Housebuilding rose 68% in May compared to a year earlier, according to the latest statistics from NHBC.

During March to May, 32,352 new homes were registered across the UK – a 68% increase on the same three-month period in 2009, indicating continued year-on-year “solid” improvement across the sector.

Registrations during May (10,870) were also 56% higher than a year ago.

“Despite the impact of the general election and the political uncertainty that surrounded it, NHBC’s figures show that the number of homes being built in the UK is continuing to improve at a steady rate,” said NHBC chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi.

“Sustaining this level of improvement post-budget and into the summer building season, however, will be the next major challenge to face the industry,” he said.

Private sector registrations were up 89% (20,877), while public sector registrations were 11,475, 40% higher.