NHBC: New build registrations up 10% in Q1 | Mortgage Introducer

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A total of 36,863 new homes were registered with NHBC in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 33,388 in the same period last year.

Additionally, 33,074 house completions were recorded, a 4% uplift on Q1 2020 (31,652).

Private sector registrations were up 10% compared to Q1 2020, from 24,615 to 26,985, whilst the rental sector saw registrations up 13% to 9,878 (8,773 in Q1 2020).

The desire for longer-term working from home has been accelerated by the pandemic, with increased registrations for detached and semi-detached houses, up 18% and 30% respectively compared to Q1 2020, whilst 21% fewer apartments were registered.

Nine out of 12 UK regions have seen increased registrations in Q1 compared to last year, with the highest uplifts in the North East (61%), Eastern (42%) and South West (31%).

In contrast, registrations fell 29% in London, 21% in West Midlands and 14% in Wales.

Steve Wood, chief executive of NHBC, said: “It is encouraging to see that new home registrations at the start of 2021 have overtaken registrations from the same time last year.

“Demand for detached and semi-detached houses has increased significantly during the pandemic, which has accelerated the longer-term trend to more home-based working.

“Increased new home registrations reflect growing confidence amongst builders, most of whom are forward sold through the summer.

“Allied to continued investment in Build to Rent, this suggests a strong outlook for the new-build sector in the year ahead.”