The last three months have seen the fastest rate of housebuilding since the crash in 2008, the government has claimed.

Housing starts over the last 12 months increased by 16% compared with the year before, rising from 101,280 to 117,110, and the 32,230 homes started between July and September this year represent the fastest rate of housebuilding since 2008.

Meanwhile, over 18,000 reservations have now been made through Help to Buy: Equity Loan.Every reservation means a new build home is being sold, and housebuilders are using this momentum to build more homes. At the same time 2,000 households received offers through Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee in the first month alone.

The highest number of Help to Buy sales were in Leeds, Wiltshire, Milton Keynes and Reading, while the highest number of Right to Buy sales were in Birmingham, Leeds, Sandwell and Sheffield.

Housing minister Kris Hopkins said: “Today’s figures show we’re building at the fastest rate since the crash in 2008, more people are securing a place on the housing ladder, and we’re delivering tens of thousands of affordable homes across the whole country.

“But there’s still more to do, and improving the housing market will remain a top priority. That means getting builders back on site, delivering new housing, more jobs and ensuring every hard working family has a place they can call home.”