The National House-Building Council has revealed the number of new homes registered to be built in 2018 was in line with 2017 figures.

Developers registered 159,617 new homes with NHBC during 2018, a 0.5% decrease on the 160,396 in 2017. The private sector was down 1% from 118,372 to 117,497, and the affordable sector was essentially level at 42,120 compared to 42,024 the previous year.

New home completions were also stable, up 1% from 147,552 to 149,480.

There was an increase in new home registrations in eight of the 12 months of 2018 compared to 2017, including seven consecutive months of growth after the slow start to the year, which was caused by the unseasonable weather conditions. July was particularly strong, and the slight drop in December is normal.

There was growth in six out of the 12 UK regions, particularly in Northern Ireland (+39%) and Yorkshire and Humberside (+20%).

But in London new home registrations were down 10%, as the private housing market in the capital bears the brunt of the current uncertain political and economic climate.

NHBC’s figures represent approximately 80% of the market and not all UK homes.

Chief Executive Steve Wood said: “The full-year figures of nearly 160,000 new home registrations demonstrate the resilience of the UK house-building industry.

“2018 has been a demanding year, with the extreme weather conditions in the early part and the continuing political and economic uncertainties, with are extending in 2019.

“Whatever the environment, NHBC will continue to support housebuilders to deliver the high-quality new homes that the country needs.”