Self-build market "more favourable"

Increased land availability, falling prices and cheaper materials and labour mean there is a real demand from homeowners who are frustrated by the current property market, explained Raymond Connor, chief executive of construction supplier BuildStore.

"With a low supply of quality homes and such good savings to be made right now, in terms of land, labour rates and materials prices, there has never been a better time or more affordable time, to build your own house," he commented.

Mr Connor called on the government and local authorities to recognise this trend and aid self-build projects.

It has also been suggested that VAT should be cut on home improvements to further boost the property sector. Alex Hawkes, news editor at Construction News, suggested the move would boost the construction sector.