Latest News

The latest news, features, comment and analysis of the UK housebuilding market covering policy, regulation, planning, technology, new developments and products

Mortgage lending in May down 44% year-on-year

July 9, 2008

Latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) shows that the total value of mortgage funding issued for house purchases in May, £7.6 billion, was down 44% on May 2007. Volumes stood at 52,700 in May – also 44% down on last year, although up 4% on the previous month.

Persimmon to shed 1,100 staff as sales fall by 34%

July 8, 2008

Persimmon\'s trading update for the first six months of the year illustrates the continuing impact of the so-called mortgage famine, as sales are down by 31% and reservations by 30%. The housebuilder has blamed “the significant reduced availability of mortgage funds and reduction in consumer confidence” for its slowing sales and the cuts it is now making to costs, output and staff. A total of 1,100 salaried staff and 900 site-based workers are to be laid off - a total of 40% of the company\'s workforce.

Mortgage rates continue to rise – Moneyfacts

July 8, 2008

Latest research from moneyfacts.co.uk shows that mortgage rates for fixed rate deals are continuing to climb, with two or three year rates now standing at more than 7%. Those now taking out three-year deals have faced the biggest hikes, with the average rate now at 7.25%.

Persimmon expected to announce mass redundancies

July 7, 2008

Volume housebuilder Persimmon has made around 1,000 of its staff redundant following a two-month consultation with its employees, according to reports.

Government announces HCA delivery protocol

July 4, 2008

A protocol has been agreed that sets out the way local authorities will work with the soon-to-be-established Homes and Communities Agency to deliver new housing and regeneration projects.

Housing pack \"not enough\" HBF warns government

July 4, 2008

The government\'s housing package aimed at stimulating the market is nowhere near enough to make a real impact, the HBF has warned government.

Mortgage famine to worsen, lenders tell Bank

July 3, 2008

A Bank of England survey of lenders has revealed a widespread view that the so-called mortgage famine is set to worsen over the next three months.

Barratt to shed 1,000 jobs as part of \"reshaping\" exercise

July 3, 2008

Barratt has announced plans to shed 1,000 jobs as part of a business \"reshaping\" exercise, as it enters its new financial year this month.

Flint announces measures to aid affordable housing delivery

July 2, 2008

Housing minister Caroline Flint has announced a range of measures to maintain the delivery of affordable housing in the face of the credit crunch.

Nationwide sees house price falls slowing

July 2, 2008

The rate of house price falls slowed in June, but prices are still 6.3% lower than this time last year, according to Nationwide’s monthly house price index.