According to figures released by the National House-Building Council (NHBC) new home registrations have risen by +45% in the three-month period to November 2009, which is the highest level in over 18 months.

There were over 27,000 applications to build new homes as all regions of the UK reported higher levels of registrations than the same period in 2008, with private sector applications up a staggering +74% to 18,617.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC’s chief executive, said: “Our figures continue to show a steady rise in applications, and it is good to be entering 2010 on a positive note.

“However, the first quarter of 2010 will be a key time for the house-building industry and it is vital that it is high in the agendas of all parties in the run up to the general election. This is the only way to ensure that the complex challenges of supply, sustainability, quality and consumer interest can be met in the years to come.”