The figures released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are well below its target of 300,000 a year, and come amid government plans to reform planning, rents and leaseholds in the housing market.  

The new housing this year came from 212,570 new build homes, 22,160 gains from change of use between non-domestic and residential, 4,500 from conversions between houses and flats and 640 other gains – such as caravan and houseboat conversions.   

In, 2021-22 the country built around 234,460, which was an 8% rise on the previous 12 months. However, this year’s figure stalled at 0% growth.  

This week, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament, which seeks to ban leaseholds on new houses while also making it easier for homeowners to extend their lease or buy the freehold.  

Earlier this month, it reintroduced its Renters Reform Bill in the King’s Speech, which will continue its path through Parliament, as it plans to reform rights between renters and landlords.   

While the government says it remains “committed to making improvements to the planning system” set out in its February 2022 Levelling Up White Paper to boost housebuilding across the country.  

However, in July, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would not allow building on the country’s green belt to provide new housing. 

Earlier this month, Labour leader Keir Starmer pledged to build 1.5 million homes over five years if the party was returned to government, which includes green belt construction.