Applications to start new homes fell by 54% during the third quarter, figures from the National House-Building Council (NHBC) have revealed.
Applications from builders operating in both private and public sectors fell from 50,250 to 23,185 in a year, with the north-east region being the hardest hit – down 81% to 344.
Private sector applications fell 67% from 40,876 to 13,358, although public sector figures rose 5% from 9,374 to 9,827.
Figures for the private sector include August, when applications fell to their lowest level according to NHBC statistics.
Overall, England’s application level fell 50% to 20,239, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland saw drops of 73%, 73% and 63% respectively.
UK housing completions were also down across the combined private and public sectors, falling 20% to 33,299.
