UK: Private sector registrations to build new homes dropped 10% in March of this year to 7190, compared to March 2011, when they registered 7980. “The figures for the first quarter of 2012 show that the gap between private and public housebuilding levels continue to widen," said Richard Tamayo, commercial director of NHBC. 

Figures for the full first quarter were up 6% at 20 310, compared to same quarter in 2011, when they were at 19 090. 

Public sector registrations for the quarter also revealed that figures were down 48%, at 5690, compared to the same quarter last year when the figures were listed as 10 920.

"The first quarter of 2012 saw housebuilding to be down 13% on the same period last year," Mr Tamayo commented. Contributing to this decline, he added, was the registration of the London Olympic village properties in the first quarter of 2011, which had "significantly inflated" the numbers. 

“Regionally, we saw continued growth in housing figures in areas such as the North West and North East of England which were particularly hard hit by the downturn," he stated.

"As 2012 progresses, we should be able to monitor the impact of the measures announced in the Government’s Housing Strategy which is aimed at giving a much needed boost to housing volumes.”