Housebuilder optimism is backed by housebuilding stats

The hopes of housebuilders who are predicting recovery in 2010 are strongly supported by the most recent set of housebuilding industry figures from NHBC. Applications to build new homes across the UK during rolling quarter October to December 2009 increased 64 per cent on the same period in 2008 (from 15,879 to 26,078).   

For the third consecutive month registrations have shown strong levels of recovery when compared with last year, with 7,149 new homes registered with NHBC for December 2009, up 68 per cent on the same time last year (4,259). In November 2009, the figure was up 71 per cent year-on-year, which was the highest figure for 18 months.  

“Our housebuilding colleagues across the industry have shown cautious optimism as they reveal their predictions for 2010, and our stats support the prospect of significant recovery”, said Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the NHBC.

Building and construction SMEs predit profits in 2010 despite tough economic conditions, finds QBE survey

QBE’s third survey of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the building and construction sector shows that despite the difficult environment, SMEs in the sector are optimistic, with 63% forecasting maintained or increased sales turnover in 2010.

This positive attitude is also shown by the survey’s finding that 53% of construction SMEs say that they are now in a better position to take advantage of an upturn than 12 months ago. Furthermore, if the current economic situation were to continue for the next 12 months, 53% of SMEs surveyed stated that, although it would be difficult, their business would survive. Some building and construction SME’s revealed even greater optimism, with 29%, nearly a third, claiming that their business had already recovered from the recession.