More than 13,500 new homes were registered to be built in the UK in April, according to the latest figures from NHBC – an increase of 21% compared to a year ago.

13,527 new homes were registered (9,972 private sector; 3,555 affordable and rental sector) compared to 11,218 a year ago (7,427 private sector; 3,791 affordable and rental sector).

Seven of the 12 UK regions saw an increase, with London seeing another considerable rise in registrations – up 61% (5,475 in 2019 v 3,397 in 2018).  This is driven by growth in the numbers of larger developments and an increased appetite in the private rental sector.  In addition, the strong level of growth compared to April last year is partly due to the impact of the freezing weather in Spring 2018.

Looked at over a rolling quarter, 38,496 new homes were registered to be built compared to 36,042 in the same February – April period last year. The private sector was up 4% (27,881 in 2019 v 26,754 in 2018), with the affordable and rental sector up 14% (10,615 in 2019 v 9,288 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.

Commenting on the new figures, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said:

“It is great to see another strong month for new home registrations.  To date, there is little evidence that Brexit uncertainties are denting developer confidence, whilst the continued flow of inward investment into the private rental sector is another good sign of resilience.”