New build home registrations were up 10% in Q1 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, according to figures released by NHBC, the new home warranty and insurance provider. With a slump in registrations in Q2 2020 as a result of lockdown restrictions, followed by a strong recovery in Q3 and Q4, the latest figures show that the sector has bounced back. 

NHBC registered 36,863 new homes in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 33,388 in the same period last year. 33,074 house completions were also recorded, a 4% uplift on Q1 2020 (31,652). 

Private sector registrations were up 10% compared to Q1 2020, from 24,615 to 26,985, whilst the rental sector saw registrations up 13% to 9,878 (8,773 in Q1 2020).

Nine out of 12 UK regions have seen increased registrations in Q1 compared to last year, with the highest uplifts in the North East (+61%), Eastern (+42%) and South West (+31%).  London (-29%), West Midlands (-21%) and Wales (-14%) were the fallers.