British Brick Shortage
How did the widely used, unassuming, traditional clay brick become something so sought-after? House prices are currently dominating the British media at the moment. According to the media, rocketing asking prices are a result of the untouchable greenbelt, developers land banking, or governments not lifting caps on borrowing for housing revenue.
However, more recently, we’ve been hearing about a more basic barrier to house building: the British Brick shortage.
12-MONTH WAIT FOR BRITISH MANUFACTURERS
Manufacturers of British made bricks restricted production during lockdown and the backlog has been huge. It is estimated, due to Brexit, there are 15,000 fewer haulier drivers. And due to the coronavirus pandemic, 30,000 HGV driver tests were postponed. Combine all of this with record new orders building materials and bricks across the industry in 24 years, housing developers are having to wait over 12-months for deliveries.