<b></b>The housing market is slowing, but there is no sign yet of a serious downturn according to the latest survey of housebuilders. Prices remain well above a year ago and net reservations are holding up around the same level as this time last year by easing up on price increases while using more incentives.<br>The HBF survey shows reservations and prices weakest across the Midlands, London and the South East. Visitors to sites are down according to the latest survey while prices rose in October. Tellingly, nearly half the firms interviewed (48%), expect an increase in new home sales next year against only 16% expecting a decrease. This means they are only a little less optimistic than this time last year.<p></p><p>NHBC figures reveal that the number of new starts in the third quarter of the year increased by 7% in the private sector compared to the same period last year. The ability to buy index also rose, meaning homes are more affordable.</p><p><b><br> <b>HBF Monthly Survey Summary Results</b><br> <b>Activity in the month compared with the same month a year ago (balance*)</b><br> &amp; <b>July</b> <b>Aug</b> <b>Sept</b> <b>Oct</b><br> Site visitors +6 +15 -2 -8<br> Net reservations +25 +24 +5 +2<br> <b>Net house price change …