Home building figures show increase in new housing starts

19 Mar 2021 11:19 AM

The number of homes being built since the lifting of the first period of national coronavirus restrictions continues to rise, latest housebuilding figures show.

The number of homes being built since the lifting of the first period of national coronavirus restrictions continues to rise, latest housebuilding figures published yesterday (18 March 2021) show.

New data shows new housing starts were estimated to be 42,110 in the latest quarter (October – December 2020), a 16% increase on the previous quarter (July – September 2020). New homes completed was at 46,950 in the latest quarter, a 4% increase compared to the last quarter, and the highest completions figure since its peak in the March quarter 2007.

These figures also show an increase in housebuilding starts in London with 13,460 in 2020, an increase of 11% from 2019.

In addition, the figures highlight that in 2019 to 2020 houses made up 79% of all new build dwellings – the highest proportion since 2000 to 2001.

The figures further reflect the housing and construction industry’s resilience and measures they have taken to keep building sites open, in line with public health advice.

Housing Secretary RT Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

These figures show a steady increase in the number of new housing starts and the number of new homes built, highlighting a sustained period of growth in the housing sector as it continues its recovery.

The government has continued to demonstrate its support for the industry throughout the pandemic by enabling construction sites to remain open and operate safely in line with important public health guidance. We’ve intervened to help the sector bounce back despite all the challenges we’ve faced.

Further information

The latest figures show new build dwelling starts (seasonally adjusted) were estimated to be 42,110 in the latest quarter (October – December 2020), a 16% increase on the previous quarter (July – September 2020). New build dwellings completed (seasonally adjusted) was 46,950 in the latest quarter. This is a 4% increase when compared to last quarter, and the highest completions figure since its peak in the March quarter 2007. This continued rise reflects increased construction activity following the lifting of the first period of the UK government COVID-19 national restrictions.

Recent government support for home building includes:

• Setting out an overhaul of the country’s outdated planning system to deliver the high-quality, sustainable homes communities need. The proposed changes will be a boost to SME builders who will be key players in getting the country building on the scale needed to drive our economic recovery, while leading housebuilding that is beautiful and builds on local heritage and character. Recent studies show smaller firms feel the complexities of the planning process and its associated risks, delays and costs are the key challenges they face in homebuilding.
• We have set out an ambitious package of measures to ensure we build the right homes in the right places and level up opportunities across the country. This includes nearly £20 billion of investment in new housing as confirmed in the Spending Review, including over £12 billion of investment in affordable housing and our £7.1 billion National Home Building Fund.
• Our £400 million Brownfield Fund for 7 Mayoral Combined Authorities will deliver much-needed new homes on brownfield land – unlocking 26,000 high-quality homes.
• We have introduced a range of measures, such as allowing builders to seek more flexible construction site working hours with their local councils and extending certain planning permissions that would otherwise lapse, in order to keep the sector moving.
• We are also taking measures to support home buyers – for example stamp duty holiday on house purchases has been extended.