Aug 05, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Underlying demand for new homes in the UK has remained during the recession but financial constraints and public concerns about the future have constrained new build developments, Wood Panels Online reported. Now, the housing sector is expected to begin to slowly regain some of its lost momentum following some improvements in mortgage lending. But many people are unable to buy a home. Recent data suggest that the basic factors that influence demand have not changed and that buying confidence will begin to remerge along with improvement in economic growth patterns. Meanwhile, home owners who have decided not to move upmarket, are resorting to ‘make-overs’, typically of kitchen and utility areas, followed by bedrooms. Loft conversions and related ‘expansion’ projects are keeping some of the materials supply industry ticking over. Typically the lower-cost attraction of self assembly units based on wood substitute and wood based panel materials are finding favour among buyers. On the construction side, the acquisition of building land and properties for demolition has been taking place as a stock-building exercise in readiness for better times. By mid 2010 forecasters are indicating a positive upward momentum in the purchase of properties and their construction, leading to resurgence in demand for home decorating, refurbishment and construction materials of all kinds.