NHBC survey shows 9,978 new homes were registered in August

Latest figures from NHBC show that the level of house building continues to stagnate.

In August 9,978 new homes were registered with NHBC – a drop from 11,310 the month before – but marking a marginal rise from last year, when 9,954 were registered.

But the NHBC warned the total number of homes built this year was still well down on five years ago. By this time in 2006, 185,000 new homes were built, but so far this year only 72,827 have been built.

NHBC chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi said: “At a time of significant national debate about the planning process, our registration figures support what is increasingly being recognised by objective commentators. This is that the number of homes being built is simply too low to support the needs of the UK population.

“Insufficient supply inevitably leads to higher prices and this is creating a two-tier Britain, split between those lucky enough to already own a desirable property and the younger generation who can see their own aspirations of home ownership dashed by unwillingness at local level to build the homes that would make that possible. It is impossible to see this as anything other than social divide.“