<b><b>Research into the home buyers attitudes to new housing has revealed that the image of the industry is improving. Julian Smith looks at the findings and their implications</b></b><br><b>The annual New Homes Marketing Board/ Halifax market research report has revealed a transformation in the image and desirability of new homes in recent years. </b><br><b>The number of potential buyers who would consider buying a new home has risen markedly since last year's survey, up to 36% from 25%. And the number who would prefer to buy new has also risen, to 24% from 21%, reversing the recent trend. </b><br><b>The survey found that people who have recently visited new developments say that new homes are now built and designed better than they used to be and are laid out more attractively. They say new homes are more substantially built and have bigger rooms. Consumers also think that new homes now offer better specification and more choice, and that more benefits are included in the price. The traditional view - that new homes save time and are more convenient - is still strongly held. </b><br><b><b>New home = Posh Spice </b></b><br> The researchers asked consumers to imagine new homes as a person, a car or …