News
Shapps promises to remove obstacles to self build - Article by Stephen Crompton 4th January 2011
Housing minister Grant Shapps has now pledged to tear down the complex bureaucracy and obstacles surrounding self build projects in order to encourage more people to build their own homes.
Approximately 10,000 self-build properties are built in the UK each year and the National Self Build Association (NaSBA) will be working with the government to develop an action plan to boost self-build numbers across the country and make it a more mainstream prospect.
The intention is to address common barriers facing self-builders, including the lack of self-build mortgages, a complex planning system, regulatory burdens and availability of land. The biggest problem most people considering a self build face is raising the necessary money to buy the land and finance the project due to the lack of mortgage finance for such developments.
Shapps said: "Building your own home should not be the preserve of a privileged few. I want to break down the barriers that many aspiring self builders often come up against. That's why I've asked experts at NaSBA to work with us to develop an action plan to make it easier for people to build their own homes, whether on their own or as part of a community effort to build a whole new neighbourhood."
Raymond Connor, chief executive of BuildStore, a founding member of NaSBA, said: "This is great news for aspiring self builders, the construction supply chain, and local economies.
"This level of support from government is exactly what is needed to kick start a new revolution of self-build homes, and we are looking forward to working with Mr Shapps' officials to develop the action plan and tackle the issues."
Mr Connor added: "The current climate has created a unique opportunity for the self build sector, especially for mortgage lenders. By virtue of the political, social and economic conditions, demand for self-build funding is expected to grow, especially considering the announcement. Currently, only one in four prospective self builders are able to secure the funds they need, so lenders need to respond and address the need for more meaningful, customer-friendly products in order to serve the sector appropriately."
Housing minister Grant Shapps has now pledged to tear down the complex bureaucracy and obstacles surrounding self build projects in order to encourage more people to build their own homes.
Approximately 10,000 self-build properties are built in the UK each year and the National Self Build Association (NaSBA) will be working with the government to develop an action plan to boost self-build numbers across the country and make it a more mainstream prospect.
The intention is to address common barriers facing self-builders, including the lack of self-build mortgages, a complex planning system, regulatory burdens and availability of land. The biggest problem most people considering a self build face is raising the necessary money to buy the land and finance the project due to the lack of mortgage finance for such developments.
Shapps said: "Building your own home should not be the preserve of a privileged few. I want to break down the barriers that many aspiring self builders often come up against. That's why I've asked experts at NaSBA to work with us to develop an action plan to make it easier for people to build their own homes, whether on their own or as part of a community effort to build a whole new neighbourhood."
Raymond Connor, chief executive of BuildStore, a founding member of NaSBA, said: "This is great news for aspiring self builders, the construction supply chain, and local economies.
"This level of support from government is exactly what is needed to kick start a new revolution of self-build homes, and we are looking forward to working with Mr Shapps' officials to develop the action plan and tackle the issues."
Mr Connor added: "The current climate has created a unique opportunity for the self build sector, especially for mortgage lenders. By virtue of the political, social and economic conditions, demand for self-build funding is expected to grow, especially considering the announcement. Currently, only one in four prospective self builders are able to secure the funds they need, so lenders need to respond and address the need for more meaningful, customer-friendly products in order to serve the sector appropriately."
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Zurich withdraw from new home Warranty market - Article by Stephen Crompton 30th September 2009.
Following a 30 day review Zurich Building Guarantee has decided to exit the new-home warranty and building control markets and will therefore cease taking on new business, including the registration of new sites, with immediate effect.
The insurer blamed the sustained decline in UK house-building market and the economic downturn for its decision, stating the area no longer represented a viable market.
The insurer will now begin to implement a run-off of its business.
Zurich has stated that it will honour its existing commitments to customers and policy holders, and will also provide resource to manage all site inspections, building control activity, claims and queries. Policies and certificates will be issued in the normal way as sites already registered commence and are completed.
The insurer blamed the sustained decline in UK house-building market and the economic downturn for its decision, stating the area no longer represented a viable market.
The insurer will now begin to implement a run-off of its business.
Zurich has stated that it will honour its existing commitments to customers and policy holders, and will also provide resource to manage all site inspections, building control activity, claims and queries. Policies and certificates will be issued in the normal way as sites already registered commence and are completed.
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