New build housing data

New figures released by the National House Building Council show that the number of new home registrations fell by 42% in Q2 2023 compared to the same period last year. Completions also fell by 11%

A total of 38,044 new homes were registered in the months of April, May and June, compared to 65,645 in Q2 2022 According to NHBC, the reduction is largely due to the accelerated registration volumes in Q2 2022 caused by changes to the Building Regulations in relation to energ y conser vation Completions also fell in the quarter, mainly due to some dampening of demand caused by rises in mortgage rates.

NHBC CEO Steve Wood said: “It is hardly surprising that consumer demand for new homes began easing in the second quarter With mortgage rates at a 15-year high, volumes of homes built for private sales have weakened, although this is partly offset by bulk sales into affordable housing markets

Apprenticeship pledge

NMBS is supporting the Builders Merchants Federation’s pledge to achieve 15,000 apprentices across BMF membership by 2030, taking control of the skills gap in the building materials industr y and to drive the utilisation of Levy funds across the building materials sector NMBS is commemorating its 60th anniversar y this year, and has committed to recruiting 60 apprentices into the industr y The buying society is working with the BMF and LEAP to support both large and small members who want to take advantage of the many benefits of apprenticeships for new and existing staff alike

NMBS CEO Chris Hayward said: “Employing apprentices is a productive and effective way to cultivate a motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce. It allows businesses to adapt training according to their specific needs and expand while upskilling their workforce. Together, we can bridge the skills gap and drive progress in the building materials sector.”

“ The Government’s renewed focus on housing policy is welcomed, however a more favourable environment will be reliant on a fall in inflation, easing of mortgage rates and action to address the key supply side constraints of planning and nutrient neutrality”

There were 24,783 private sector registrations in Q2 2023, down -51% on Q2 2022 The rental sector saw a shallower decline,