New homes registrations rise by one-fifth in April

Demand in the UK private rented sector helped drive up the number of new home registrations in April, according to the National House-Building Council (NHBC).

The NHBC reported that 13,527 new homes were registered last month, up 21% year-on-year.

While some of this increase could be put down to the better weather this year – last year’s Beast from the East hit construction sites across the country – the NHBC said the growth in larger developments and an increased appetite in the private rented sector were also factors. 

Seven out of 12 regions in the UK saw a rise in registrations, with London up 61% to 5,475.

Of the new homes registered in April 2019 9,972 were private sector, up 34%, while registrations of affordable homes dipped nearly 7% to 3,555.

In the rolling quarter – February to April – 38,496 new homes were registered, also up nearly 7%.

NHBC chief executive Steve Wood said it was “great to see another strong month for new homes registrations.

“To date, there is little evidence that Brexit uncertainties are denting developer confidence, whilst the continued flow of inward investment into the private rental sector is another good sign of resilience.”