<p>Consolidation fever is set to continue with a raft of big deals on the horizon, predicts market analyst Brian Green, editor of the annual Housing Market Intelligence report. He said: “Persimmon’s acquisition of Westbury in January sparked rumours of other potential bids. </p> <p>This has led to a sharp re-rating of the housebuilding sector and a sharp rise in the price earnings ratio for the majors, as there remains an underlying view that consolidation in the sector is far from complete. “The question in the City is when, not if, the next set of big deals will happen.”He added: “As traditional medium sized sites begin to dwindle, the rules of the housebuilding game look increasingly biased towards either major firms or small niche operators.”</p> <p><strong>Consolidation rumours are set against the background of a steadily performing housing market. Haart estate agents reported that sales transaction levels in London have jumped 20% since July, with the average London house price standing at £248,580. The HBF’s latest monthly survey shows that a balance of 20% of developers reported rising prices during August. </strong></p> <p><strong>The Housing Market Intelligence research results will be launched at the HMI conference in London on October 10. To book …