The Home Builders Federation's (HBF) latest survey released shows that July's new homes reservations were up strongly on a year ago, the fourth successive month of year on year growth - and that builders expect a rise in their new homes sales in 2009.

And with builders already reporting a busy August, the survey demonstrates the clear improvement in both the market and industry confidence and comes as a major boost for the industry as it launches New Homes Week 2009. The week will see events taking place on 2,000 housing sites across Britain as builders demonstrate the many benefits of new homes.

The HBF's latest monthly Housing Market Report also shows that:

• The rate of decline in net new homes prices has eased markedly
• The summer period was busier than usual with visitor and reservation levels falling only modestly between June and July compared to the usual large summer season falls

Speaking at the New Homes Marketing Board Chairman David Pretty CBE, said: "These latest HBF survey results continue the trend of positive reports that have been emerging in recent months. As we launch New Homes Week, which will see events and promotions aimed at demonstrating the many benefits of new homes taking place on 2,000 sites across the country, industry confidence is at the highest it has been for some time. It is early days yet, but the trends are very encouraging.”

A negative balance of 4% reported lower reservations in July compared with June. Last year's balance was -42%, a clear indication that customers are starting to return to the market this year.

A positive balance of 24% of home builders expect a rise in their new homes sales in 2009 as industry confidence, so battered through the recent economic downturn, starts to return.

(CD/BMcC)