The UK Government has released statistics reflecting the increase in the number of homes completed in the first quarter of 2021, which shows the rate to be the highest it has been in over two decades. The number of constructed houses nearly reached 50,000 – a result of the Government interventions in building back the economy after the pandemic. Bristol removals companies are also busy as more and more people are now moving to their new homes. Removals for Bristol homeowners have become more in demand due to the UK Government’s projects.
The number of houses being built in the UK continues to rise as measures to contain the virus roll out. Statistics show that 49,470 homes were completed in the first quarter of 2021. It’s the highest figure recorded in the last 20 years and is 4% higher than the first quarter of 2020. The 2021 figure is also a 7% increase over the previous quarter, which was the highest number in about 15 years.
The report also shows that Londoners started building their houses in March. This amounted to a total of 14,530, which is an 18% increase from March of 2020.
Additionally, 2020-21 houses were 81% of all new buildings used as dwellings, which is the highest recorded proportion since 2000-01. This implies that the housing and construction industry is resilient and can bounce back quickly to support other businesses.
According to Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, the continued rise is encouraging. The housing and building sector have extraordinary resilience, and the Government is showing its continued support for the industry, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Keeping construction sites open and operating them with standard health protocols allows for continuous building of houses. This is also essential in building back the country following the effects of the virus.
Government Support In Home Building
During the pandemic, the Government has put various efforts and measures into place, including allowing builders to negotiate flexible construction site working hours with their local councils. They have also extended certain planning rules and permissions, which would have lapsed in other situations.
There was also a measure for putting out an ambitious package to ensure that homes were built in the right locations. This way, opportunities across the country were also upgraded. The Government invested nearly £20 billion in new housing, including over £12 billion in affordable housing. Another £7.1 billion went to the National Home Building Fund.
The Government also helped out homebuyers through the First Homes programme. The beneficiaries, most of which were key workers, gained at least a 30% discount for their homes. 95% of the mortgage guarantee scheme also helped these buyers secure a home with just a 5% deposit.
Homes England Acquired Sites for An Additional 7,400 Homes
Peter Freeman, the chairman of Homes England, has announced that they have acquired over 400 hectares of land where they would build over 7,400 new homes. He added that the land would also facilitate development for green and social infrastructure, schools, retail, and community facilities.
Since the sites have become the property of Homes England, these can be prepared for the construction of liveable buildings using the agency’s resources. The house builders and housing associations can build them to the standards and the quality that they set, said Freeman.
Freeman also urged landlords to coordinate and collaborate with Homes England in balancing the objectives of managing critical and competing priorities since there is a projected trade-off in investing in existing homes and for new homes. Bristol removals companies and other service providers will find themselves busier and busier as new homes are being occupied.
Homes England also plans to open up its partnership programme to commercial providers. He said the agency is open to hearing what investors consider before putting money in the affordable housing sector.
Freeman said that they put a high priority on lending and investing with new market entrants. This is because they have the ability to deliver new homes at scale. They can help address challenges in affordable housing with such partnerships.
The Lands Acquired
Homes England acquired 53 hectares of land in Attleborough, Norfolk. Here, an estimated 1,200 new homes would be built, along with a primary school and facilities for retail and the community.
In southwest Rugby, 28 hectares will be used to build 500 new homes as a sustainable urban extension.
The 23 hectares acquired in West Lane, Ripon, will have about 390 homes that will cost 40% less than other homes. A Norfolk Group land in Havant was also acquired to deliver around 300 new homes as part of the proposed highway improvements, which will also support the delivery of the strategic site in the Havant local plan for more than 2,000 new homes.
22 hectares in Worcester Parkway, Worcestershire, were also acquired to give way to 546 new homes to be part of the proposed 10,000 home new settlement that would be built next to the railway station.
Government offices and facilities are also set to be built on the acquired land. In Avondale Drive, Lockstock Hall near Preston, a former primary school site that’s about 1.5 hectares, will be allocated for their local plan, including residential development. The NHS Seacroft Blood and Transplant Centre in Leeds was also bought to build about 61 homes.
More land has been acquired to give way to new and affordable housing for UK residents.
Safe And Efficient Moving And Removals In Bristol
Moving to a new home is both an exciting and stressful process. With all that you need to move, you need a reliable and transparent service provider so that you can move without all the fuss.
We Like 2 Move It Removals Bristol provides excellent removal services and assistance in moving your belongings from point A to point B. We let you decide if you want complete control over your move or if you want our expert staff to take care of everything for you. We give comprehensive moving services nationwide, including home removals, packaging services, and full insurance for your property. For any enquiries, you can call us on 0117 369 0570 or write to us at info@welike2moveit.co.uk.