<b></b>The first HBF survey of 2002 has boosted hopes that the industry will start the year well despite global uncertainties.<br><b>The balance of housebuilders reporting increased visitors in January compared to the same month last year has jumped dramatically, giving the best January result for five years (+28%). The balance reporting increased reservations on a year ago (+35%) was also the best January result for five years. As recently as November housebuilders were reporting zero growth in new reservations. </b><br><b>January&amp;’s balance reporting higher new home prices (+58%) was the best January result since the survey began in 1992 and the third best monthly result ever recorded.</b><br> Whether these figures translate into new starts is another question. Latest NHBC statistics reveal private sector starts were 2% down in January on the same month last year. &amp;“Housebuilding has got off to a slow start,&amp;” said NHBC chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi. &amp;“We expect to see quite strong growth over the next two months because housebuilding in February and March last year was severely affected by poor weather and flooding.&amp;” <p></p><p><b><br> <b>HBF Monthly Survey Summary Results</b><br> <b>Activity in the month compared with the same month a year ago (balance*)</b><br> &amp; <b>Oct</b> <b>Nov</b> <b>Dec</b> <b>Dec</b><br> Site …