New property supply has hit a 30-year high.

Official data for the period April 1 2018 to March 31 2019 show there were 241,130 net additions to housing stock, up 8.5% annually to a 30-year high.

Of these, 213,660 came from new-build home completions – up 9.4% annually to the highest level since the 1980s.

The rest of the supply came through 29,260 gains from change of use between non-domestic and residential, 5,220 from conversions between houses and flats and 940 other gains (caravans, house boats etc).

This was offset by 7,940 demolitions.

Commenting on the data, Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: “The numbers show the huge progress made by the industry as we look to meet the country’s housing need.

“Alongside much needed homes, the increases are boosting local economies up and down the country, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and delivering much needed investment in infrastructure.

“We need politicians to continue to work with us and develop policies that enable further increases to be delivered.

“We need to see policies that ensure buyers can buy and that enough land comes forward in the right places quickly and efficiently.

“We also need to see more support for small- and medium-sized builders and specialist providers to ensure the supply base continues to grow.

“The industry is absolutely committed to delivering the high quality, environmentally friendly homes that people across the country’s communities need.”