NHBC reports 4% rise in new home registrations in Scotland.

The National House Building Council (NHBC) has reported a 4% increase in new home registrations in Scotland over the past year, according to recent figures. In Q2 2024, 2,816 new homes were registered to be built, compared to 2,712 in the same period last year.

Across the UK, there were 29,281 new homes registered in Q2 2024, a 23% decrease from Q2 2023. Additionally, 33,847 new homes were completed during the same period, reflecting a 6% decline compared to Q2 2023.

Despite the overall decline in new home registrations and completions across the UK, NHBC’s quarter-on-quarter data shows a positive trend with a 34% increase in new home registrations and a 29% increase in completions.

Steve Wood, CEO of NHBC, noted that while the current increase in home registrations is promising, there is still a long way to go to meet Labour’s target of building 1.5 million homes over the next five years. He highlighted the importance of scaling up construction efforts and mentioned government initiatives such as incentives for new home buyers, changes in the planning system, and investments in infrastructure development.

Addressing the national skills gap in the construction industry is also crucial for meeting housing targets. NHBC is working with builders, contractors, and government agencies to establish training hubs across the country to upskill the next generation of workers from diverse backgrounds.

Regionally, 9 out of 12 areas in the UK saw an increase in new home registrations in Q2 2024 compared to the previous quarter. Notable increases were observed in Wales (+131%), the East Midlands (+98%), and the North West and Merseyside (+61%). Conversely, registrations decreased in Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Yorkshire and Humberside, and London.

In terms of house types, there was a rise in registrations across all categories in Q2 2024. This included a 5% growth in apartments, a 13% increase in terraced properties, a 40% rise in semi-detached homes, a 46% increase in bungalows, and a 64% surge in detached homes. Detached homes were the most commonly registered house type in Q2 2024, with 9,871 registrations.

Steve Wood reiterated NHBC’s commitment to ensuring that new homes are built to high-quality standards, even during periods of growth. This focus on quality construction will benefit the industry, local communities, and homeowners in the long run.