Lack of new housing stock means buying 'off plan' rather than waiting for your new home to be finished is on the rise.

That is what Dean Markall, sales and marketing director, of Kent-based Hillreed Homes says.

From our company's perspective we have had steady sales figures throughout the year.

And even in August, notoriously the slowest month of the year, this trend has continued with good levels of demand and the recent sale of five homes in four days consolidates our reading of the current market place.

Mortgage rates continue to be extremely low and we are finding that those in secure employment are investing in property.

New homes are ideal as fuel bills are noticeably lower than a similar-sized, older-style property and with little or no maintenance to cause concern they offer extremely good value for money.

In addition, they tend to go up in value quicker than older-style properties.

In the South East, where we operate as developers, we are aware of the slow process in securing planning permission and such is the eagerness of some buyers and the lack of available stock, we have seen an increase in the numbers willing to buy 'off plan' to secure their dream home and hold it at today's prices.

The South East is much desired and inevitably supply and demand will cause property prices to rise more rapidly than other regions, therefore anyone buying now will be securing a very good investment for the future.

After over 25 years in the new homes business I am well aware of the vagaries of house prices and in general- values go up!

Hillreed Homes currently has 19 sites operating in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey. Full information on availability at http://www.hillreed.co.uk/