The latest figures from the National House-Building Council (NHBC) have revealed sustained growth and consolidation in the UK housing industry for the start of 2014 – with encouraging growth in London and the rest of the UK.
In total, 33,816 new homes were registered in the UK during Q1 2014, compared to 31,739 for the corresponding period a year ago – an increase of 7%.
Following a record 2013, with the highest new housebuilding volumes in London for a generation, Q1 2014 London registrations also grew 6% on the comparative period last year.
NHBC has also identified how other major UK cities are performing compared to the capital. The figures show that Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol are the top three cities with the highest number of new home registrations, broken down below.
Top 10 cities outside of London - NHBC registrations in 2013
· Birmingham 3,406
· Manchester 2,625
· Bristol 1,570
· Newcastle 1,496
· Liverpool 1,494
· Sheffield 1,169
· Leeds 990
· Nottingham 700
· Glasgow 618
· Bradford 560
Commenting on the latest statistics, NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton, said: “Our new figures show further sustained growth and consolidation in the UK housebuilding industry following a strong year last year. Over the past 15 months we have seen a genuine return of confidence to the industry as builders strive to meet the growing demand for new homes that the country clearly needs.
“London continues to be the major driver for growth in housebuilding. But our figures also show that other UK cities outside the capital are also showing some encouraging signs of growth.”
Mr Quinton added: “However, we have been clear that this growth is from a historically low base. The UK still has a chronic shortage of new homes so we must not get complacent in our continued attempts to meet the growing housing needs of the population.”
