Public building outstripping private starts for first time

Meanwhile figures out from the National House Building Council (NHBC) show that applications from housing associations to build new homes have outstripped those from private developers for the first time. Public sector applications numbered 3,011 in March compared with 2,943 from the private sector, which is reflected in the decline. Overall, applications for new home starts during the first quarter were at their highest level for almost two years. Chief Executive of NHBC felt the figures held out hope ‘albeit at perilously low levels’ that the market was stabilising.