Total construction output in October was 0.8% higher than in September and the fourth consecutive monthly rise in output after the dip in Summer (returning to normal Summer holiday trends). Output in October was also 7.4% higher than a year ago, when materials availability and a lack of HGV drivers restricted and/or delayed construction activity, and output in October was 4.1% higher than in January 2020, pre-pandemic.

Private housing output in October was 2.9% higher than in September and 19.2% higher than a year ago despite a housing market slowdown as housebuilders are rushing to meet year-end and Help to Buy targets for completions but whilst housebuilders currently focus on completions, they have significantly slowed down starting new developments (even more than usual coming towards Winter) in the light of increasing concern about demand after Q1 next year.