Author Archives: luke

Environmental groups have criticised the use of PEFC standard plywood in the building of London’s Olympic SportDock Facility.

The wood has been sourced from ancient trees in Tasmania, which provides home to various endangered species. Continue Reading

The economic case for construction on a regional level has been set out in new research.

Research commissioned by the UK Contractors Group shows local economies retain on average about 90 per cent of the economic benefit from construction.

These findings, undertaken by business intelligence unit Glenigan, will be used to influence LEP's and local government to invest in projects.

Continue Reading

The index rose to a high of 53.9 in October, up from 50.1 in September.

Housing still stagnates, although the rate of decline had marginally slowed.

Continue Reading

Latest figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government show a drop of 6% in the net supply of new homes in a year.

In summary:

• Annual housing supply in England amounted to 121,200 net additional dwellings in 2010-11. Six per cent less than the previous year’s 128,680.

• The figure for 2010-11 is composed of 117,700 new build homes, 5,050 additional homes resulting from conversions, 11,540 additional homes resulting from change of use, 1,810 other gains and a loss of 14,890 homes through demolitions. Continue Reading
  
  

Nationwide Building Society’s new policy revamp should help improve availability of mortgages for new home buyers by including a new build premium.

Previously, Nationwide had valued homes on their resale value, the value that would be achieved were the property to be resold. This led to down valuations. Now the policy reflects additional value on a new build that diminishes through the homes occupation. Nationwide had adopted this policy to reflect concerns over new home incentives and pricing practice. This move brings Nationwide into line with other lenders. Continue Reading

Finland to increase construction of timber-frame apartment buildings.

Timber-frame apartments could make up 20% of new apartment building construction by the year 2020.

Simplified building regulations and new codes now make it possible to construct wood framed buildings that are 3-8 stories high. This comes as a ‘significant boost’ to commercial construction in wood, according to Mikko Viljakainen, director of wood construction at Finnish Forest Industries. Continue Reading

One year re-appointment to assist in reforms & project delivery.

Paul Morrell, first appointed for a two year period in 2009, will be reappointed for a further year. This extension is to oversee reforms set out in the Government Construction (Procurement) Strategy and to assist the establishment of the Green Construction Board, both of which are now moving into the delivery phase.

Continue Reading

Four Whitehall departments have published plans to release thousands of acres of publicly-owned brownfield land for for up to 100,000 homes. Some of this land has also been pledged to be available under a 'Build Now, Pay Later' model, whereby developers are encouraged to lay foundations as quickly as possible. Continue Reading