Latest News

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

HBF calls on minister to help boost family homes

Oct. 30, 2006

As the industry awaits the publication of the new planning policy on housing, PPS3, the Home Builders Federation has called on the government to recognise the impact of restricted land supply on the family homes shortage.

DTI increases funding for home microgeneration

Oct. 30, 2006

Consumers who want to install micro wind turbines, solar panel and other microgeneration technology on their homes have been given access to £6.2 million in funding through the Department of Trade and Industry’s low carbon buildings programme.

Linden ups timber frame use to 95%

Oct. 30, 2006

Linden Homes is now using timer frame construction to build 95% of its homes in the south east. Citing \"faster build times, and improved energy efficiency and sound insulation,\" the firm has dramatically increased its timber frame use in the past three years.

Treasury-commissioned report warns of economic impact of climate change

Oct. 30, 2006

Global warming could cost the planet 20% of its wealth, if it is not tackled head-on. The warning, from former World Bank chief economist Sir Nicholas Stern, is contained in a Treasury-commissioned report published today, which estimates the impact of climate change on world GDP.

Farrell appointed to Conservatives’ Cities Taskforce

Oct. 30, 2006

Opposition leader David Cameron has boosted the Cities Taskforce he established to look at urban regeneration issues, with the appointment of prominent architect Sir Terry Farrell. Along with other new members, Angus Kennedy and Dick Atkinson, the taskforce, led by Michael Heseltine, is planning to tour the country over the next six months, following the publication of its first report.

Barratt extends EcoSmart homes to Kent

Oct. 30, 2006

Following Barratt’s development of an EcoSmart eco show village in Lancashire, the developer has decided to build a number of four bedroom EcoSmart townhouses at its Expressions scheme in Gravesend.

London prices mask challenging market

Oct. 30, 2006

London’s housing market has driven the fastest nationwide rise in prices for more than two years, according to Hometrack.

Home information packs dry-run starts in seven days

Oct. 30, 2006

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) is gearing up for a trial roll-out of packs, which begins on November 6.

Thames Gateway Constructing Excellence Club launched

Oct. 30, 2006

Constructing Excellence has launched a Thames Gateway Club for the construction sector to focus on regeneration best practise in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics.

House of Lords gives Wilson Bowden the go ahead

Oct. 26, 2006

Wilson Bowden has gained House of Lords backing to develop a \"new town\" of 3,500 homes in east Lanarkshire.