- Latest figures show a sustained period of growth in the
number of homes being built.
- 11% increase in housebuilding starts in London.
- Houses make up 79% of all new builds – highest since 2000 to
2001 as the government demonstrates its commitment to building
back better from the pandemic.
The number of homes being built since the lifting of the first
period of national coronavirus restrictions continues to rise,
latest housebuilding
figurespublished today (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.
Today’s 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 MP said:
Today’s 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.
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- Setting out an overhaul of the country’s outdated planning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.
