Government schemes such as NewBuy and housebuilders' own incentives will remain important to ensuring that the new homes market remains stable in 2013, according to Alan Brown, chief executive of CALA Homes.
He also believes that "part exchange" will continue to be a key enabler over the next 12 months as far as the family market is concerned, which is predominately the area in which CALA Homes operate.
Speaking to WhatHouse.co.uk earlier today, CALA's chief executive said: "We are expecting the relatively stable market of 2012 to continue into 2013, barring any significant changes in the wider economy that could knock consumer confidence. Constraints on mortgage availability remains a concern, although the Government's Funding for Lending scheme is an encouraging initiative and we'd hope to see some positive impact from that feeding through next year."
Mr Brown believes that the South East of England and the East of Scotland will remain a safe place to invest in a new home.
He continued: "We've seen our strongest markets this year in the South East of England and the East of Scotland and expect these to remain the most resilient areas in terms of house prices in 2013. In terms of the Scottish market, premium locations within commuting distance of cities such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen continue to attract a buoyant market.
"Central government seems to recognise the wider economic benefits of housebuilding and appear to be committed to increasing housing supply and streamlining the planning system. We look forward to hearing more detail on new initiatives over the coming months.
"While it's still early days, the introduction of the NPPF [National Planning Policy Framework] seems to be having a positive effect on planning approvals with recent figures from the HBF [Home Builders Federation] showing a year on year increase in the last quarter. This continued trend will rely on more local authorities abiding by the principles set out under the new system and putting proper plans in place."