Latest News

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

Restoration drama

July 1, 2005

Restoring historic buildings can be expensive and unpredictable, but it is often necessary on brownfield sites. Chris Windle looks into the costs and challenges, and the importance of getting experts on board to help make your scheme a success

Shanghai surprise

July 1, 2005

[MMC-IMG=1635-A=Left] Shanghai’s housing market is changing rapidly, reports Natasha Tucker: prices are rising and hutong style homes are disappearing in favour of high rise apartments. Peter Eales of o i solutions explains why doing business in China is

Eastern promise

July 1, 2005

UK developers have historically focused on domestic and US markets, but for dynamic firms prepared to step out of their comfort zone, profit margins beckon from emerging economies in Russia and China. Allison Heller reports on the growing demand for middl

Power player

July 1, 2005

[MMC-IMG=1631-A=Right] While Labour has been re-elected with a workable majority, Will Howie sees trouble ahead for John Prescott. Does the deputy prime minister have the power to force change, and will the twin barrels of nimbyism and opposition to prope

Modern masters

July 1, 2005

The BRE’s Offsite2005 exhibition showcased the latest in modern methods of construction. Chris Windle checked it out, and considers the issues around the systems playing a growing role in housebuilding

Long term relationship

July 1, 2005

[MMC-IMG=1627-A=Left] Increased pressure on housebuilders to deliver affordable housing and schemes that satisfy both home buyers and housing associations is driving some to establish specialist divisions, explains Jonathan Flint, md of Chase Homes – a di

Excise exercises

July 1, 2005

[MMC-IMG=1626-A=Left] The UK’s zero VAT rating of new homes looks safer than at any time in recent years, but the VAT treatment of housing is going to shoot up the EU political agenda during the second half of 2005

The £60,000 question

July 1, 2005

The 33 teams shortlisted to go through to stage two of the Design for Manufacture competition are frantically working up their entries for a July 15 deadline. Allison Heller talks to English Partnerships corporate strategy director Trevor Beattie and the

What’s on at HB05

July 1, 2005