Figures released by the National House Building Council (NHBC) show an 18% increase in new homes registered for the first quarter of 2015.

40,281 new homes were registered in the UK for the first three months of 2015.

Compared to 34,186 homes registered during the same period last year, the private sector experienced a 26% increase with the public sector down 1%.

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NHBC Chief Executive Mike Quinton said: "Our figures show an encouraging start to 2015 with new housing registrations up 18% on the first quarter of last year. Housing growth levels remain strong across virtually every part of the UK.

"However, we have made clear that the UK is still building way below the volumes of homes that we need. NHBC looks forward to working with government to ensure that high quality new housing is a top priority."

(LM/CD)