New Homes at 'Lowest Level since Turn of the Century'

The number of new homes built in England has fallen for the fifth consecutive year to hit its lowest level since the turn of the century, according to official figures.  Fewer than 125,000 homes were added to the country's housing stock in the year to this April, 8% less than the year before and 100,000 less than at the peak of the housing market in 2007-8.  Lack of supply has been cited as a key reason for rising prices across the country. The Policy Exchange has said the UK needs to build 300,000 homes a year to keep prices and rents down, while Shelter has called for 250,000 more homes a year in England alone.  The CLG said new builds had fallen from 128,000 the previous year to 118,000 last year, while conversions last year added only just over 4,000 homes.  Download the latest figures from the Gov UK website.