Figures from the Communities and Local Government department show there were 29,510 new homes started between April and June this year - 6% higher than the previous quarter, and a third higher than the same time last year.
Private home starts between April and June rose by 7% to 23,990, while the sector’s completions increased 11% to 22,110.
Public housing numbers were less robust. Housing association starts fell 3% from the previous quarter while completions edged up 3%.
This general improvement was seen across the country, with 178 of the 326 councils in England reporting an increase in house building starts over the year.
The data release also showed there were 110,530 total starts in the 12 months to June, up by 7% on the previous year, while total completions remain depressed by 9% at 106,820.
The Government figures are the first official confirmation that the housing market has turned a corner.
Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said: “Todays figures clearly show government action is bringing confidence back into the housing market and getting Britain building again, with starts increasing by a third year-on-year.
“We’ve already delivered over 330,000 new homes over the past three years, and 150,000 affordable homes.
“There is more to do, but today’s figures reinforce the momentum towards getting Britain building again.”
Overall housing starts are now 73% above the trough in the March quarter 2009 but 40% below the March quarter 2007 peak.
Completions are 44% below their March quarter 2007 peak.
