House building levels rise to 1980s peak

Posted: 06 Mar 2007 10:07:01 GMT

The number of new homes being built in the UK is approaching the levels targeted by the government as needed to meet demand, a study has shown

The number of new homes being built in the UK is approaching the levels targeted by the government as needed to meet demand, a study has shown.

Research for insurer NHBC showed that 185,000 homes were built during 2006, a figure not seen since the housing boom of the 1980s and approaching the target of 200,000.

"House builders are clearly rising to the challenge laid down by government to deliver 200,000 new homes a year in England," Imtiaz Farookhi of NHBC told Housefund.

"If we continue to build at these levels, it is imperative that consumer protection standards are maintained, particularly in light of the recent government announcement on tougher environmental standards."

Following the housing crash of the early 1990 the levels of annual house building fell to an average 158,000 a year, with a low point of 146,000 in 1992.


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