You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Housing supply figures recovered after first coronavirus lockdown, data shows
Housebuilding in England increased by 111% in the months following the first nationwide lockdown in 2020 after most construction sites were reopened, according to government data.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s quarterly housing supply statistics show building work began on 35,710 new dwellings between July and September 2020 – up 111% from the previous quarter.
“This sharp increase reflects the relaxation of the national restrictions that were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the data release said.
Despite the government officially allowing construction sites to remain open at the height of the first wave of COVID-19 in March and April, several house builders shut down sites to prevent further spread of the virus.
READ MORE
But by May, many construction firms had reopened sites with social distancing measures in place.
The number of dwellings completed on site rose to 45,000 in July to September – a 185% increase on the previous quarter.
Decreased construction activity last spring has still significantly impacted housing supply in the year to September 2020 when compared with the year before.
There were 120,100 new build dwelling starts in the year to September 2020, a fall of 25% from the year to September 2019.
Estimated completions also dropped by 18% compared with the year to September 2019, down to 145,430.
Sign up for our development and finance newsletter
Already have an account? Click here to manage your newsletters
