Latest News

The latest news, features, comment and analysis of the UK housebuilding market covering policy, regulation, planning, technology, new developments and products

Final HIPs roll-out scheduled for December 14

Nov. 22, 2007

Home Information Packs (HIPs) will be extended to one and two bedroom homes from December 14, housing minister Yvette Cooper has announced today (22 November).

Regenerate to meet housing need, says Callcutt

Nov. 22, 2007

John Callcutt has concluded that regeneration is the key to meeting much of the UK’s future housing need, in his government-commissioned review of housebuilding delivery.

Government publishes housing and regeneration Bill

Nov. 19, 2007

The housing and regeneration Bill aimed at achieving the government’s aim of three million greener new homes by 2020, was published on Friday (November 16).

Financial markets call for rate cuts to stem slowdown

Nov. 15, 2007

The governor of the Bank of England has spoken out about the imminent economic slowdown, leading the financial sector to call for a rate cut to ease the problems ahead.

Commons committee lambastes Gateway management

Nov. 15, 2007

The Commons public accounts committee has produced a scathing report on the department for Communities and Local Government\'s (CLG) management of the Thames Gateway regeneration agenda.

The south east is delivering – SEERA

Nov. 13, 2007

South east local authorities are building an average of 30,600 homes a year and hitting their housing delivery targets, according to new data published by south east England regional assembly (SEERA).

RICS survey shows accelerating decline in confidence

Nov. 13, 2007

The latest monthly survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) published today (November 13), shows the balance of surveyors reporting a fall in house prices rose at the fastest pace since July 2005.

Industry criticises decision to hold interest rates at 5.75%

Nov. 9, 2007

The Bank England Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) decision to hold interest rates at 5.75% has been criticised by industry pundits, who have called for a cut.

Spicerhaart survey finds that first time buyers \"remain confident\"

Nov. 9, 2007

A survey has shown that first time buyers remain positive about the housing market. The percentage of first time buyers has averaged 38% in the last six months, according to the Spicerhaart Financial Services monthly survey. There was a drop of 2% in October but the proportion was still at 40% - above average – and higher than at the beginning of the year.

Pathfinder success is unclear - NAO

Nov. 9, 2007

A new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has criticized the government\'s housing market renewal \"pathfinders\" programme, saying that it is difficult to prove it has contributed to improved housing conditions in the midlands and the north.