Home starts hit one-year high

Home starts have reached the highest point in almost a year according to figures from the NHBC.

Latest statistics from the warranty and insurance provider show they received 8,305 applications in June 2009 for builders to start new properties in the combined private and public sectors – the greatest number since July 2008, when 9,530 applications were received. However, private sector new starts (excluding housing associations) were down 36% on the same three-month period a year ago (20,973).

The numbers, to the end of June also indicate the fourth successive quarter-on-quarter rise in applications to start new homes. Some 21,637 applications were received by the NHBC to start new homes in the combined private and public sectors during the three months – a 12% rise on the previous rolling quarter March to May 2009 (19,286).

However, there is a significant fluctuation in the number of applications across the UK, with figures for some regions, including Greater London and Merseyside, more than 50% down on a year ago.

Meanwhile, the average number of daily sales of new homes in the UK from April to June 2009 was 321, 29% lower than the same period a year ago.