Number of new homes built is still dropping

In August 2012, the number of new homes registered with NHBC dropped to 9,553, 4% below August last year and taking overall year to date totals for 2012 to 72,740 applications – a 15% decrease on the same period in 2011.

Mr Richard Tamayo, NHBC commercial director, said: “Viewing new home registration figures in absolute terms, year to date, underlines the real scale of the challenge facing the whole house building industry at the moment.

“Just this month the Government announced a series of measures aimed at supporting the house building industry, in its capacity as a key driver for economic growth.

“These measures are certainly needed but their success will only be realised through a concerted effort by the industry and the Government to ensure they are taken forward.

“The continued undersupply of new housing means that the UK is missing out on a potential source of much needed economic growth, this obviously needs to be addressed.”