Plumbing training apprentices might be intrigued to learn that one construction expert has claimed it was only a matter of time before housebuilders started going to investors for money.

Nick Whitten, business editor at national news provider Construction News, said that many construction workers have now sold almost all of their existing stocks of homes and need to start building again.

"They need to raise funds to buy up land and kick-start their building programmes," stated Mr Whitten.

He added that many of the major volume housebuilders are likely to launch rights issues, with Taylor Wimpey already having asked investors for £510 million.

Mr Whitten's comments follow an announcement from Barratt Developments and Redrow that they plan to raise £720 million and £150 million respectively through the sale of shares.

Redrow also confirmed its intention to acquire five freehold land assets and options to acquire a further seven strategic land assets.