New home registrations were 9% higher in the first half of 2011, according to the latest NHBC statistics.
Registrations to the end of June were up to 63,832 (2010: 58,571).
The first quarter saw a 7% increase to 30,012, while healthy registrations in June ahead of the summer building period also contributed to second quarter figures being 11% higher (33,820) than a year ago.
“The number of new home registrations for the year to date has been positive and an increased number of reigstrations during quarter two has set the momentum ahead of the summer period,” said NHBC chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi.
However, he said the historically low level of mortgage lending meant uncertainty about whether new home sales levels would be sustained.
Private sector registrations were up 6% to 40,700 in the first half, while public sector work was up 15% to 23,132.
In the second quarter, private sector registrations were up 8% to 21,608 and public sector work increased 15% to 12,212.