Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Rics sees upturn in housing construction

Tuesday, 1 June 2010 9:00 AM

There are signs that the housing construction industry may be recovering, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Construction workloads are positive for the first time since 2008, with five per cent more chartered surveyors reporting a rise rather than a fall in workloads in the first three months of the year.

Workloads are also expected to remain stable over the next few months, which could provide those keen on buying a home with the reassurance they need to start looking for property again.

Rics chief economist Simon Rubinsohn explained: "The construction sector seems to be finally lifting its head above the recession parapet but the continuing lack of development finance remains a major obstacle to a sustainable recovery with surveyors still pessimistic about future prospects.

"Concerns over likely cuts in public sector capital spending programmes is another factor contributing towards the cautious stance of respondents to the survey."

The findings follow calls from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for the new coalition government to appoint a dedicated minister for housing and construction.

FMB director-general Richard Diment also welcomed the appointment of Grant Shapps as housing minister, because of his previous interest and experience as an MP covering that sector.

Related stories

Construction site at sunset

Fall in housing fuels slump in construction orders

Orders for public and private housing both down in second quarter as construction industry faces up to worst prospects in 30 years.

 Row of terraced houses with beams

RICS reports private housing boost

Surveyors have reported a rise in private housing work - one of only two positive readings for the sector in three years.
Green homes

Sustainable construction to help housing crisis

There are currently 80,000 too few homes being built each year. Could cost-effective, eco-friendly designs be the answer?

 The London effect once again showed up in the RICS survey. Image:Thinkstock

RICS highlights March housing market improvement

End of stamp duty holiday and London effect boost price expectations but are fundamentals improving too?
Construction site

RICS: Budget must encourage growth in housing

Every £1 spent on construction contributes £2.84 to the wider UK economy, experts suggest.

 Houses in London

RICS: Housing supply up as buyer demand levels out

The monthly survey found cautious optimism when it came to house prices but concern over lack of mortgage availability.
Builder on phone

Construction industry welcomes planning changes

Housing industry body the British Property Federation has today welcomed Government plans to shake up planning policy.

 Mortgage lending sees slight upturn

Mortgage lending sees slight upturn

Mortgage lending sees slight upturn
Cranes and builder at sunset

Value of construction projects down by a third

The value of house-building in the three months to May dropped by 31 per cent, according to figures released today.

 Halifax says low interest rates likely to keep house prices stable despite weak economy but warns of uncertainty over Eurozone. Image: Thinkstock

More of the same for housing market in 2012

Halifax says low interest rates likely to keep house prices stable despite weak economy but warns of uncertainty over Eurozone.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.