Government agency Homes England has surpassed its housing delivery targets for 2024-25.
The agency facilitated the completion of 36,757 homes, 14% more than its 2023-24 delivery levels, and above its target of 36,095.
Construction has started on 38,000 homes, up 6% on 2023-24.
Homes England works with local authorities, housebuilders and other organisations involved in creating housing.
Terry Woodley, managing director of development finance at Shawbrook, said: “Despite challenges across the industry, there could be a renewed sense of optimism among the development sector following the news that Homes England beat targets for homes started and completed in 2024-25.
“This follows suit with the OBR’s predictions earlier this year that recent planning reforms will lead to housebuilding reaching a 40-year high. Shawbrook’s own research similarly revealed that 59% of developers we asked were already confident that 1.5 million new homes could be delivered in five years.
“Key facets of the Planning and Infrastructure bill, like planning committees, development corporations and strategic planning elements, should reduce red tape and streamline processes, which will play a crucial role in delivering the ambitious new homes target. However, there is still a hill to climb to reach the targets set out, and the government must prioritise planning reforms to see housebuilding activity grow over the next few years.”