Key Statistics: 24th April 2012

Glenigan's weekly roundup of keys statistics for the UK construction industry and the wider economy.

Construction

• Glenigan data shows that the underlying value of planning approvals in the first quarter of 2012 was 7% lower than a year ago. However, there was an increase in private housing and office approvals.
• The Construction Products Association has upgraded its forecast for construction output this year. The CPA now expects a 2.9% fall over 2012, after previously predicting a 5.2% fall in output.

UK Economy

• The total value of retail sales increased by 5.7% in March, compared to a year ago. Sales volumes increased by 3.3% over the same period.
• Gross mortgage lending in March was an estimated £13.4 billion, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. This represents a 30% rise from £10.3 billion in February and a 17% rise from March 2011.
• Knight Frank/Markit’s House Price Sentiment Index (HPSI) signalled a further drop in house prices during April. A perceived reduction in home values was reported by 17% of households, versus around 8% indicating a rise. At 45.4, the resulting HPSI figure is down from March’s 20-month high of 46.6.