New home registration statistics for the UK, released last week (29 November) by the National House Building Council (NHBC), show that the number of new homes being registered continues to improve on last year’s figures with an overall 24% increase for the rolling quarter August to October compared to the same period in 2012.

NHBC registered new homes during this period was 32,716 compared to 26,440 last year. In October alone 12,682 homes were registered (9,666 in the private sector; 3,016 in the public sector), resulting in a 31% increase on last October’s overall total of 9,680.

Commenting on the latest registration figures, Richard Tamayo, commercial director at NHBC, said: “Throughout 2013 we have seen a sustained increase in registrations compared to last year, with this year set to produce the largest number of new homes since 2007.

“There is little doubt that government schemes, such as Help to Buy, have contributed to the growth seen throughout 2013, while Labour’s announcement last week shows that the housing deficit across the UK remains high on the agenda from a political perspective. However, many independent commentators feel that although the target to build 200,000 new homes a year is ambitious, it may still not be enough to meet the growing housing needs of the population.”