Stats show increase in house building despite pandemic

Nearly 50,000 new homes were built in the first 3 months of 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, this is the highest figure in over 20 years.

There was a 4% increase in house building completions compared to the last 3 months of 2020, with 49,470 houses completed in the first quarter of this year, and a 7% increase in the number of houses started in the same period.

Houses make up 81% of all new builds compared to flats, the highest proportion since 2001.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said these figures reflect the resilience of the housing and construction industries, following the measures taken by the government to keep building sites open during the pandemic.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, said: ‘It is encouraging to see a continued rise in the number of new homes being built. The house building sector has shown extraordinary resilience and the government has continued to demonstrate its support for the industry throughout the pandemic.

‘By enabling construction sites to remain open and operate safely, builders have been able deliver the homes this country needs as we build back better from the pandemic.’

46,010 homes were started in the first 3 months of 2021, which is the highest number in nearly 15 years.

The figures also show an increase in housebuilding starts in London, with 14,530 in the year up to March 2021 – an increase of 18% compared to the previous 12 months.

The government have invested nearly £20bn in new housing as confirmed in the Spending Review, with over £12bn investment in affordable housing and the £7.1bn National Home Building Fund, which gives developers a loan of £250,000 to £250m to cover development or infrastructure costs for homes built for sale or rent, or land being prepared for homes.

In related news, homeowners and developers will save time and money with two new apps that that speed up the processing of applications for extensions and home improvements. 

Photo by Trey Musk