Construction activity in the north-west of England has boomed over the past few years.

Even though housebuilding levels across Britain have risen by over 80% over the last decade, they are still not hitting the government’s 300,000 per year aim.

Nevertheless, the figures have been increasing year-on-year, with 161,022 homes registered in 2019, reports BuyAssociation.

This is the strongest year to date for new home registrations, according to the National Housebuilding Council (NHBC).

However, there have been considerable regional variations. Latest research has shown that housebuilding in the north-west has accelerated more than anywhere else in England within the last five years.

In the year to March 2020, 21,360 new builds were completed, according to Paragon Bank data, a 63% increase from 2015 and a 10.3% compound annual growth rate.

The second highest new-build housing growth was registered in the West Midlands, with data revealing a 57% increase between 2015 and 2020. This indicates a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%.

Investment and regeneration in both of these areas has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to the government’s Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine initiatives.

According to Zoopla research, robust demand has not waned during the coronavirus crisis, with the north-west being one of the fastest areas to recover in regard to housing demand and prices.

Speaking about these latest figures, Robert Orr, Paragon managing director says it is important that housebuilding levels continue to expand: “Small to medium-sized property developers are an important component of housing provision and we are seeing strong demand from our customers as they look to build the homes of tomorrow.
“The government’s planning reform proposals should encourage more new homes across the UK, which will be much needed as the coronavirus pandemic will have slowed new housing starts during 2020,” he added.