THE HOUSING sector will continue to face a lack of supply this year.
That’s one of the takeaways from the WhatHouse? Predictions Report for 2022.
It says that while 71% of housebuilders are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, 73% predict the impact of supply chain problems – specifically material shortages of bricks and timber – would be a key issue going into 2022.
Inflation and product prices are also concerns, with logistical issues from Brexit also cited as concerns: 67% of housebuilders said that an increase to the supply of new housing stock would be hampered by a scarcity of bricklayers and plasters and planning constraints, as well.
Daniel Hill, Managing Director, WhatHouse? said: “Throughout 2021, UK housebuilders raised concerns around supply chain shortages.
“The problem was reported by volume and SME housebuilders alike, with almost three-quarters of both groups reporting supply shortages of key building materials.
“Looking ahead, more than a quarter said supply chain delays would have the greatest impact on the housebuilding sector in 2022.”
His view was echoed by housebuilders.
One, Kelly Sharman, the sales and marketing director of Hayfield Homes, said: “These ongoing issues – which have been significantly affected by the pandemic and Brexit – are having an impact on output and ultimately the number of new homes being delivered to customers.”
