The last few weeks have seen positive statements from a number of UK housebuilders in regards to the outlook for the housing market, including Barratt Developments, Persimmon and Bovis Homes.

Bovis Homes said home sales rose from 754 in the first half of last year to 1,049 in the final six months. By New Year’s Eve Bovis had 643 homes on the 2010 order book, up 218 on the previous year.

But chief executive David Ritchie is cautious. “The group continues to expect trading conditions in 2010 to be subdued relative to historical levels, given ongoing economic uncertainty,” he said.

“Mortgage approval volumes are slowly rising, but mortgage providers continue to require record high levels of deposits, particularly from first-time buyers.”

Whilst the sentiment is cautious and talks of a stabilising market (with any future boom a long way off!) is is undoubtedly good news for homeowners and those with property investments.

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