New home-building spree

THE number of newly-created homes in England has hit its highest level in nearly 30 years, according to government figures.

A total of 241,130 homes were added to the market in the year to March 31, compared with 222,190 in 2018.

It was also 8pc more than the previous high of 223,530 reached in 2008, before the financial crisis, and more than any other year since records began in 1991.

The figures published by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government represent the overall number of homes added when new builds, demolitions, conversions and changes of use are taken into account. They do not include affordable housing.

The number for 2018-19 included 213,660 new homes, 29,260 from converting properties such as shops or offices, 5,220 from dividing houses into multiple flats, 940 from other developments and 7,940 demolitions.

Salford, South Derbyshire, Uttlesford, Southwark, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cherwell and Wychavon were among areas to add the most homes, the Government said.

However, despite the record figure, the number of homes created still falls short of ministers’ ambition to build 300,000 per year by the mid-2020s.

The Home Builders Federation, which represents developers, yesterday said the Government needed to help buyers get on the property ladder and ensure land was made available quickly for building.

More support was needed for small to medium sized housebuilders as well, a spokesman added.