The HBF has produced a report gauging the Labour government’s progress since winning the general election in July 2024.

It has now been revealed that housing delivery has actually since fallen.

The HBF’s research shows EPC registrations reported 205,000 new homes in the year to March 2025, whereas this had been 212,000 in the previous year.

Council taxbase data figures show an increase of 213,000 dwellings in the year to September 2024, but this is down on the 237,000 new dwellings recorded in the previous year.

The HBF has welcomed the government’s efforts to reform planning processes and combat delays, but flagged other areas that required attention.

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In particular, the HBF has calculated nutrient and water neutrality laws are delaying over 180,000 new homes from being built.

In addition, the group has recommended more support for first-time buyers, with an estimation that this could unlock a further 100,000 homes.

“Unless ministers act quickly to address the wider constraints blocking delivery, that early progress risks being wasted,” said Neil Jefferson, CEO at the HBF.

“From the growing backlog of affordable homes to the lack of demand-side support for buyers, urgent and coordinated action is now needed to get supply back on track.”

“If government is serious about hitting its housing target, it must match its ambition on planning with a more radical and joined-up response across the board.”