The new build division at Just Mortgages has seen an "encouraging" start to the year, after leads and enquiries increased by 40% annually in January and February.

Lead numbers were up by 60% in the group's new build division in the first full week of the year, a trend that Just Mortgages said has continued through January and into February.

The firm attributed the surge in enquiries to rising demand for the shared ownership scheme, as well as increasing efforts among developers to make accommodations to support purchasers.

The biggest demand for shared ownership has been seen in the areas most impacted by the loss of help to buy, particularly in and around London.

Head of new build at Just Mortgages, Paul Wilson, said: "Despite the challenges in the market, it is hugely encouraging to see increasing demand for new build. There’s no question home ownership is still a clear aspiration for many and we must do all we can to nurture and support this. It’s been fantastic to see a real proactive approach among our developer partners, who remain keen to support deals and create opportunities to get properties sold."

Wilson added: "A big driver has also been shared ownership, which gathers more momentum with every week. While a slightly different proposition, it is certainly filling the gap left from help to buy and is supporting a growing number of people in making that step onto the property ladder."

---