The house building industry has responded strongly to the demand for new housing, increasing output by 55% over the last five years. Our annual survey aims to give a snapshot of where the sector is now, and where future opportunities and hurdles lie. It reflects the views of respondents from more than 100 house builders and developers, ranging from FTSE100 companies to firms building fewer than 10 homes a year. Together, the respondents account for almost three quarters of all homes built across the country each year. The survey comes at a key time for housing policy, with another new housing minister (FIG1) and a raft of consultations and new rules set to be introduced in the coming year (see timeline on page 6). Many of these changes, especially those that focus on providing infrastructure, amenities and Affordable Homes, will be welcomed, however the policy overhaul comes at a time of wider political and economic uncertainty.