Completions of new homes in the second quarter returned to similar levels seen before the pandemic, the latest figures from the National House-Building Council (NHBC) has revealed.

Housebuilders completed 40,289 new homes in the second quarter of 2022 – a 16% year-on-year increase.

Private sector completions saw a 23% year-on-year rise at 29,963 but affordable and rental sector completions stayed flat at 10,326.

Some 11 out of 12 UK regions saw growth in the number of new home completions, with the Northeast leading the way with 1,781 new homes – a 39% year-on-year increase. The East Midlands came second with 4,117 new homes – a 34% rise with Wales showing a slight decrease of 1,183 homes compared with 1,189 new homes.

New plot registrations jumped by 45% in the second quarter to 66,855 as builders rushed to beat the cost of new energy efficiency regulations introduced in June.

NHBC chief executive Steve Wood said: “Our latest figures demonstrate that output from the new homes market has made a solid return.

“At this stage, we are not seeing evidence that the cost-of-living crisis or risks of recession are affecting consumer demand, whilst registration levels reinforce continued confidence within the sector.”