Mortgage costs to rise again – FT
Mortgage rates are set to rise again according to reports, following the collapse of Lehman Brothers and subsequent financial events.
OFT report gives industry clean bill of health
The housebuilding industry has been cleared of accusations of landbanking in the long awaited OFT report into the operation of the industry. The report, published on September 25, says that the industry is actually constrained by the availability of land and that the biggest land bank is held by the public sector. It also could find no evidence of anti competitive behaviour. However the report also found that home buyers report experiencing a number of problems with the industry including delays and snags.
Berkeley’s sales 50% below average but “in line with expectations”
The Berkeley Group’s sales levels have been 50% lower than average since the start of the financial year, it has revealed in its interim management statement, running from 1 May to 31 August 2008.
Bank of England delays consultation on new liquidity scheme
The Bank of England has announced that its special liquidity scheme (SLS) has been extended and that its consultation paper on proposals for a replacement scheme would appear at a later date.
New liquidity scheme will not save housing market – King
The Bank of England’s Mervyn King has warned that its new funding scheme will not cure the ailing housing market.
Redrow’s reservations fall 55%
Redrow’s preliminary results show once more the difficult conditions within the industry, with the housebuilder’s net reservations down 55% in the six months to June 2008.
Permitted development needs “highway code” – RTPI
The government should introduce a highway code style document on permitted development, to ease the confusion over what can be built with planning permission when home owners wish to make alterations to their properties, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has stated.
Bank of England rate decision “a dangerous game”
Industry members have urged the Bank of England to cut interest rates following the decision to maintain the rate of 5% for the fifth consecutive month.
New home starts fall by half – NHBC
New home starts fell by almost half from May to July, NHBC figures have revealed.
Housing package welcomed but wider action needed
Industry largely welcomed the government’s measures announced today (September 2) to support the housing market, but urged for more to be done.
News Alerts
Don't miss out on another important news story get important news alerts right to your inbox.
