But the sharp fall in public housing starts and slow recovery in private new homes means the total number of homes built is set to fall below last year’s level despite Government attempts to boost house building.
For the first 11 months of this year, the National House-Building Council registered 99,160 new homes compared to 109,850 in the same period last year.
At 10% down on last year the figure is unlikely to be made up in December returns.
Richard Tamayo, NHBC Commercial Director said: “2012 has generally not lived up to the hopes we held for it, however as we approach its end there are signs that activity is picking up.
“Government backed schemes such as NewBuy and Funding for Lending will hopefully provide further support in the New Year to those who have desired to own a home but in the past experienced difficulties obtaining mortgages. Hopefully 2013 can consolidate and then build on this momentum.”