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The number of new homes registered by the UK’s housebuilders and developers in the first three months of the year reached more than 37,500 – a 3% increase on the same period in 2018.
The figures, released by NHBC, relate to new homes registered with the provider for its ten-year warranty, said to cover around 80% of all new homes built in the UK.
In the first quarter of 2019, headline results include that of 10,831 new homes registered in the affordable and rental sector, a 36% increase on the same period last year.
A total of 8 out of twelve regions are said to have experienced growth in registrations in Q1 2019 vs that of 2018.
The private sector, however, was down by 6% (26,841; 28,554 in 2018).
The report highlights that the overall increase, despite the ongoing Brexit uncertainty, is partly due to the low levels seen in the corresponding period 12 months ago when the ‘Beast from the East’ caused “severe disruption” on sites across the country.
At a regional level London saw a 58% increase compared to Q1 2018 (5,625; 3,549 in 2018), boosted by many “large schemes” being registered at the start of this year.
Commenting on the new figures, NHBC CEO Steve Wood said: “We are pleased to report good numbers for the start of the year, although we do need to bear in mind the situation 12 months ago when freezing conditions caused major hold-ups in registrations as well as build-rates across the bulk of the UK.
“Although Brexit uncertainties are impacting consumer confidence and causing some dampening of new-build and second-hand sale markets, housing remains an attractive asset class for inward investors, which does cause us to be more optimistic about Build to rent.
“At NHBC, we will continue to work with developers, builders and housing associations to help to improve the quality of new homes for the people who will live in them.”
