Construction and the housing market restart
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 13 May 2020, it was announced that buyers and renters in England could move home once again as long as they follow new guidance published by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. Restrictions were introduced in March 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak, and people have not been permitted to move unless the need was urgent. They will now be able to complete purchases and view properties in person, while estate agents, conveyancers and removals firms can return to work as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. This relaxation does not apply to properties in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
[edit] Construction resumes
A series of measures was also introduced to reactivate residential construction, including:
- Allowing builders to agree to more flexible construction site working hours with their local council. This includes measures such as staggering builders’ arrival times to ease pressure on public transport.
- Enabling local councils and developers to use social media instead of posters and leaflets to publicise planning applications.
- Allowing smaller developers to defer payments to local councils, helping those struggling with their cash flow while ensuring communities still receive funding towards local infrastructure in the longer term.
[edit] Safety prioritised
A new Safe Working Charter was also launched by the Government and the Home Builders Federation. The goal of the Charter is to help construction sites reopen in line with the latest health and safety guidance.
John Newcomb, chief executive office of the Builders Merchants Federation, said,“Safety has the highest priority as the industry returns to work. Since the publication of new branch operating guidelines [in April 2020], we have seen increasing numbers of merchants safely re-opening or expanding operations to support their trade customers.”
Guidance from Public Health England must continue to be followed. For example, anyone advised to self-isolate should continue to do so and not move home.
Government guidance makes clear that tradespeople including fitters can operate in homes, provided they do so in line with health guidance. Show homes can also re-open, following social distancing guidance.
The Safe Working Charter compliments detailed guidance available from the Construction Leadership Council on further reducing the risk of infection onsite.
These measures build on action from the Government to support the economy and protect the capacity of the construction sector, including:
- Introducing more than £330 billion of loans and guarantees to help firms continue operating.
- Deferring self-assessment payments until 2021 – crucial for a sector in which many are self-employed.
- Providing households with three-month mortgage holidays, including for landlords, alongside a three-month ban on tenant evictions.
Ref: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/housing-secretary-sets-out-plan-to-re-start-housing-market
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Beyond the pandemic.
- Builders Merchants Federation.
- Construction Leadership Council CLC.
- Coronavirus
- Coronavirus and force majeure.
- Construction sites urged to integrate test and trace.
- Engineering services bodies issue coronavirus site safety guides.
- Home Builders Federation.
- New deal for infrastructure 2020.
- New domestic electrical work video.
- Plan proposes to reinvent construction industry.
- Social distancing compliance marshal.
- The future of the coronavirus furlough.
[edit] External resources
- Construction Leadership Council: Site Operating Procedures Version 3 (This downloadable PDF is the basis for the Government's Safe Working Charter).
- GOV.UK: Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19).
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.