The latest government statistics reveal that in the 12 months to September, housing starts rose by 16%, from 101,280 to 117,110, and the 32,230 houses started in the third quarter represented the fastest growth since 2008.
The government says its Help to Buy scheme has boosted the industry, and its affordable homes programme is more than half way towards delivering 170,000 new affordable homes by 2015.
Housing minister Kris Hopkins said there was still more to do, and improving the housing market would remain a priority. Meanwhile the NHBC has welcomed shadow chancellor Ed Balls’ pledge that a Labour government would make housebuilding a priority.
“While our figures show a sustainable broad-based recovery in the UK new housing market, this is from an extremely low base,” sad NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton.
“Mr Balls is right that we are not building enough homes to meet demand. Labour’s policy to building 200,000 homes a year is a step in the right direction, however, many in the industry believe we need to exceed this to meet housing needs.”
