The latest HBF survey of the market shows net reservations for February were down on a year ago, but not by as much as in January. Prices continue to rise alongside increased use of incentives. The balance of companies expecting their sales to increase in 2003 has fallen to +36%, as the downturn in reservations starts to hit company confidence.<p></p><p> NHBC figures show that private sector starts for the month fell to 13,404, a 2% year on year decrease. On average 481 new homes were sold each day during February, 2% up on last year.</p><p><b>HBF Monthly Survey Summary ResultsActivity in the month compared with the same month a year ago (balance*)&amp; NovDecJanFebSite visitors -6-15-30-15Net reservations -5-3-34-18Net house price change during the month (balance*)&amp; +47+35+29+28Companies expecting higher sales in 2000 (balance*)&amp; +47+41+46+36The HBF survey is based on responses from over 400 companies across all regions of Great Britain weighted to take account of their size *Balance: % reporting an increase less % reporting a decrease (Great Britain)</b></p><p><br><b>&amp; </b><br></p>