More houses were built in the UK since the start of the economic meltdown in 2007.
Figures show 133,670 homes were built in 2013, a jump of 28% over 2012.
Every region in the UK, except Wales, had an increase in the number of homes being registered with the National House Building Council.
That agency said it pointed to an economic recovery that was “broad-based” and not just centred on London.
Building houses will boost the lagging construction sector which is vital for an improving economy. It also will address the crisis in housing. An estimated 250,000 dwellings need to be built each year to meet demand.
In England, the number of new-build registrations was 30% more than in 2012, reaching 117,969. In London, 26,230 homes were registered, a 60% jump and the highest since records began more than 26 years ago.
