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The housebuilding sector has received a much needed boost after a new report revealed that demand for large family homes has increased over the past 12 months.
Estate agents Knight Frank has published its latest Housebuilding Report which shows that 87 per cent of builders have experienced a 'moderate or high demand' for four- and five-bedroom houses, a rise of ten per cent from 2011.
However, the majority of respondents expressed their concern that lack of mortgage finance would be the biggest threat to the sector, with the stagnant economy cited as the second biggest barrier to growth.
Grainne Gilmore, head of Knight Frank UK residential research, cited curtailed funding, planning confusion and economic turbulence as key obstacles that need to be navigated by housebuilders.
She said: "However there are signs of optimism, and the green shoots can clearly be seen in our survey.
"We expect development volumes to rise modestly over the coming year, especially in the delivery of larger, family homes."
Author: Editor Gavin Pearson (gpearson@acenet.co.uk or 0207 202 0255)
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