New figures from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) reveal that the number of new build homes in the capital in 2004 was the highest in more than 20 years. A total of 24,123 homes were built in London last year - 31% up on the ODPMs 2003 figure of 18,382.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "There has been a dramatic improvement in the number of new homes being built in the capital in recent years. The London Plan sets ambitious targets for new homes and it is welcome that the house building industry is listening. New homes remain one of the capitals greatest needs but house builders and boroughs are really starting to deliver."