Housing new builds hit 30-year high in London

Over 33,000 new homes were built in London last year, the largest annual figure since 1977, according to the latest figures released today by the Greater London Authority.

London mayor Ken Livingstone said a total of 11,980 affordable homes were included in the total, an increase of more than 70% since 2000.

Figures show for the first time housebuilding in London last year exceeded the mayor’s annual target of 30,500 new homes.

Livingstone said: “We are really getting to grips with London’s housing crisis and this news proves that setting targets for new homes, especially affordable homes, is essential if we are to offer all Londoners the opportunity of a home of their own.”

He said it provides a firm basis for his new target to build 50,000 new affordable homes over the next three years.

However, despite the overall increases, there are still stark differences in the provision of new affordable housing between boroughs.

Livingstone called on London boroughs to play their part in supporting efforts to get more homes built in the capital.

This is essential to meet the needs and aspirations of Londoners, with the Annual London Survey for 2007 showing that the price and availability of housing is now Londoners’ most pressing concern.

The figures were released following the government's announcement that a new London housing superagency will help speed up the delivery of London’s £3bn housebuilding programme.

The mayor will chair the London Homes and Communities Agency.