Government should act 'to increase social housing'

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 10:06:09 GMT

The government should do more to turn the current housing crash into a positive by investing in social housing construction, said Liberal Democrat shadow housing minister Sarah Teather.

Spurred by recent figures showing an acute decline in the number of new homes built throughout 2008, Ms Teather said that investment could improve the state of the construction industry while providing cheaper homes to many.

"While land prices are cheap the government has an historic opportunity to address the social housing crisis," she said.

"We need a comprehensive building programme to meet the desperate shortage in social housing. This will also give a much needed boost the flagging construction industry."

The reduction in the number of new homes built throughout 2008 could be one of the first steps to a stronger housing market, but with mortgage availability so low it would appear that house prices are set to continue their fall.

Homeowners trying to get the best price possible could achieve a higher price by selling a home online.



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