Part B changes announced
The Government has announced details of revisions to Part B of the Building Regulations dealing with fire safety. The new Approved Document B will come into force on 6 April 2007. Commenting on the announcement, the DCLG Minister responsible, Angela Smith MP, said:
'This package represents better, more focussed regulation that will deliver real benefits for both occupants and fire fighters alike. Indeed the review that led to the changes looked at fire safety in all types of premises including dwellings, residential care homes, public buildings and warehouses. It also considered the important role sprinklers and other types of fire protection measures may have, particularly in buildings where the occupants are most at risk from fire.'
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RICS see housing market resilience
In its November UK Housing Market Survey, RICS said house price inflation had reached a plateau, although market conditions remained strong. 47.4% more Chartered Surveyorsreported a rise than a fall in house prices, down from 47.7% in October, but still more than double the long run average of 21%. Completed property sales rose by 20% year on year, the biggest gain since March 2002 while stocks of unsold property remain at the lowest level since August 2004. RICS spokesman, Jeremy Leaf, said:
"The Bank of England's rate rises have failed to dent the housing market's armour. Strong employment conditions and a robust economy continue to shield the market from any dip. "While concerns remain about high consumer debt levels, households still view their finances as strong. A further interest rate rise in the new year may have a mid-term effect. We expect house prices to rise by 7% following a 9% jump in 2006.
http://www.rics.org/Property/Residentialproperty/Residentialpropertymarket/Housing_Market_Survey191206.htm
While CML are also optimistic and hit borrowing high
The CML expects prices to rise by 7% in 2007 and 5% in 2008. However, their expectation is that rising prices will stretch affordability even further, so the CML expects property transactions to fall from 1.19 million in 2007 to 1.13 million in 2008.
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The CML also announced that gross lending hit an all time record of £33.1 billion in November according to their latest data. Lending was 9% higher than the October figure of £30.5 billion, and 19% higher than the £27.7 billion of lending in November last year. It was 0.2% higher than the previous record set in August of £33 billion.
CML Director General Michael Coogan said:
"The housing market is undoubtedly in robust shape as we move towards the New Year. Not only is today's lending figure the highest ever, our recently published forecasts suggests lending will beat our previous predictions for the coming two years.
"Looking ahead, mortgage lending looks set to remain seasonally strong over the winter months, reflecting a continuing high level of transactions and house price growth. As for 2007 as a whole, we expect to see gross lending total around £360 billion - another record breaking year."
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Consultation/Key Publication Dates
Code for Sustainable Homes:
Final document launched 13 December 2006
Implementation Spring 2007
Building a Greener Future (zero carbon homes consultation)
Closes 8 March 2007
Draft PPS on Climate Change Consultation
Closes 8 March 2007
Home Information Packs (HIPs) Regulations:
Revised regulations published 14 June 2006, further revisions required
HIPs Trials November 2006 onwards
HIPs Introduction 1 June 2007
Planning-gain Supplement:
Consultation begins 6 December 06 and ends 28 February 2007
Planning and Pollution Control:
Consultation Closed 6 December 2006
DTI/Ofgem Call for Evidence for the Review of Barriers and Incentives to Distributed Electricity Generation:
Closes 2 January 2007
Part B of Building Regulations:
Approved Document published 19 December 2006
Implementation April 2007
Proposals for
Water Regulations published 13 December
Consultation closes 9 March 2007
