The UK’s housebuilders and developers registered 12,677 new homes at the start of the year – an increase of 9% compared to January 2018.
8,931 were registered in the private sector (9,214 in 2018), with 3,746 in the affordable sector (2,469 in 2018).
For the rolling quarter, between November and January 38,611 new homes were registered compared to 37,990 a year ago – an increase of 2%. During this period there were 26,668 new homes registered in the private sector (28,509 in 2017/18: -6%) and 11,943 in the affordable sector (9,481 in 2017/18: +26%).
Seven out of the 12 UK regions experienced growth in registrations during this period – notably Northern Ireland (+65%), Wales (+20%) and the South East (+19%).
NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK and its registration statistics are a lead indicator for the new homes market.
Commenting on the first new home figures of 2019, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said:
“As a standalone month, the January figures show some solid growth, with a particularly good uplift in the affordable sector.
“However, it is clear that Brexit uncertainties are affecting the private sector and this will impact the months ahead. NHBC will continue to work to help the industry face these challenges and to keep the focus on the quality of new homes.”