The number of new homes being registered by house builders has risen by 24%, for the rolling quarter of August to October 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, according to the NHBC.

NHBC registered 32,716 new homes during this period compared to 26,440 in 2012 with 12,682 homes registered (9,666 in the private sector; 3,016 in the public sector) in October 2013, a 31% increase on October 2012 overall total of 9,680.

Richard Tamayo, NHBC Commercial Director, said: “Throughout 2013 we have seen a sustained increase in registrations compared to last year, with this year set to produce the largest number of new homes since 2007.

“There is little doubt that Government schemes, such as Help to Buy, have contributed to the growth seen throughout 2013, whilst Labour’s announcement last week shows that the housing deficit across the UK remains high on the agenda from a political perspective. However, many independent commentators feel that although the target to build 200,000 new homes a year is ambitious, it may still not be enough to meet the growing housing needs of the population.”