The encouraging start to 2013 was boosted by the first phase of the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station which chalked up 800 new homes. More than 3,000 new homes will be built on the landmark site over the next 15 years.

During the three months from November- January, a total of 24,999 new homes were registered, representing a rise of 18% against the same time last year.

Within in the total, privates sector homes were up 14% to 18,061 while public sector registrations also climbed 32% to 6,938.

NHBC’s commercial director Richard Tamayo said: “We are heartened by the encouraging registration statistics for January which follow a strong end to last year.

“This month’s figures were boosted by the high profile Battersea Power Station redevelopment as well as an increase in the number of mixed use developments.”