Slight dip in new home numbers in July, reports NHBC

The number of new homes registered to be built in the UK during July was 9% lower than a year ago, according to the latest NHBC registration figures.

14,262 new homes were registered in July 2019, compared to 15,719 a year ago. 10,398 new homes were registered for the private sector (11,877 in 2018), and 3,864 in the affordable and rental sector (3,842 in 2018).

Although down on last July, this year’s total for the month is still above the average seen over recent years.

For the rolling quarter, between May and July, 44,163 new homes (30,584 private sector; 13,579 affordable and rental sector) were registered compared to 43,199 in 2018 (30,841 private sector; 12,358 affordable and rental sector) – an increase of 2%.

The upturn in London continues with 6,513 registrations over the last three months: 21% more than what was registered a year ago. The East of England (+26%) and the West Midlands (+21%) also enjoyed buoyant quarters.

NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK and its registration statistics are a lead indicator for the new homes market.

Commenting on the new figures, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said: “Although new home registrations for July are down compared to 12 months ago, we are still seeing signs of growth coming through with the rolling quarter.

“Despite the uncertainties and concerns around Brexit, the industry remains resilient and you can see that in these figures.”

NHBC UK statistics show that:

• During May ’19 – July ’19 the number of NHBC new home registrations was 44,163 compared to 43,199 a year ago.
• 30,584 were registered in the private sector, compared to 30,841 in the previous year.
• 13,579 were registered in the affordable and rental sector, compared to 12,358 in the previous year.

Full regional breakdown of total new homes registered during this period:

Registrations refer to the process of a builder registering a new plot/home to be built in the coming months or weeks, to be covered by NHBC’s ten-year Buildmark warranty. Completions refer to when a new home is completed as indicated by NHBC inspectors.

Changes can occur between figures published at different times owing to changes in policies and cancellations.

NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. NHBC’s ten-year Buildmark warranty covers around 80 per cent of new homes built in the UK, having covered nearly eight million homes since it began and currently protecting around 1.5 million homes. NHBC is a non-profit distributing organisation with no shareholders.