Hi Stonewall et al
The housing sector is indeed in crisis. Large developers are finding it harder to deliver, while the need for housing remains great.
But it is not only the need for housing, but the need for affordable housing. While some large developers are getting rid of land assets they are no longer interested in, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to acquire mortages. So even though potentially this is a great time for self builders with land value dropping, it is still very difficult for those with little capital to get things rolling. A conundrum indeed!
I have been actively involved with setting up NASBA (National Self Build Association) which will be launched in January 2009, to lobby central and local government and to encourage the willing embrace for innovative measures to meet housing need (including self build). There is a report which will be available as of mid Jan (aiming at the 12th Jan), which I can arrange copies to be sent out to any requests to
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after that date. You can then try to bring the report to the attention of your local authority, and ask them how they can support self build in your area.
Jackson
