brexit
expressed in the construction industry over what the future holds. The immediate effects of the referendum result were felt across the industry, with construction being one of the sectors hardest hit, and experts highlighting concern around mortgage rates, house prices and the sustainability of the supply chain. Michael Holmes, chair of NaCSBA explained how he believed the decision will affect self and custom-builders: “In the short- term some people will wait to see what hap- pens to the economy. If we remain in the sin- gle market and retain freedom of movement, then I suspect things will stabilise fairly quickly, as long as we also retain passporting (which allows UK-based firms to operate in and offer services to other European Economic Areas) for financial services.” Speaking on the day after referendum
Richard Donnell, insight director at Hometrack said: “The immediate impact of Brexit is likely to be a rapid deceleration in house price growth as buyers wait and see what the short term impact is on financial markets and the economy at large.” On the other hand John Elliott, managing
director of Millwood Designer Homes welcomed the vote saying: “The EU’s Mortgage Credit Directive effectively means that housebuilders cannot lend money to buyers unless they register as a regulated financial adviser. When times are difficult, this has been a traditional way for house- builders to help buyers overcome mortgage downvaluations and other issues, and keep the market moving. “Our exit from the EU will stop the continual
red tape and see our housing market grow and flourish without unnecessary constraints placed on building much needed new homes.”
Construction industry concerns after Brexit T
he weeks following Britain’s shock deci- sion to leave the European Union have seen a good deal of uncertainty
Paula Higgins, CEO of the HomeOwners
Alliance had a different view: “The current uncertainty is bad news for financial markets and will probably impact interest rates longer term, so mortgage holders will want to watch this space. “House sales fell ahead of the referendum
and we can expect people to continue to watch events unfold before making any big financial decisions. We can expect the rate of house price growth to slow nationwide, while in London the limited housing supply could reduce the impact on house prices.” Arcadis UK chief executive officer, Alan
Brookes said: “Construction markets are likely to become more volatile in the short term, and we need to consider a joined-up approach to sustaining the capacity and capability of the industry. Although demand is likely to fall in some sectors this could actually take some of the pressure off over-stretched markets. Ultimately the UK needs to keep building.”
Highlighting what she saw as the dangers
for the green agenda, the UK Green Building Council’s CEO Julie Hirigoyen commented: “Both economic and political uncertainty will have some people asking whether the green agenda needs to be de-prioritised while busi- ness goes into fire fighting mode. This must and need not happen.” Iain McIlwee, the British Woodworking Federation’s chief executive said he had con- cerns for the supply chain: “For the UK, its peo- ple and its economy, we are entering a new chapter in history. What matters now is that firms in the construction supply chain are well informed and well prepared to assess risk. “Some of the risks will be immediate, such
as fluctuating currency. For example, the impact on material and component imports must be factored into joinery estimates and companies must ensure they are not caught out on projects that they have already quoted on, but materials have not been secured.”
Startup Plentific announces Planning Portal partnership P
lentific, said to be one of the UK’s fastest-growing property tech- nology startups, has secured a partnership with key planning information website Planning Portal. Following a tender,
Plentific’s ‘Find a Pro’ platform will now be available via the Planning Portal. It will give homeowners seeking planning advice access to a platform hosting over 75,000 professionals, spanning 350 services. The Planning Portal provides clear, accessible information to
guide homeowners through the planning process for home improve- ment projects. By working in partnership with local authorities across England and Wales, it delivers content that clarifies planning and Building Regulations and is regarded as the home of the national planning application service. The Planning Portal currently receives over 30,000 visits everyday and more than 85 per cent of all
planning applications in the UK are submitted via the website. Cem Savas, co-founder of Plentific, commented: “The values of the
Planning Portal mirror those of Plentific in terms of striving to make processes clear, informative and simple. This partnership is a further boost to our home improvement marketplace and will deliver high- quality leads to our trade professionals.” Sarah Chilcott, commercial director at Planning Portal commented: “The UK’s national Planning Portal works to transform the planning and building system across England and Wales. We are delighted to be working with Plentific on our new ‘Find A Trade Professional’ service which will make it easier for our home- owner customers to get their home improvement project designed and built.”
selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
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planning
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