House building levels across the UK rose during May 2010, according to the latest NHBC statistics, offering a positive backdrop to the coalition's first budget.

During March to May 2010, 32,352 new homes were registered across the UK. This was a 68 per cent increase on the same three month period in 2009 (19,286), indicating continued year-on-year solid improvement across the sector.

Registrations during May 2010 (10,870) were also 56 per cent higher than in May 2009 (6,953).

Commenting on the figures, Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of NHBC, commented: "Despite the impact of the general election and the political uncertainty that surrounded it, NHBC's figures show that the number of homes being built in the UK is continuing to improve at a steady rate.

"Sustaining this level of improvement post-budget and into the summer building season however will be the next major challenge to face the industry", he added.

NHBC statistics for the three months to the end of May 2010 show that both private and public sector demonstrated significant improvements:

■ Private sector registrations were up 89 per cent (at 20,877) when compared with the same period last year (11,062)
■ Public sector registrations were 11,475 - 40 per cent higher than the same period a year ago (8,224).

NHBC publishes a quarterly booklet of its new house-building statistics - to subscribe visit www.nhbc.co.uk