 this year – 10,278 private sector; 2,875 public versus 13,539 for July 2013; 10,300 private; 3,239 public), although it is the second highest monthly total so far this year.
NHBC’s chief executive Mike Quinton said:
“Our latest statistics continue the trend seen during the year to date, with monthly volumes remaining steady and consolidating on last year’s overall levels. As we have stressed in the past, this recovery has been from a historically low base, so the industry must continue to work hard to meet the demand for more new, quality homes.”