A total of 14,680 new homes were registered in the UK during May, according to NHBC's monthly new home statistics.
Of these, 10,231 were registered in the private sector (9,380 in May 2016), with 4,449 in the affordable sector (3,269 in May 2016), representing an overall increase of 16% on last May's total of 12,649.
For the rolling quarter there were 44,963 new home registrations (March 2017 - May 2017), compared to 40,641 in the same period last year, an increase of 11%. Private sector registrations increased by 4% over this period (32,561 in 2017; 31,215 in 2016), with the affordable sector increasing by 32% (12,402 in 2017; 9,426 in 2016).
The continued upturn in affordable sector registrations can be attributed to a number of larger Housing Associations developing homes for market rent, private sale and shared ownership along with an increase in joint ventures with the private sector.
Over the rolling quarter nine of the 12 UK regions experienced growth, with West Midlands (+56%), Yorkshire & Humberside (+34%) and the North West (+26%) among the fastest growing areas, when compared to the same time last year.
As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC's registration statistics, representing approximately 80% of the new homes market, are a lead indicator of UK house-building activity.
Commenting on the latest figures, NHBC Business Development Director Neil Jefferson said: "It is encouraging to report another positive month of growth in the sector, with levels in May ahead of those seen this time last year. We have seen increases in the levels of new home registrations in both the private and affordable sector and in nine out of 12 UK regions."
NHBC UK statistics for March 2017 - May 2017 show that during March '17 - May '17, the number of NHBC new home registrations was 44,963, compared to 40,641 in the same period last year. Of these: 32,561 were registered in the private sector, compared to 31,215 in the same period last year; and 12,402 were registered in the affordable sector, compared to 9,426 in the same period last year.