Steve Lees, Director at smartnewhomes.com, comments on Q2 2010 housebuilding statistics showing a rise in starts:
“A 13% rise in housebuilding starts in England is welcomed, however, this figure is still a shocking 42% below the March 2007 peak. The new government's current housing policy vacuum, leaving planners in limbo and industry with its hands tied, could very quickly wipe out this small increase in starts. The latest SmartNewHomes.com Demand Index shows the second consecutive monthly low for the number of new homes for sale in July.
“With a consultation paper not due out until late October at the earliest, the industry faces the prospect of further uncertainty. At present, Housing Minister Grant Shapps has only offered outline details of his proposal to offer a ‘New Homes Bonus’ to councils to encourage development and there is little proof that the money on offer will be enough to incentivise communities to agree to much needed new homes.”
See Also: Press Releases (371), Property News (6701), Housing Starts (2), New Homes Index (22)
Date Published: 19 August 2010
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