In April, 11,484 new homes were registered in the UK compared to 8,238 in April 2012 – an increase of 39%.

The NHBC says registrations were 26% higher for the period January-April compared to the same period last year (43,223 in 2013 compared to 34,236 in 2012).

The south-east was the only region in England to show fewer registrations during the period February-April (3,647) compared to a year ago (4,169).

"April’s registration figures, combined with early indications of increased activity in May, build upon the solid volume growth seen in Q1 2013," said NHBC commercial director Richard Tamayo.

"Similar to previous registration figures this year, the upturn can be attributed in part to the government’s £2.2bn affordable homes programme which, according to housing minister Mark Prisk, is on track to deliver the target of 170,000 new homes by 2015."