NHBC: Latest new home registrations

NHBC: Latest new home registrations

Developers registered 40,000 new homes to be built in the UK during Q2 2017, according to NHBC’s latest new home registration statistics.

40,343 new homes were registered during the period April – June, a marginal 1 per cent decrease on the 40,810 registered 12 months ago.

29,123 homes were registered in the private sector, representing a 7 per cent decrease on the same period a year ago (31,381), with 11,220 new homes registered in the affordable sector, a 19 per cent increase on 2016 numbers (9,429).

The continued rise in the affordable sector can be attributed to a number of larger Housing Associations developing homes for market rent, private sale and shared ownership along with a rise in joint ventures with the private sector.

Six out of the 12 UK regions experienced growth in registrations, when compared to the same period last year. West Midlands (4,223 +33 per cent), Scotland (3,709 +23 per cent) and Wales (1,345 +56 per cent) were among the regions with most notable growth.

NHBC Business Development Director Neil Jefferson said, “New home registrations have remained stable in the second quarter of this year, with some areas of the UK seeing significant increases in registration volumes.

“With demand for housing as strong as ever, the growth seen in the affordable sector is particularly encouraging.”

Buy…rent… share in Bristol

Planning has been approved for 161 homes in Southmead, Bristol and The Elderberry Walk scheme’s construction should start later this year.

The development will transform the former Dunmail Primary School site, currently owned by Bristol City Council, into an attractive residential location with green spaces and community areas.

There will be one and two bedroom apartments and two, three- and four-bed houses. Whether buying or renting, preference will be given to people working and living locally. A third of the homes will be affordable housing with United Communities – both for rent and shared ownership. A quarter will be a new type of socially responsible private rent, delivered by Bristol and Bath Regional Capital and the Cheyne Social Property Impact Fund.

Prospective buyers have a choice of the 69 open market properties and are able to choose room layouts with a wide range of fixtures and fittings to finish their home.

Kevin McCloud, Chairman of HAB, said, “We’re simply delighted to start our first project in our home city of Bristol; HAB Housing has been keen to deliver here ever since we moved into our Studio in the city. Urban regeneration can be beautiful, sustainable and affordable. And we are eager to crack on, and begin to shape a beautiful new quarter of Southmead.”

Spicerhaart Part Exchange & Assisted Move rebrand

Spicerhaart Part Exchange & Assisted Move has undergone a rebrand, a relaunch and significantly expanded the range of its services.

Previously known as both Momentum and AMC, it has rebranded to better describe its expanded product range and bring it in line with other Spicerhaart brands such as Spicerhaart Corporate Sales and Spicerhaart Land and New Homes.

Spicerhaart Part Exchange & Assisted Move now offers a fully funded part exchange proposition, working with the developer and the homebuyer. It will arrange for two independent valuations of the property, provide a valuation report to the developer and facilitate a cash offer to the home buyer for their existing property.

It also works with developers who have their own ‘in-house’ part exchange scheme. It offers them appraisals, comparisons and managing the sale of the existing properties from start to finish throughout the UK.

Neil Knight, Business Development Director of Spicerhaart Part Exchange & Assisted Move says, “We have worked hard to provide a comprehensive range of services designed specifically for builders and developers.

“We now have a ground breaking funded part exchange and assisted move proposition. Our teams work closely with developers to ensure they are able to add value and provide their customers with the best possible service.”

Connells Group sales surge

Connells Group recorded 13 per cent more new homes sales and a 17 per cent rise in new homes instructions compared to the same period in 2016. June brought a large upswing in activity, with instructions up 26 per cent on the previous year and an increased pipeline of 25 per cent.

“At a time of some uncertainty in the marketplace and the wider economy, we are pleased with our results from the first half of this year,” says Stephen Shipperley, Connells Group Chairman.

“We have maintained our investment into our Land & New Homes business over the last few years, and I am delighted to see that our investment has been the right decision and is delivering substantial returns.”

“The new homes market demands a special expertise and our confidence comes on the back of our strong relationships – something that we’ve worked on for many years. We will continue to invest into this important part of our business to ensure we provide our housebuilder partners and new homes buyers with a market leading service.” Stephen concluded.