- Nearly 50,000 new homes built in the first 3 months of 2021 - the highest figure in over 20 years
- Home building in England continues to increase following government interventions as we build back better from the pandemic
- Houses make up 81% of all new builds versus flats - highest proportion since 2000-01
The number of homes being built continues to rise following a range of measures put in place by the government to support the industry during the pandemic, the latest housebuilding figures show.
There were 49,470 completed homes in the first quarter of 2021 - the highest figure in over 20 years and a 4% increase compared to the last 3 months of 2020. During the same period 46,010 homes were started, the highest number in nearly 15 years and a 7% increase on the previous quarter.
The figures also show an increase in housebuilding starts in London with 14,530 in the year to March 2021, an increase of 18% compared to the previous 12 months.
In addition, the figures highlight that in 2020-21 houses made up 81% of all new build dwellings - the highest proportion since 2000-01.
The figures further reflect the housing and construction industry's resilience following the measures the government has taken 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.
