Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Another Birmingham needed to meet demand for homes

Tuesday, 15 November 2011 11:27 AM

Housing demand will exceed supply by over half a million homes by 2015 – the equivalent of a city the size of Birmingham.

The stark illustration of the scale of the housing crisis comes in a report out today from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The FMB also says the number of the number of small house builders is at its lowest since 1982 and blames rising costs and regulatory burdens.

The report recommends measures including:

- More pressure on the banks to lend to house buyers and builders

- An extension of the stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers on properties under £250,000 that is due to expire in April 2012

- An end to the hiatus in planning and measures to ease planning restrictions

- A review of the regulatory burden on infrastructure on sustainability standards.

Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the FMB, said: "For too long the housing problem has been overlooked with the result that a person buying a house on their own now needs to be near the top 10 per cent of earners in the country and this problem is only going to get worse until the government takes drastic action to revive private house building."

Want to be the first to know when we break a story?  on Twitter and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.

Related stories

On a regional basis starts fell everywhere apart from the North West over the year.

Fresh fall in housing starts in first quarter

Rise in completions but bigger falls in starts by housebuilders and housing associations.

 Kate Barker spoke also positively about the draft national planning policy framework. Image:Thinkstock

Expert questions government housing policy

The author of a landmark 2004 housing review has accused successive governments of not building enough homes, during a speech to the British Property Federation (BPF).
Currently cowboy builders who accept cash in hand have a considerable tax advantage.

Builders urge VAT cut for home improvements

New five per cent rate would help home owners and landlords and boost economy, says FMB.

 Annual housing starts totalled 96,070 in the 12 months to September, down seven per cent on the year to September 2010.

Blow to housing hopes as housebuilding falls

Government figures show starts and completions both down and shortfall of new homes likely to grow.
Sixteen thousand new homes and 32,000 new jobs in England are the target for the government's scheme.

Government housing strategy: Reactions from around the property world

Reactions from some of the key players in the property world to the government's new housing strategy 'Get Britain Building', which was announced today.

 Exterior

For sale: Birmingham penthouse apartment

Our property of the week is within walking distance of the Bullring and enjoys gorgeous views of fountains and a communal garden.
The number of new homes being built is now at the lowest level since World War II.

New 400m housing initiative to ‘unlock housing market’

David Cameron is to unveil a new £400m initiative today which aims to stem the fall in house building.

 Only 16,334 social homes got planning approval last year.

Planning approvals for homes at half the level needed

Only 115,000 new homes got permission in England in 2011, says Home Builders Federation.

Edinburgh city from above

Rent only costs more than a mortgage in some areas

Mortgage payments are generally cheaper, but in some parts of Britain you could still be better off renting your property.

The first-time buyer stamp duty holiday is said to be contributing to the increased demand.

Biggest rise in demand for homes since downturn

Seasonal increase and stamp duty holiday prompt 18 per cent rise in buyers registering with agents, says Hometrack.

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.