New research has revealed UK house builders are beginning to embrace modern methods of construction (MMC).

The NHBC Foundation's report 'Modern methods of construction: views from the industry' surveyed 135 house builders and housing associations.

It found one of the key attractions to MMC is the ability to build quicker, with evidence suggesting MMC can also lead to reduced costs.

Out of all the participants in the study, only two said they had not used or considered at least one form of MMC in the last three years.

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However, the majority of respondents said they considered themselves 'late adopters' of volumetric construction, pod and panelised forms of MMC – rather than 'market leaders'.

Despite reservations, most of those surveyed expect the role of MMC to increase (45%) or remain static (51%) over the next three years.

Neil Smith, Head of Research and Innovation at NHBC, said: "This report shows the high hopes invested in MMC, as a means of delivering transformational change to the house-building industry, have not yet been realised on the scale anticipated by its champions. It also illustrates that although cautious about over- commitment, the industry is nevertheless embracing MMC in many guises, and stands ready to explore new options and innovations."

(LM)