The figures show that 10,309 new homes were registered to be built in January 2016 (2015: 11,346).

Some 7,885 private sector and 2,424 public sector homes were registered, compared to 8,784 private sector and 2,562 public sector homes in January 2015.

The figures come after NHBC reported a 7% year-on-year increase in the number of new home registrations in 2015. In the rolling quarter (November 2015 to January 2016) a total of 32,468 new homes were registered, compared to 35,732 in the same period 12 months ago – a fall of 9%.

NHBC figures also show a 10% increase in the number of new home completions in the rolling quarter (November 2015 to January 2016).

“We saw continued growth in new home registrations throughout 2015,” said NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton.

“While the January figures indicate a slower start to 2016, industry confidence remains high, with last year’s growth reflected in the increase in new home completions in the past three months.”