January new home registrations were up 5% to 7,788 compared to a year ago (2009: 7,400), according to new NHBC statistics.
The figures, which NHBC says show “promise”, include an 18% growth in private sector registrations and a 16% contraction in the public sector.
NHBC chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi said the growth offered some consolation following the dip in new home registrations in 2010.
He said despite the raft of conflicting economic data in January, housebuilders’ attitude to new development was robust and they remained committed to recovery.
“At this stage in the year it is extremely hard to assess the future performance of the housebuilding sector but it is telling that registrations increased even while we await important decisions on planning, public sector cuts and interest rates that will have profound effects on the market.”
NHBC stats for the November 2010-January 2011 quarter show a 3% rise in new home registrations to 25,022 (2009: 24,315). Growth in the private sector matched that of the pubic sector at 3%.
