Healthy demand for new build homes is behind the recent surge in housebuilding, according to a Liverpool City Region developer.

Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government suggest the number of homes being built in England has reached its highest level since the financial crisis.

Redrow spokesperson Matt Grayson says the trend can be attributed to the ready availability of the government’s Help to Buy scheme as well as “historically low interest rates and better access to mortgage finance for borrowers”.

He adds: “In Liverpool, and indeed nationwide, there remains a strong demand for quality new homes to be built in the right locations. It’s positive to see the numbers of first time buyers looking more healthy.”

The government statistics indicate that the number of homes being built nationwide is up by 21% compared to one year ago, with 162,880 homes started and 147,960 completed in the last 12 months.

However, in order to meet the current targets of 1 million new homes by 2020 around 250,000 must be constructed each year.

Matt outlines delays in planning among the barriers which the industry must overcome to hit this target.

He says: “The delays created by the planning process remain the biggest barrier to building new homes faster. However, the recently published Housing White Paper reflects this fact, and it outlines the need for the public and private sector to be joined up in their thinking on all housing matters.”

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