Figures released by NHBC have shown the gap between private and public sector registrations to build new homes in the UK continues to widen, with social housing showing a 54% decrease for March 2012, compared to March last year (2,460 - 5,330).

Although private sector registrations to build new homes in March are down 10% compared to March 2011 (7,190 - 7,980), figures for the quarter were up 6% compared to same quarter in 2011 (20,310 - 19,090). Public sector registrations for the quarter revealed that figures are down 48% compared to the same quarter last year (5,690 - 10,920).


Commenting on the latest figures, Richard Tamayo, Commercial Director of NHBC, said: "The figures for the first quarter of 2012, show the gap between private and public house building levels continue to grow. Overall, figures for the first quarter of 2012 were down 13% on the same period last year. Contributing to this decline was the registration of the London Olympic village properties in the first quarter of 2011 which significantly inflated the comparative figures.

"Although the latest quarterly statistics portray a positive increase of nearly 40% in the number

of homes registered with NHBC in Scotland compared to the same quarter last year, these statistics have been influenced by the registration of the homes forming the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Athletes village which is currently under construction.

"When the latter homes are discounted the quarterly increase in registrations over the preceding year, although remaining positive, reduces to 2% and continues to run at 44% below its ten year average trend."

(GK)