Housebuilding numbers shrink further

In August 2012, the number of new homes registered with National House-Building Council (NHBC) dropped to 9,553, a 4% drop from August 2011 (9,978).

The overall year-to-date total for 2012 is 72,740 applications; a 15% decrease on the same period in 2011 (85,120).

NHBC commercial director Richard Tamayo said: “Viewing new home registration figures in absolute terms, year to date, underlines the real scale of the challenge facing the whole house building industry at the moment.

“Just this month the government announced a series of measures aimed at supporting the house building industry, in its capacity as a key driver for economic growth. These measures are certainly needed but their success will only be realised through a concerted effort by the industry and government to ensure they are taken forward.  The continued undersupply of new housing means that the UK is missing out on a potential source of much needed economic growth; this obviously needs to be addressed.”

Berkeley Group recently reported a 58% rise in annual profits to £215m on revenue up 40% to £1bn. Barratt Developments trebled its profits to £111m on revenue up 14% to £2.3bn.

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