Most of the North West has a strong property market!

THE value of industrial construction contracts in the North West totalled more than £138m in November, accounting for 23.5% of the overall contracts awarded for the sector, with an increase of 9.3% from the same month last year. This is largely attributable to key projects such as the relocation of Aldi's regional distribution centre near Bolton, Travis Perkins' new 700,000 sq ft base in Warrington and the £12m Enterprise Business Park in Burnley.

These latest figures, taken from Barbour ABI's latest Economic and Construction Market Review, highlight marked growth in the UK's industrial construction sector, with the value of projects totalling £464m in November; a huge 178.3% increase on the same month last year.

With strong performance from residential and infrastructure sectors too, the report also revealed overall growth in the UK construction industry of 6.8% from October to November 2013; that is a 56.5% increase on the value recorded in November 2012. The North West region is responsible for 12% of all construction contracts awarded, 2nd only to London and the East of England, which each secured 17% of all works.

On the findings of the report, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, commented:- "The figures highlight strong performance in the industrial sector overall, but particularly in the North West where this type of construction appears to be booming. This is a positive sign for the region, which is already well respected for its long tradition of industrial innovation. It's great to see investment in the area from the likes of Aldi and Travis Perkins, and hopefully this will continue as more businesses in the industrial sector recognise the benefits of the North West as a centre for construction projects."

The Economic and Construction Market Review is a monthly report designed to give valuable, current insight into UK construction industry performance. The Review is compiled from Barbour ABI's records of construction data for every UK planning application, and key indicators, such as the Office for National Statistics' Construction New Orders data.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors have also found that the strong property market performance in most of the North West's looks set to continue throughout 2014. According to December's RICS Residential Market Survey, chartered surveyors are reporting higher than average expectations of sales and price rises in many parts of the North West.

Over the festive period, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) found the average number of transactions per surveyor in the North West slipped slightly from its October high of 25* to 22, although this represented a huge improvement from the lowest point of the downturn back in February 2009, when respondents were selling a just 9 properties per surveyor.

With more sales now going through, growth in demand for rented accommodation has begun to slow significantly as a growing number of renters opt to test the sales market. Respondents note that increased confidence is a key driver behind growing activity.

Across the UK, RICS found average transactions per surveyor rose to 21.3, up from 9.8 at the national post financial crisis trough of January 2009.

Meanwhile, with amount of homes coming onto the market is still nowhere near enough to meet the higher level of demand, causing prices continue to rise across the country. During December, a net balance of 36% more chartered surveyors in the North West reported growing prices, compared to 56% nationwide.

Significantly, every area of the UK saw prices increase, with London and the South East experiencing the biggest jumps.

But expectations for 2014 are decidedly upbeat, with respondents across the North West predicting continuing improvements throughout the year. A net balance of 69% predict rising sales, while 75% expect prices to rise; this was far higher than the national averages of 58% and 61%, respectively.

The strong outlook for prices and sales is largely being driven by easing in credit conditions, resulting in higher loan to value mortgages, and the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand.

Stephen Holland FRICS, Head of Residential at Carter Jonas, said:- "While it's great to see that the recovery in the North West's property market is in full swing, with strong sales continuing throughout 2013, we must be careful that moves to dampen down London and the South East don't have the unintended consequence of killing off demand elsewhere. We're seeing that prime properties are being snapped up quickly, practically at asking price, and there is a lack of good quality stock on the market. This lack of new properties coming on to the market is a concern. The RICS survey shows a definite imbalance in the number of buyers chasing available properties, so new housing stock is desperately needed if the market isn't to overheat."

Peter Bolton King, RICS Global Residential Director, commented:- "The housing market is starting to thrive once more. Sales are at their highest level in almost 6 years and this is being reflected right across the UK. Growing availability of affordable mortgages has released some pent-up demand from a market that, in recent years, has seen many viable buyers unable to enter the market. On the face of it, this seems like good news but unless we see a marked increase in the number of homes coming up for sale we could well be looking at a price rises becoming unsustainable in some areas."

This rise is leading to many other questions, from affordability to sustainability, even environmental. So what are your views about construction and also the property market as a whole? Email us today at:- news24@southportreporter.com with your views and predictions.

* Homes sold per surveyor (by branch over the preceding 3 months).

Does your pet dog have what it takes to be an opera star?

HAS your dog got star quality? If yes then read on... So you think your pet pooch is the canine equivalent of Richard Gere or Julia Roberts, then they could win a place in the spotlight in the beautiful and romantic opera La Boheme, coming to the Manchester Opera House on 1 March 2014.  International soloists have been selected from across the world to join the celebrated Chisinau National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra's Spring tour; but there is still one part to be cast, the role of Muzetta's pet dog.  Award winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent has said:- "People say never work with children or animals but I love to do both. The 1st time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then we've had horses, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage. Many years ago when we last did La Boheme and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners! We're a nation of animal lovers after all. I'm sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there."  Your pet needs to be well behaved and small; and as his owner, you will need to be prepared to go onstage in costume to look after him or her.   Sung in Italian with English surtitles, La Boheme is based on Henri Murger's novel Scenes de la vie de boheme and focuses on the love between seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo. After falling in love instantly, Rodolfo later leaves Mimi due to her flirtatious behaviour, although he is wracked by guilt since their life together has probably worsened Mimi's delicate constitution. In true tragic opera fashion, the pair reunite briefly at the end before Mimi dies.  To audition your dog, send a photograph to Sadie Williams at:- sadie@ellenkent.co.uk. Please include your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog.  If you are successful, we will contact you a week before the performance.  The tour features celebrated international soloists sopranos Elena Dee and Ecaterina Danu, and tenors Sorin Lupu and Nicolae Busuioc.    Tickets are on sale now from the box office on:- 0844 871 3018 or go online.