THE number of new-build homes registered to be constructed across Northern Ireland slumped by 38 per cent in 2020 to reach an eight-year low, new industry figures show.
Just 2,879 new homes were registered in the north last year, according to the National House Building Council (NHBC), a warranty and insurance provider.
In the UK as a whole,123,151 new homes were registered compared with 160,319 the year before.
Homes are registered with the NHBC before work is started, which means the figures are a fairly accurate indication of new housing supply in the pipeline.
The NHBC said housebuilding activity rebounded quickly after builders established Covid-secure working practices in the summer, with a total of 39,749 new homes being registered in the final three months, which was 34 per cent up on the third quarter.
While the numbers of new home registrations fell in every UK region in 2020, Northern Ireland had by far the most significant decline at 38 per cent, with Scotland next worst at 28 per cent.
NHBC chief executive Steve Wood said: "Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the new-build housing market has held up well, with house-builders showing resilience and adaptability throughout 2020.
"Last spring saw a sharp shock to the housing market and it is heartening that, by the close of 2020, productivity levels had moved very close to those seen in late 2019."
He added: "Confidence in the housing market, particularly for newly-built homes, remains strong, with many larger house-builders forward sold into the summer despite the continued impact of the pandemic and prevailing economic uncertainties."
