Construction on 37,080 new homes began between October and December 2015, up 23% on a year earlier The number of new-build homes being started and finished in England is at its highest level since 2008, according to government figures. Construction on approximately 37,080 new homes was started between October and December 2015, up 23% on a year earlier, while 37,230 were completed, marking a 22% increase on the same quarter in 2014.