Flats and Terraces Top UK Housing Type

AS Gordon Brown calls for a 'home-owning democracy', NHBC's latest statistics reveal the demand for affordable homes is fuelling an increase in flats, maisonettes and family-friendly terraced houses in the UK. 

According to NHBC's latest statistics, flats and maisonettes made up of 44% of new homes started in the UK in the 1st quarter of this year, double the percentage seen in 2000. Also, the number of terraced properties started in the quarter exceeded the number of semi-detached and detached homes.  NHBC statistics show that during the 1st quarter of 2007, 20% of all new homes started were terraced houses - 1% higher than the percentage of detached homes started and 5% higher than the percentage of semi-detached homes started in the UK.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC's Chief Executive, said:- "The drive for more affordable homes is being intensified by the number of first time buyers and a rise in the number of people living alone. This has led to a shift away from traditional semi-detached and detached homes towards a greater number of flats, maisonettes and traditional terraced housing schemes."

Additional statistics by NHBC for quarter 1 2007 show that the number of applications to start new homes increased when compared with figures for the same quarter last year.  53,717 applications were made to build new homes in the UK, showing a 3% increase on the same 3 month period in 2006 (52,140). Of that total, 43,933 related to private sector activity (i.e. excluding housing associations), showing a 4% decrease on the same quarter of 2006 (45,823). Housing association starts totalled 9,784 - an increase of 55% on quarter 1 of 2006 (6,317).

Based on actual selling prices, during the 1st quarter of 2007 the proportion of new homes in Great Britain priced at over £150,000 went up to 72%, an increase on the same period in 2006 (69% ). 

1st time buyers found their ability to buy dropped in the 1st quarter of this year. NHBC's 1st time buyers' ability to buy index decreased by 4 points during the quarter to 54 (the figure for quarter 4 2006 was 58). The index is based on a formula which takes into account the average cost of homes bought by 1st time buyers, average income and mortgage interest rates (from the Nationwide Building Society). The higher the index, the greater the ability to buy. 

The average number of daily sales of new homes in the UK for quarter 1 2007 was 650, an increase of 14% on the same period in 2006 (571).

TENANTS TOLD TO PREPARE FOR DIGITAL SWITCHOVER

FEWER than half of all tenants in Southport know what they need to do to prepare for digital switchover.  Digital UK is urging everyone living in rented accommodation to check that their landlords are taking the necessary steps to ensure that everyone can still receive TV after switchover.

At the moment, only 43% of private tenants and 54% of council tenants know what they need to do to be ready for switchover, compared to the national average of 64%, and less than 5% have discussed switchover with their landlords.  The process of digital switchover starts in October this year in Whitehaven, Cumbria, with the Granada region making the switch in 2009. After switchover the analogue signal will be switched off.

So, if you are living in rented accommodation, what should you do?  Firstly, speak to your landlord to check they know when switchover is happening in your area and are getting prepared.  Some landlords will upgrade to digital on your behalf, whilst others will leave it to you. The sooner you find out exactly who is doing what, the sooner you can relax, knowing that it is being taken care of.  If you live in a flat dependent on a communal aerial system, you should speak to your landlord as soon as possible. Many communal aerial systems will need updating in order to provide digital television, which only landlords can arrange.

Secondly, consider which way of going digital suits you, whether that is by satellite, cable or Freeview, and check with your landlord which services you can get.  You can also find out what digital services are available in your area using the Digital UK online postcode checker (digitaluk.co.uk) or by ringing our helpline on 08456 50 50 50.

Finally, remember to convert all your sets to digital if you want to continue watching TV on them after switchover. Whilst 3/4 of tenants already have digital TV on their main sets, less than 1/3rd of secondary sets in rented property have been converted.  If you want to watch a different channel to the one you are recording you will also need to get a digital DVD or hard disc recorder. This gives you extra features too, such as the ability to pause live TV.

To help inform tenants, we have launched a campaign to boost awareness of digital and understanding of what you need to do. Advertisements and leaflets will appear in the first four regions to switch – Border, West Country, Wales and Granada, to offer advice for tenants.  Our message is simple: switchover is coming, the countdown has started and Digital UK will help you prepare.