No room for local standards
There is no justification for local authorities setting building performance standards. The government’s Housing Standards Review must conclude that standards should be set in Building Regulations only, argues John Stewart
The calm ahead of a key general election
There is a feeling that we are in a period of relative calm and certainty which should continue up until the general election in May 2015
The sun's shining - make hay
Ben Roskrow, risking a role as a forecaster against his better judgment, says that the period up to the next election will be an excellent one for the housing market. After that though....
Private investigations
Steve Menary checks the temperature of the top privately-owned housebuilders and finds that most are currently in good shape.
Planning key to delivery again
Richard Jones, group head of regeneration and growth at EC Harris, says that for housebuilders the debate about delivery of new homes is once again focusing on planning.
Help to Buy starts with a bang
HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley says that Help to Buy is increasing output and is unlikely to produce a housing bubble – but planning remains a concern
Help to Buy risks and rewards
The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme will boost home building, but we cannot ignore the risks the mortgage guarantee scheme poses to housing market stability in 2015 and 2016
Our Fosbury Flop moment
Ben Roskrow writes about Housebuilder's "Fosbury Flop" moment when it decided to launch the Housebuilder Product Awards - a success story to add to the good news pile.
Help to Buy (part one) going well despite the critics
The Help to Buy scheme has been dubbed "moronic" as detractors say it will fuel more boom and bust in the housing market. But Ben Roskrow argues that the signs are that the equity part of the initiative is working well
Making your jv work
Richard Jones, group head of regeneration of growth at EC Harris, welcomes the increase in innovative joint ventures to deliver housing and reveals the keys to partnering success.
