Detached houses now make up the largest proportion of new home registrations in the UK, as demand for more space rises, according to new data by NHBC
36% of new homes registered in Q3 2021 were detached, in comparison to 28% in Q3 2020. Detached properties are now at their most popular since Q2 2002.
Headline data results show:
- 33,779 new homes registered in Q3 2021, 14% up on Q3 2020
- 26,054 homes registered in the private sector in Q3 2021, 43% up on Q3 2020
- 7,725 homes registered in the rental sector in Q3 2021, 32% down on Q3 2020
- 31,908 new home completions in Q3 2021, 5% down on Q3 2020.
The data shows a significant shift away from apartments, making up just 13% of new home registrations in Q3 2021, falling from 29% in the same period last year.
‘Regionalised labour issues cause builders greatest concern’
10 out of 12 UK regions saw increases in new home registrations in Q3 2021. The highest rises were in the East Midlands (103%), North East (86%) and Yorkshire & Humberside (63%), with the only region falling being London (-78%) and South West (-1%).
Paul Edwards, NHBC senior regional director, said: “Housebuilding activity remains strong in England. Despite the wind down of the stamp duty holiday, there is little concern from builders that there will be any effect on sales as many sites have forward sold plots well into Q2 of next year.
“Material shortages, land supply, planning delays and some regionalised labour issues are causing builders the greatest concern right now with timely completions under threat.”
New home completions were down 5% to 31,908 in Q3 2021 (vs 33,600 in Q3 2020) which reflects the post-lockdown recovery that we saw last year.
‘Market remains buoyant’
NHBC chief executive, Steve Wood, commented: “With new home registrations up by a healthy 14%, the market remains buoyant. There is confidence in new homes despite the significant supply-chain disruption presently being experienced.
“Housebuilders are responding swiftly to shifts in consumer demand for detached houses that offer more space. The move away from apartment blocks is affecting London but this is only one quarter’s data.”8
