In the balance

摘要

I am frequently asked whether the plethora of government initiatives announced in support of housing will result in the wider housebuilding industry doubling its output to 250,000 homes per annum by the end of this parliament. I fear the answer will be no. Not for the lack of trying. In fact, delivery increased 25% last year, but, as those at the coalface will realise, support for one market sector often disturbs the equilibrium elsewhere or creates another problem. Indeed, if the answers were straightforward, we wouldn't be where we are. I attended meetings with senior officials earlier this month to assess the potential impact of the government's most recent announcements designed to re-energise estate renewal through the application of £140m targeted at 100 of the more needy estates. There is undoubtedly room for significant additional delivery through successful estate renewal as well as the welcome opportunity to improve living standards for those who find themselves living in ill conceived, deprived communities. This is a specialist area of development however, reserved for the experienced and committed. Having successfully undertaken two such schemes in the last 10 years the team at Crest Nicholson recognises only too well the scale of the inherent challenges.