The number of new homes in England has risen by 25% over the past year, new government figures show.
The number of new homes in England has risen by 25% over the past year – the highest annual percentage increase in 28 years.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said it was further proof of the government’s commitment to get more homes built with 170,690 new homes last year and more than 700,000 additional homes delivered since 2010.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: “Today’s figures show a 25% increase in the number of new homes over the past year – showing our reforms are building new homes across Britain.”
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said: “We’ve brought the housebuilding industry back from the brink, giving them the tools they need to get on with the job and build the homes hard-working people need. That includes making it easier for developers to turn underused buildings into new homes with today’s figures showing a 65% increase in these kinds of developments over the past year.”
He continued: “Today’s figures represent the highest annual percentage increase in net additional homes for 28 years. The vast majority of the homes delivered in the past 12 months have been new builds.”
The government is currently moving ahead with its Housing & Planning Bill. Measure include:
- new affordable Starter Homes – a new legal duty will be placed on councils to guarantee the delivery of Starter Homes on all reasonably sized new development sites, and to promote the delivery of Starter Homes in their area
- permission in principle for sites identified in plans and brownfield registers – to give certainty around the sites that are suitable for housing, while protecting the green belt
- planning reforms to support small builders – requiring councils to ensure they have permission shovel ready plots to match the local demand for custom build
