Features

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

Eco appeal

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

There is no point in building homes to new standards of sustainability if consumers will not buy into it. AsCarrie-Ann Skinnerfinds out, getting buyers to embrace eco standards will not be easy especially if the fundamentals of location and aesthetics are lost or forgotten

Long term goals

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Barratt North London has taken the imaginative step of becoming involved with Watford Football Club to help socially disadvantaged young people. Carrie Dunnreports on the housebuilder’s special take on corporate social responsibility

House warming

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Following a year-long review, NHBC’s governing body has agreed a new constitution. In an unprecedented move, individual consumers are now to be invited to join NHBC’s Council to offer, first hand, the views of home buyers

Development of the month -

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Grand Ocean in West Sussex is set to transform the profile of developer Explore Living although its start was closely followed by the housing slump. Steve Menary looks at the Grade II listed scheme being built during difficult times

2008 – The year that rocked the industry

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Caroline Flint - taking responsibility for the UK division. Meanwhile the industry welcomes a new housing minister in Caroline Flint (above) as Yvette Cooper shuffles off to the Treasury. Wonder if Flint will see out the year…

Terms of association

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Housing associations came to housebuilders’ rescue in the last recession but things are a little different this time. Mark Smulian looks at what terms and conditions are attached to the help that associations can give right now

Reality bites

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

As the downturn bites, the list of government priorities for the housebuilding sector must be redrawn in order to protect the industry’s future capacity. Allison Heller reports on the policy reality check faced by new housing minister Margaret Beckett

Taking the lead

Nov. 1, 2008 Feature

How can housebuilders maximise the chances of selling houses in this market? Housebuilder gets top tips from two of the industry’s leading marketers. First, Andrew Moffit, managing director at marketing agency Phoenix, laments the industry’s response to customers and calls for a return to basics

Bringing it home

Nov. 1, 2008 Feature

David Mote, Ferrier Pearce’s communication director and former HBF marketing director, says it’s time to dust off your databases and go digital to attract new customers

Back to the future

Nov. 1, 2008 Feature

High end new homes will have to tone down the fuel guzzling gadgetry to fit in with the code for sustainable homes. Stephen Hoare looks at the homes which tick the green boxes whilst maintaining the luxury