Housing Association starts boost new home starts

Statistics released by NHBC reveal that the number of applications to start new homes across the UK increased by five per cent year-on-year during the three-month period from March to May 2007.

NHBC statistics show that there were 54,935 applications to start new homes in the three months to the end of May - a five per cent increase on the same three-month period a year ago (52,414). Of that total, 44,297 related to private sector activity (i.e. excluding housing associations), showing a one per cent decrease on the same period in 2006 (44,936).

The number of applications for Housing Association starts increased greatly during the period, with applications totalling 10,638 - an increase of 42 per cent on the same period a year ago (7,478).

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC Chief Executive, says: "Our statistics show that Housing Associations are making positive steps towards delivering more affordable accommodation in the UK. With opportunities such as Government shared equity and shared ownership schemes, Housing Associations provide valuable help in assisting first-time buyers and key workers onto the property ladder."

Additional statistics show that the number of new homes (private and social) completed in the three-month period from March to May 2007 showed a small year-on-year increase. New build completions totalled 46,646, a two per cent increase on the same period last year when 45,891 new homes were completed.

Additional figures for the three month period to the end of May show that the average number of new homes sold each day in the UK was 549, a decrease of 12 per cent on the same period a year ago (626).