Downsizing
Over the past sixteen years, the number of small housebuilders and developers has been in rapid decline. NHBC Foundation’s latest research reveals the challenges that small companies currently face and what should be done to help them overcome these barriers
Heading for the hill
Walnut Trees Hill is nestled within the idyllic village of Ashbury in Oxfordshire. Suzie Mayes looks at these ten faithfully designed properties, each with their own special features, and finds out how Redcliffe Homes is enticing people to them
A walk in the park
Suzie Mayes visits two schemes of different sizes - the large regeneration project of Heyford Park and a small ten-home development, Walnut Trees Hill. But both schemes in rural Oxfordshire share an interpretation of the Arts and Crafts movement and a keen interest in communities. Over the next two pages Suzie Mayes talks to Paul Silver, ceo of Dorchester Living, about the vast, historical Heyford Park
Housing zones - an opportunity, but with issues
Mark Smulian looks at what is meant by housing zones and finds out whether they are a true opportunity to deliver increased numbers of new homes
Underground oversights
Basement projects have become popular in certain areas over the past 13 years. But they have raised various concerns about poor workmanship and health and safety. Marc Separovic, NHBC's technical projects manager, looks at how standards can be raised
It's a Living thing
In July, Kier announced its decision to launch a new unified national housing division - Kier Living. Suzie Mayes meets executive md John Anderson to hear about the plans, the challenges ahead and what Kier Living stands for
Finance special - Policy points
Insurance is something that housebuilders hope they will never use but they definitely need. Suzie Mayes finds out about a site based insurance scheme and what housebuilders should know
Finance special - Financial focus
Housebuilder returns to the key players in the lending sector for an update on the finance market. What, if anything, has changed since April?
Finance special - Small talk
In the first part of our finance special, Suzie Mayes finds out how smaller housebuilders have been faring with development finance over the past six months. There are new challenges - such as the Mortgage Market Review - but there are new players, more confidence, and specialist lenders are still willing to help
Who wants to be the Mercedes of housebuilding?
Brands are crucial in many sectors, but they are not a feature of housebuilding. Stephen Byfield, managing director of communications consultancy PPS, wonders why
