In total 26,230 new homes were registered in the capital last year, a 60% increase on 2012 figures (16,364).
Overall, annual figures for new home registrations in the UK increased by 28% in 2013, compared to the previous year. This is the highest number of registrations (133,670) since the economic downturn in 2007.
The figures also show a broad based sustained recovery across England with all regions reporting an increase in housebuilding registrations from last year. Scotland and Northern Ireland also reported year-on-year increases.
As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC's registration statistics provide significant insight on the country's new homes market.
The statistics also revealed that 133,670 new UK homes were registered last year compared to 104,514 in 2012, and all English regions reported growth on 2012 figures.
Registrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland also increased on 2012 figures, and there was an iIncrease in smaller builders joining the NHBC register.
Commenting on the annual statistics, NHBC Chief Executive Mike Quinton said:
"Looking back at 2013 it is very clear that it has been the best in a number of years for the sector as a whole, across the entire country. Over the year, we have seen a genuine return of confidence to the industry as builders strive to meet the growing demand for new homes that the UK clearly needs. Government initiatives such as Help to Buy have also contributed to registrations increasing at their fastest rate since the downturn.
"According to our records, London enjoyed its highest ever annual total of new home registrations. This can be attributed to prime sites, such as Nine Elms, now being redeveloped largely for residential use, an increase from overseas investment into the market and the capital's continued appeal as a property hotspot."
Reacting to the NHBC figures, Stewart Baseley Executive Chairman of the HBF said:
“A 28% increase in new home registrations is a huge leap and demonstrates the acceleration in house building activity. The Help to Buy Equity loan scheme is driving demand and builders are responding quickly by increasing output.
"Considering Help to Buy only launched in April in England, September in Scotland and not until this year in Wales, 28% is a significant increase in supply for 2013.
“If people can buy, builders can build, so creating tens of thousands of jobs on construction sites and in the supply chain.
“However, we are still a long way from building the number of homes the country actually needs. Government needs to work hard to reduce planning and regulatory costs while securing stability on the demand-side if we are to see sustained increases and the associated social and economic benefits.”
