New Homes Month recognises the industry’s role in meeting peoples’ needs Increasing housing supply is critical to the UK both socially and economically. And with New Homes Month kicking off tomorrow, HBF is calling for recognition of the important role home builder’s play in meeting people’s need for housing and jobs. HBF estimates the shortfall of homes to be approaching a million, yet we are building fewer new homes now than at any point since the 1920’s. The housing crisis has resulted in; Nearly a third of men and a fifth of women aged 20-34 living with their parents The average age of an unassisted first time buyer reaching 37 Nearly 5 million people on local authority waiting lists Many young people having to put off starting a family or being unable to live where they would wish for family and work reasons Action to tackle this supply crisis will also be crucial for local jobs. Each new home built creates 1.5 full time jobs plus up to four times that number in the supply chain. As New Homes Month gets underway, HBF is urging people looking to move home to consider the many advantages of buying new. HBF Executive Chairman Stewart Baseley said: “House building is a British industry success that is responsible for hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. New homes are vital for first time buyers and young families – and are also greener and so cheaper to run. And with customer satisfaction at an all time high, I would urge anyone looking to move house to visit their local show home during new Homes Month. By buying new, you will be helping yourself – and a great British industry.” Chief Executive of national housing and regeneration agency, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Sir Bob Kerslake said: “The HCA is committed to facilitating and maintaining a supply of new and affordable homes in this country. New homes are crucial not only for providing places for families to live, but are the vital link in ensuring communities continue to thrive, whether through jobs generation, training opportunities and, at its most basic level, simply transforming places. New Homes month is an excellent way of highlighting the contribution housebuilding makes to our industry, and we are proud to lend our support.” For media enquiries, or to arrange an interview, please contact Steve Turner on 020 7960 1606 / 07919 307 760 or steve.turner@hbf.co.uk Notes to Editors: 1. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the representative body of the home building industry in England and Wales. The HBF’s 300 member firms account for some 80% of all new homes built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national, household names through regionally based businesses to small local companies: www.hbf.co.uk 2. New Homes Month is a promotional initiative being run by the New Homes marketing Board. It will run from September 4 to October 3 and aims to highlight the benefits of new build homes. The campaign is supported by HBF, Homes for Scotland (HfS) and the National House Building Council (NHBC). Click here to read more www.new-homes.co.uk 3. In both 2008 and 2009 less than 200k FTB’s entered the market, the lowest level since 1973. In 1999, the figure was just under 600k. 4. 18% of females and 29% males aged 20-34 still live with parents – ONS social trends. 5. Last year saw the lowest number of new homes built in (Second World War years apart) since 1923 6. Why buy new? A fresh start - A new home is fresh, bright and clean, untouched by previous owners and their dodgy DIY! It provides a blank canvas on which to stamp your own style and personality from day one. The price is right - Most housebuilders price their homes to sell swiftly, particularly in these competitive times. So keen prices, generous incentives and help with moving costs provide unbeatable value for money. Greener and cheaper -Today’s new homes are built to the latest environmental standards, so they are not only better for the planet but cheaper to run. They are much more energy efficient and generate 60% less carbon dioxide emissions than older homes. This can reduce utility bills by more than £500 a year. Less chain, less hassle -You can move into a new home as soon as it is complete. There’s no need to wait for existing owners to move out. This reduces the house buying chain and the stress and uncertainty that is often associated with moving, particularly into a second-hand home. More for your money - New homes are built to a much higher specification than the majority of older homes so you get more for your money. They have central heating, double-glazing and high standards of roof, floor and wall insulation all included in the price. Standard features also usually include fitted kitchens with integrated appliances and stylish bathrooms and cloakrooms, many en suite. Peace of mind -The quality of housebuilding construction and service has grown significantly in recent years with almost 90% of home buyers declaring themselves satisfied with their new homes in the most recent industry survey. Many housebuilders also provide a comprehensive customer-care service and added peace of mind is provided by the 10 year warranty issued by organisations such as the National House-Building Council. Spoilt for choice - New homes offer something for everyone. There are countless designs and styles to choose from in all price ranges. Many builders offer a bespoke service to choose decorations, fixtures and fittings or extra items at an additional cost. This can include flooring, interior design or even garden landscape service. And fully furnished show homes and sales complexes, staffed by helpful sales advisers and often open seven days a week, can make it much easier to choose the home of your dreams. A wise investment - Owning a new home could well be one of the best investments you could ever make and provide a comforting nest egg for the future. But it’s important not to overstretch your finances or speculate on short term price rises. Of course, house prices can go up or down but it’s easy to see why so many people feel that buying a new home, particularly with all the help that builders can provide, was their best move ever.
