skills shortage – Page 4

House prices rise by 10% in a year, as material and labour costs surge

The ONS published their latest house price index for February this week, whilst the CLC and other bodies warn of rising material and labour costs.

Sunak’s spring statement offers little industry support, as five-star builders revealed

Rishi Sunak delivered his Spring Statement this week, whilst the HBF reveal their latest Customer Survey Satisfaction results.

Ukraine conflict drives steel price increase, as labour shortages continue

The war in Ukraine is driving material price rises, which – along with ongoing labour shortages – is posing considerable challenges to the housing industry.

House prices increase 10.8% in the year, as Gove takes tough stance on cladding crisis

The ONS have revealed that house prices rose by almost 11% in 2021, as Gove tells developers they could be blocked from building if they do not assist in cladding remediation.

Nationwide HPI reveals strong start to the year, as Levelling Up white paper finally published

The Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ white paper is finally published. What does it say about housing in the UK?

Buyer demand soars, but so do material costs

Zoopla have reported a surge in buying demand, as house prices increase by 7.4% in the year. Meanwhile, further material price rises are announced by major manufacturers.

Output surges as material prices level; housebuilders report strong results

Construction output surged in November, as material prices flatten for the first time since September 2020. Meanwhile, several housebuilders announce results to the City, with differing fortunes.

First-time buyer transactions hit a high, whilst SMEs reveal major barriers to housing delivery

HMRC figures reveal that first-time buyer transactions reach the highest level since 2002, amid ongoing challenges to housing completions in 2022.

Pandemic triggers huge reduction in skilled labour

The Construction Products Association have reported that 223,000 workers have left the industry over the past two years, worsening an already dire labour shortage.

Strong results from housebuilders, as labour levels ease and steel prices rise

This week saw several housebuilders publish strong results, but warn of increasing build costs. However, labour levels seem to be stabilising.