Spicerhaart survey finds that first time buyers \"remain confident\"
A survey has shown that first time buyers remain positive about the housing market. The percentage of first time buyers has averaged 38% in the last six months, according to the Spicerhaart Financial Services monthly survey. There was a drop of 2% in October but the proportion was still at 40% - above average – and higher than at the beginning of the year.
Pathfinder success is unclear - NAO
A new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has criticized the government\'s housing market renewal \"pathfinders\" programme, saying that it is difficult to prove it has contributed to improved housing conditions in the midlands and the north.
Halifax reports market slowdown but strong economy
The latest survey conducted by Halifax reports a slowing down of the housing market. House prices, according to the survey, fell by 0.5% in October. Prices in the three months to October were 0.3% down on the previous quarter.
Blears and Cooper welcome new housing legislation
Communities secretary Hazel Blears and housing minister Yvette Cooper have welcomed the legislation from the Queen’s speech which will help achieve the government’s target of 240,000 homes a year by 2016.
National Trust speaks out against greenfield land erosion
The National Trust has accused the government of failing to adequately protect \"thousands of acres of valued countryside and open spaces\" from development.
Land acquisition key to growth - Artisan
Artisan chairman Michael Stevens has given his assessment of the housing market ahead: uncertain, in a word. Speaking at the company\'s AGM, Stevens said: \"Since our June period end, the group has made solid progress. Rippon Homes, the group’s east midlands-based housebuilding subsidiary, is still finding that each sale is hard won, in line with the experience of housebuilders in other parts of the UK.
Savills predicts 3% growth in 2008
Savills has predict house price growth of around 3% across the country during 2008.
Legislative agenda welcomed, but focus on land supply - HBF
The Home Builders Federation has welcomed the series of Bills announced in the Queen\'s Speech, but has called on government to focus on increasing the supply of land for housing.
Queen\'s Speech reflects government\'s commitment to infrastructure delivery
A series of Bills introduced in the Queen\'s Speech this morning drive forward the government\'s ambitious plans to increase housebuilding levels and the infrastructure investment necessary to support its green paper targets.
Energy performance certificates delayed until April 2008
The government has delayed by six months plans to introduce energy performance certificates into home information packs. EPCs will now be compulsory from April 1 2008, rather than January 1, as was originally planned.
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