Britain is building again

The volume of new homes in England increased by 25 per cent in 2014-15, the biggest rise in 28 years, according to latest Government figures.

Alterations to planning laws helped boost the number of residential properties developed through a change of use, but the main factor was a hike in the number of new-build homes completed during the year.

Data from the Department for Communities and Local Government shows that a total of 170,690 homes were added to the country’s housing stock, which Communities Secretary Greg Clark said was further proof of the Government’s commitment to get more homes developed.

More than 700,000 additional homes have now been delivered since 2010, supported in part by a rise in the number of commercial buildings converted into residential properties.

Clark (left) said, “As a one nation government we’re determined to make sure everyone has the opportunity and security of owning a home of their own.

“Today’s figures show a 25 per cent increase in the number of new homes over the past year – showing our reforms are building new homes across Britain.

“We are going further and will do everything we can to help families buy a place of their own. Government support like Help to Buy and our plans to build 200,000 new Starter Homes will help anyone who aspires to own their own home the chance of making their dream a reality.”

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis (right) insisted that the Government has “brought the housebuilding industry back from the brink”, giving them the tools they need “to get on with the job” with developing much needed new homes.

“That includes making it easier for developers to turn underused buildings into new homes, with today’s figures showing a 65 per cent increase in these kinds of developments over the past year,” he said.

“Today’s figures represent the highest annual percentage increase in net additional homes for 28 years. The vast majority of the homes delivered in the past 12 months have been new builds.”