Housing output rose at the fastest rate for eight months in February despite optimism in the wider construction industry about the months ahead declining.

The latest IHS Markit/CIPS survey of construction companies shows housing activity  rose from 54.3% in January to 61.5%, overtaking commercial activity – which recorded 58.4% – as the sector with the highest output.

Civil engineering activity also rose from 53.2% to 57.5% month-on-month, its highest level since last June.