Latest News

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

Bovis’ outlook gloomy following 30% drop in reservations

May 7, 2008

The Bovis board has spoken of “sharply deteriorating conditions” in the housing market, in its May 6 trading update. The plc has blamed negative consumer sentiment and the growing dearth of available mortgages for its need to sharply revise down forecasts on those issued at its preliminary results statement two months previously.

Bellway and Redrow deny merger talks

May 7, 2008

Bellway and Redrow have denied rumours that they are discussing a possible merger – a deal which would make the new company the industry’s third largest developer after Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey, with an equity value of £1.2 million. The companies are currently the UK’s fifth and seventh largest quoted builders.

Rumours fly over Barratt rights issue

May 7, 2008

Rumours are flying of a rights issue by Barratt, which has debts of £1.7 billion. The Financial Times (May 7) has also reported on talk of a £400 million cash injection into the company from private equity firm Apollo, which took a stake in Countryside last year.

NHBC launches taskforce on customer satisfaction

May 2, 2008

The NHBC has joined with John Callcutt to launch a new task force to help the industry in its drive to further improve customer service standards.

Towards Zero

May 1, 2008

In our second installment following the progression of Miller Homes’ sustainable Miller Zero project, the company’s procurement director Garry McDonald explores the issues impacting on its development

Stewart Says

May 1, 2008

The government must avoid throwing all of its zero carbon eggs into one basket; ecotowns are only part of the solution

Soapbox

May 1, 2008

Cala’s group land director Robert Millar contends that developing selected greenfield and greenbelt sites is a sustainable proposition

Regional Snapshot – Wales

May 1, 2008

The collapse of Welsh firm Meadgate in March sent shockwaves through the sector. Steve Menary considers local market conditions