New data released today by NHBC shows that detached houses now make up the largest proportion of new home registrations in the UK, as demand for more space increases.

In Q3 2021, 36% of new homes registered to be built were detached, vs. 28% in Q3 2020, and are now at their most popular since Q2 2002. The data shows a significant shift away from apartments, making up just 13% of new home registrations in Q3 2021, falling from 29% in the same period last year.

Total new home registrations were up by 14% to 33,779 in Q3 2021 (29,566 in Q3 2020). 10 out of 12 UK regions saw increases in new home registrations in Q3 2021. The highest rises were in the East Midlands (103%), North East (86%) and Yorkshire & Humberside (63%), with the only fallers being London (-78%) and South West (-1%).

New home completions were down 5% to 31,908 in Q3 2021 (vs 33,600 in Q3 2020) which reflects the post-lockdown recovery that we saw last year.

NHBC, the UK’s leading new home warranty and insurance provider, releases the most up-to-date new home registration data as a leading indicator of house-building trends and activity.

Commenting on the latest data, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said:

“With new home registrations up by a healthy 14%, the market remains buoyant. There is confidence in new homes despite the significant supply-chain disruption presently being experienced.

“Housebuilders are responding swiftly to shifts in consumer demand for detached houses that offer more space. The move away from apartment blocks is affecting London but this is only one quarter’s data.”

For more information on the latest figures, please see accompanying data booklet.