Richard Tamayo, NHBC commercial director said: “Viewing new home registration figures in absolute terms, year to date, underlines the real scale of the challenge facing the whole house building industry at the moment.

“Just this month the Government announced a series of measures aimed at supporting the house building industry, in its capacity as a key driver for economic growth.

“These measures are certainly needed but their success will only be realised through a concerted effort by the industry and government to ensure they are taken forward.

He added: “The continued undersupply of new housing means that the UK is missing out on a potential source of much needed economic growth; this obviously needs to be addressed.”

The latest August monthly figure was 4% down on last year, with three monthly registrations for Jun-Aug 18% lower than last year.

Over this three month period public sector housing fell a third and private homes dropped 11%.