Featured Sector: Social Housing

Last Updated:

8th September 2023

Sharp reductions in Government capital funding have weighed heavily upon sector activity. The Office for National Statistics estimate that output of new social housing construction during 2012 was 17% lower than in 2011, making it one of the worst performing sectors that they track. The volume of new orders suffered less severely, down only 1.3% during 2012, but this comes after a 24% decline in 2011.

Contrary to what official statistics show Glenigan data show that underlying project starts increased by 9% during 2012 after falling 3% in 2011. Gains last year came as a result of increases in refurbishment and improvement work, as social landlords make the most of existing stock.

The first six months of 2013 have seen a renewed weakening in project starts for the sector, underlying starts in the first quarter were down 17% compared to the first quarter of 2012 and a further decline of 3% was recorded in the second quarter of the year. There has been little in the way of positive news for the sector and further declines in starts are expected throughout the remainder of 2013.