Figures for November 2014 - January 2015 released by NHBC today revealed that Scottish local authorities registered 2,580 new homes compared to the 2,226 homes registered last January.

The 354 more homes equates to a 15.9 per cent increase on 2014.

In the UK as a whole, registrations are up 13 per cent on the same period 12 months ago. Overall totals for the rolling quarter incorporating November 2014 - January 2015 show that 35,836 new homes were registered in the UK, compared to 31,852 for the corresponding quarter last year. The private sector increased 23 per cent (27,881 compared to 22,612 for November 2013 - January 2014), with the public sector down 14 per cent (7,955 compared to 9,240).

NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton said: “Following on from our annual registration figures, the rolling quarter shows that the overall new home volumes are ahead of 12 months ago, with the private sector quite clearly the main driver of growth. Even though January was slightly down we must remember this is after the extremely strong figures for December.

“We anticipate an important couple of months in the run-up to the General Election with housing likely to be at the forefront of political debate in an effort to increase overall levels of new homes that the country urgently requires.”