The building of new homes last year was 10% higher than in 2013, new figures have revealed.

In London, starts in 2013 to 2014 were the highest since 2005 to 2006.

Overall, 700,000 new homes have been delivered since the end of 2009, and over 200,000 of which have been since the launch of the Help to Buy scheme.

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Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said: "We inherited a broken housing market in which builders couldn't build, lenders wouldn't lend and buyers couldn't buy. We've done a lot to help get the housing industry back on its legs, but there's more to do.

"Today's figures show we're on track and turning this around. Now, housebuilding levels are at their highest annual total since 2007, and first-time buyers are getting on the property ladder in record numbers."

(CD/JP)