Private sector housing registrations hit five-year high

In May 2013, 9,617 new homes were registered in the private sector, the highest monthly figure since 10,465 were registered in February 2008.

4,297 new public sector homes were also registered in May.

In total 36,487 new homes were registered for the period March-May 2013, compared to 27,125 for the same period last year, representing an increase of 35%.

As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC’s monthly registration statistics provide data on the country’s new homes market.

NHBC commercial director Richard Tamayo said: “May’s registration figures build upon the solid volume growth seen over the last six months with the private sector providing a particular impressive showing, with a level of monthly activity not seen since 2008.

 “The latest figures can be seen as proof of how various government initiatives, such as the Help To Buy scheme, are working in delivering more new homes across the industry and evidence of increasing confidence returning to the home building industry.”

However, he added: “Although we have seen encouraging signs so far this year for UK housing registrations, the overall level remains below what the country requires and activity remains slower than before the economic downturn.”

Regional breakdown of total new homes registered March-May 2013:

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