Industry surveys continue to suggest that the first months of 2012 have seen increased activity in the new build housing sector. HBF's monthly survey recorded a positive year-on-year growth in net reservations for March, the sixth month in a row that the figure has been positive. The survey also suggests the slide in new home prices is easing, in line with recent results from the RCIS survey.<br> <br> NHBC figures reveal that private sector housing registrations rose 27% in February but public sector registrations continue to slump, down 58% year on year. Meanwhile Persimmon, Bellway and Croudace have all announced successful results in recent weeks, with Persimmon seeing a 20% surge in sales this year.