NHBC's latest new house-building statistics show they received 14,537
applications to start new homes in the three-months to the end of February - 59 per cent lower than the same period a year ago (35,733).
NHBC's Chief Executive, Imtiaz Farookhi, said: "The private sector continues to
be worst affected, with applications to build new homes in this sector almost
three quarters lower in the three months to the end of February than the same
period a year ago.
"With the number of applications to start new homes in the public sector
remaining broadly consistent in recent months, our statistics suggest that house
builders are increasingly relying on public sector work in the downturn.
"However, with public spending continuing to be squeezed, much greater
intervention is required to increase building in the private sector, in
particular encouraging private sector house builders to participate in joint
delivery schemes, such as those proposed by the Homes and Communities Agency."
NHBC statistics for the three months to the end of February 2009 also revealed:
· Of the 14,537 applications to start new homes in the combined private and
public sectors during the three months to the end of February, 7,931 related to
private sector activity (i.e. excluding housing associations) - 72% lower than
the same three-month period a year ago (28,533).
· Public sector figures for the three months to the end of February totalled
6,606 - 8% lower than the same period a year ago (7,200).
· New build completions in the combined private and public sectors totalled
26,918 in the three months to the end of February - 32% lower than the same
period a year ago (39,499).
· The average number of daily sales of new homes in the UK from December 2008
to February 2009 was 333 - 37% lower than the same period a year ago (525).
